ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
1981 – Degree cum laude in Biological Sciences, University of Bologna.
Since obtaining her degree, she has been affiliated with the University of Bologna, initially at the Institute of Ophthalmology and currently at the Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC).
Since 2018, she has held the position of Associate Professor in the scientific disciplinary sector MEDS 17/A – Diseases of the Visual System.
Since 1990, she has been Head of the Cornea and Ocular Surface Analysis Laboratory, a Unit operating within a clinical agreement with the IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna – Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, where she conducts research, diagnostic and clinical activities, and clinical trials focused on the efficacy of innovative ophthalmological therapies.
Since 1996, she has served as Senior Biologist (Dirigente Biologo).
At the departmental level, since 2023 she has been Delegate for Communication and Coordinator of the Communication Working Group.
LABORATORY ACTIVITY
Design, planning, and implementation of biomedical and clinical research projects, in accordance with Evidence-Based Laboratory Medicine (EBLM) principles.
Specific expertise and research interests include:
- Primary and continuous cell cultures derived from ocular tissues
- Conventional and advanced (high-tech) morphological analysis of ocular cells and tissues
- Molecular analysis techniques: RNA, DNA and protein extraction from cells and tissues; RT-PCR, real-time PCR, Western blot, ELISA
- Proteomic analysis of biological fluids, with particular focus on human tears for biomarker identification for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes
SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS
- Preclinical studies and clinical applications of biomaterials, with particular reference to ophthalmology
- Functional pathophysiology of the ocular surface
- Laboratory medicine applied to diagnostics on small-volume biological fluids, with particular focus on human tears
- Mechanisms of neuroprotection
TEACHING ACTIVITY
Supervisor, advisor, and co-advisor of undergraduate and postgraduate theses in Medicine and Surgery, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Laboratory Techniques, and the School of Specialization in Ophthalmology.
Tutor of undergraduate and postgraduate students, research fellows, scholarship holders, and contract researchers.
Member of the Board of the School of Specialization in Ophthalmology.
COURSES AND CONGRESSES
Speaker, tutor, moderator, or participant in more than 250 national and international conferences and courses.
PUBLICATIONS
Author or co-author of more than 200 full-length publications (over 100 in peer-reviewed journals; cumulative impact factor >150; H-index 31) in the field of ophthalmology.
Co-Editor of the book “Biomaterials in Ophthalmology: An Interdisciplinary Approach.”
Editor of the journal “Cells and Materials” from 1991 to 1996.
SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES AND NETWORKS
Member of several scientific societies.
Member of the Board of Directors of the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (2018–2025).
Since 2026, serves as TFOS Ambassador for Italy.
Member of the Tear Research Network (TRN – COST Association), active in the working group “Tears in the Clinic.”
