Giancarlo Tamburello

Giancarlo Tamburello is currently a Senior Researcher (Primo Ricercatore) at the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), based in the Bologna section. His career is distinguished by the integration of innovative technologies into the study of volcanic degassing. He earned his PhD in Geochemistry from the University of Palermo, developing an early interest in magmatic fluid dynamics. Prior to his permanent tenure at INGV, he conducted research abroad (including the University of Sheffield, UK) to refine gas remote sensing techniques.

Specializing in the measurement of carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) fluxes, he was a pioneer in using UV cameras and electrochemical sensors (Multi-GAS) for the real-time monitoring of active volcanoes such as Etna and Stromboli. He utilizes Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs/Drones) to sample volcanic gases in areas otherwise inaccessible or hazardous to humans. He has published numerous articles in high-impact journals (such as Nature Geoscience and Scientific Reports), focusing on the relationship between changes in gas composition and magma ascent—data essential for eruption forecasting. He actively participates in volcanic monitoring projects for the Italian Civil Protection Department.

• 01/01/2022 – Present: Senior Researcher (II Level) at INGV, Bologna Section (Italy).

• 26/12/2016 – 31/12/2021: Researcher (III Level) at INGV, Bologna Section (Italy).

• 10/10/2016 – 31/08/2017: Postdoctoral position at the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (France) [Resigned 26/12/2016 to join INGV].

• 01/09/2013 – 01/09/2016: Assistant Professor (Ricercatore TD-A) at the Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo (Italy).

• 06/2013 – 07/2013: Occasional professional consultant at DiSTeM, University of Palermo (Italy).

• 01/04/2012 – 01/04/2013: Research Fellow (Assegnista di ricerca) at DiSTeM, University of Palermo (Italy).

• 01/2009 – 12/2011: PhD in Geochemistry, University of Palermo. Thesis: “Rapid sensing of volcanic SO2 fluxes using a dual ultraviolet camera system: new techniques and measurements at southern Italian volcanoes.”

• 09/2006 – 07/2008: Master’s Degree in Georesources, Environment, and Archeometric Applications, University of Palermo. Thesis: “Geochemical mapping and SO2 flux measurements in the fumarolic field of Vulcano Island (Italy).”

• 09/2003 – 07/2006: Bachelor’s Degree in Geological Sciences for Civil Protection, University of Palermo. Thesis: “SO2 flux measurement with UV spectroscopy at Vulcano Island (Italy).”

• National Scientific Qualification (ASN): Qualified as Associate Professor in the sector 04/A1 (Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Petrology, Volcanology, Georesources, and Applications) (Valid: 2017–2027).

• A. Rittmann Medal (2014): Awarded by the Italian Association of Volcanology (AIV) to outstanding young researchers in volcanology.

• 2022 – Present: Referent for Task 5.7 (Geochemical Monitoring of Campi Flegrei) under the DPC 2022-2024 service agreement.

• 2022 – 2025: CI-IDRO Project (Seismic Phenomena Monitoring), Financial Task Manager at INGV.

• 2021 – 2022: 3DCO2 Azores: Principal Investigator for 3D mapping of dissolved CO2 in Azores lake/sea waters (Funded by EuroVolc).

• 2020 – 2023: Pianeta Dinamico (Task V2): Fluid-rock interactions in volcanic environments; staff member.

• 2020 – 2023: MACMAP: Multidisciplinary Analysis of Climate change indicators; staff member (WP 6).

• 2020 – 2023: FIRST: Forecasting Eruptive Activity at Stromboli Volcano; Research Unit 07 staff.

• 2020 – 2022: REC-PLUME: Visualization of transparent CO2-CH4 gas plumes; Principal Investigator.

• 2019: RER-INGV Agreement for thematic mapping of gas in the shallow subsurface of the Emilia-Romagna plain.

• 2012 – 2016: BRIDGE (ERC Project): Bridging the gap between Gas Emissions and geophysical observations; project staff.

• 2024 – 2025: Organizing Committee, International School of Volcanology “Working on active volcanoes” (Lipari, Italy).

• 2016 – 2019: Organizing Committee, Etna International School of Geochemistry (Pizzi Deneri Observatory, Etna).

• 2017: Organizing Committee, Third DCO Early Career Scientist Workshop (Nicolosi, Italy).

• 2024 – 2025: Adjunct Professor, "Data Analysis and Statistics for Geology" (Module 2), University of Bologna.

• 2013 – 2016: Professor of "Applied Geochemistry" and "Data Processing Methods for Volcanology and Geochemistry," Master's degree in Geological Sciences, University of Palermo.