Francesco Paolucci
Full Professor of Chemistry – University of Bologna
Associate Researcher – CNR-ICMATE, Padua
francesco.paolucci@unibo.it
ORCID: 0000-0003-4614-8740
https://site.unibo.it/emfm/en
Profile
Internationally recognized expert in molecular electrochemistry and electrochemiluminescence (ECL), with over 35 years of research experience spanning fundamental mechanisms, nanostructured interfaces, and advanced functional materials.
Author of >280 publications (>16,000 citations; H-index 69), with a consistent track record in developing innovative ECL systems, including redox-mediated, remote, and spatially resolved electrochemiluminescence. Recent research focuses on the engineering of nanostructured and mesoscopic architectures for sensing and imaging applications.
Extensive experience in coordinating national and international research programs and leading multidisciplinary collaborations at the interface between chemistry, materials science, and biointerfaces.
Research Areas
- Molecular electrochemistry and electron transfer
- Electrochemiluminescence and luminescent systems
- Nanostructured and mesoporous materials
- Supramolecular and interfacial chemistry
- Functional materials for sensing, diagnostics, and energy
- Biointerfaces and hybrid systems
Academic Career
Full Professor, University of Bologna (2011–present)
Associate Professor, University of Bologna (2001–2011)
Assistant Professor, University of Bologna (1992–2001)
Researcher, National Research Council (1987–1992)
Teaching and Mentoring
Teaching Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry at undergraduate and graduate levels
Supervisor of 20+ PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and MSc students
Extensive experience in international training and collaborative supervision (France, China, Japan, Industry)
Scientific Leadership and Service
Director, Scientific Innovation Unit, AlmaClimate (2023–present)
Head, Department of Chemistry, University of Bologna (2018–2021)
Vice President, International Society of Electrochemistry - ISE (2019–2021)
Chair, Electrochemistry Division, Italian Chemical Society (2017–2019)
Chair, Molecular Electrochemistry Division, ISE (2015–2016)
Commissioned Expert by the Nobel Prize Committee (2024)
ERC Panel Member/Chair (PE4, 2021-2027) and reviewer for major international agencies
GEV 03 Member for 2020-2024 VQR
Research Funding
Coordinator of PRIDE (2025), MEET (2022), and 3D-FARE (2017)
Co-Coordinator of MSCA Nano-ImmunoEra project
Extensive experience in national and international competitive funding
International Experience
Guest Professor (Global) in Keio University (Japan) (2015)
Visiting Professor, Université de Bordeaux (France) (2013, 2007)
Visiting Researcher, CNRS Bordeaux (2010)
Visiting Professor, University of Texas at Austin (USA) (2005)
Research Fellow, École Normale Supérieure (France) (1995)
Research Fellow, University of Southampton (UK) (1991–1992)
Awards and Recognitions
Commissioned Expert by the Nobel Prize Committee (2024)
Special Visiting Professorship, Keio University (2015)
Finalist, Descartes Prize (2003)
NATO Research Grant (1995)
Royal Society – Accademia dei Lincei Grant (1991)
Plenarist, keynote or invited lecturer at several National/International meetings organized by Scientific Organizations, including the Società Chimica Italiana (SCI), the International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE), the Electrochemical Society (ECS-US), Société Chimique de France (SCF), Real Sociedad Espanola de Quimica (RSEQ), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
Editorial and Reviewing Activities
Editorial Board Member: Current Opinion in Electrochemistry, Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Electrochimica Acta
Reviewer for leading journals including several ACS Journals, Angewandte Chemie, Advanced Materials, Nature Communications, Joule, Science Advances
Reviewer for international funding agencies and research councils
Outreach and Public Engagement
Active in scientific outreach and public engagement
TEDx Bologna (2015)
Public lectures and science communication events
Participation in Pint of Science and university orientation initiatives
