Fixed-term Researcher (Type A) at the University of Bologna, he conducts research in the field of translational hematology. His research interests focus particularly on the study of cellular metabolism and its impact on immune cell function (immunometabolism), with special emphasis on extracellular vesicles. His current research is focused on the identification of biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of therapeutic responses in patients through liquid biopsy approaches based on extracellular vesicles. After several years of experience at the University of Cambridge, first as a PhD student and later as a postdoctoral researcher, he returned to work at the Institute of Hematology “L. & A. Seràgnoli”.
Education
He obtained a Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology from the University of Bologna in 2013 and completed his PhD in Biomedical Sciences in 2017, receiving the additional distinction of “Doctor Europaeus”.
Academic Career
In December 2020, he obtained the National Qualification to practice as a Professional Biologist in Italy. In March 2025, he achieved the Italian National Scientific Qualification (ASN) for Associate Professor in the academic sector 06/D3 – Blood Diseases, Oncology and Rheumatology.
Teaching Activity
Since 2021, he has been involved in teaching support (tutor) for the Master’s Degree Course in Medical Biotechnology – “Normal and Leukemic Stem Cells (I.C.)” [code 90933], within the module “Molecular Basis of Haematological Disorders”.
Scientific Activity
He has participated in several national and international research programs as a fellowship recipient (see Awards section). As a visiting student for one year and later as a postdoctoral researcher supported by a two-year AIRC fellowship abroad, he worked on in vivo leukemia models at the University of Cambridge (UK), where he obtained the license for in vivo experimental studies (PIL-AB, 2017 Home Office PIL course, University of Cambridge). In December 2020, he passed the national examination to practice as a Professional Biologist.
Awards and Recognitions
07/03/2025 – EVITA Travel Award for International Society of Extracellular Vesicles 2026 (Puerto Rico)
Award granted by italian society EVITA to support participation in the international ISEV 2026 congress.
05/05/2024 – Award for Excellence in Scientific Research in Emilia-Romagna
Recognition for contributions to the advancement of scientific research, promoted by Clust-ER Health and the Emilia-Romagna Region.
12/03/2022 – Winner of the national AIL call “Lascito Benvenuti” for innovati research project on liquid biopsy.
12/11/2021 – American Society of Hematology (ASH) Abstract Achievement Award for a conference presentation.
21/01/2021 – AIACE Award for an innovative published research project (Forte et al. Nature Communications 2024).
19/04/2020 – Winner of the IdeaGinger crowdfunding campaign “EVviva la Ricerca” for the purchase of laboratory equipment (isolationa and characterization of Extracellular Vesicles).
09/01/2020 – Co-winner of the Translational and Clinical Medical Research Call 2019 (Fondazione Carisbo) for the acquisition of research equipment (flow cytometry).
01/12/2019 – Italian Foundation for Cancer Research (AIRC) - Fellowship for Italy – 2019 (2 years; declined due to incompatibility with the Beat Leukemia Fellowship).
25/09/2019 – Beat Leukemia Fellowship (Italian Society of Hematology) (1 year).
28/11/2017 – AIRC Fellowship for Abroad – 2017 (2 years).
31/10/2017 – ASH Abstract Achievement Award for a conference presentation.
2017 – Additional title “Doctor Europaeus” awarded for outstanding PhD research conducted abroad.
2016 – Marco Polo Fellowship for international research experience (6 months).
19/10/2016 – Travel Grant for the XIV National Congress of the Italian Society of Experimental Hematology.
