Born in Genova (Italy), December 19, 1954, MSc (Biologist) and MD (Physician), both degrees attained at the University of Genova. Research interests: ecology, ecotoxicology, toxicology, cell culture studies, studies on natural compounds for drug production. Previous experience in the research on neuroblastoma at the Giannina Gaslini Children’s Hospital, Genova. Author of over 150 publications (journal papers, books, conference abstracts). Editor and reviewer for international scientific journals.