Umberto Granata

Supervisor(s):

Prof. Cristina NALI and Dr. Samuele RISOLI (University of Pisa)

Dr.ssa Simona BRONCO (National Research Council)

Research Field: Plant Pathology

Short bio and research interests:

Umberto Granata is a biologist and research technician at the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), based at the Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes (IPCF) in Pisa, where he works within the PolyGreenLab research group on sustainable polymeric materials and environmental applications. He is currently enrolled in the PhD programme in Agriculture, Food and Environment at the University of Pisa, with a project focused on the impact of micro- and nanoplastics on plant health and agricultural systems within a One Health perspective. His research activity integrates plant science, environmental chemistry, and materials science, with particular attention to biodegradable and bio-based polymers, hybrid functional materials, and controlled-release systems for sustainable agriculture. He is involved in the development and characterization of innovative biomaterials, including hydrogels and polymer composites derived from renewable resources or agro-industrial residues, aimed at reducing plastic pollution and mitigating abiotic stress in crops. He has experience in advanced analytical and characterization techniques for polymeric and environmental materials, including spectroscopic, thermal, and morphological analyses, as well as laboratory and field experiments on soil–plant interactions. His scientific interests include microplastic ecotoxicology, sustainable materials design, circular bioeconomy strategies, and the connections between environmental health, food security, and human well-being.

Keywords: Microplastics, Nanoplastics, Plant health, Biodegradable polymeric materials, Sustainable agriculture and One Health, Environmental ecotoxicology

Contacts:

umberto.granata@phd.unipi.it

Headquarters address: Plant Pathology Lab, University of Pisa, Via Vecchia di Marina 20, 56122, San Piero a Grado (PI)

Account ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Umberto-Granata-3

Account LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umberto-granata-48075490/

ORCID: 0009-0007-0853-7389

The Department of Agricultural, Food and Agro-environmental Sciences at the University of Pisa, the oldest Agricultural School in Italy, is dedicated to addressing the challenges of the future. Agricultural Sciences are essential for community well-being and economic development, despite the small workforce in the primary sector in developed countries. With a focus on food security, a circular economy, quality of life, and environmental conservation, the department plays a pivotal role in establishing sustainable agri-food production systems. Through impactful research, high-quality education, and community services, the department generates technological innovations for socio-economic advancement. The department’s study programs equip students with specialized knowledge, practical skills, and critical awareness. By combining theoretical and practical approaches, students are prepared for job opportunities and personal growth. Faculty members conduct interdisciplinary research and collaborate with local and international partners to foster innovation and address agricultural challenges.