Cristina Maria Belfiore

CURRENT POSITION

Associate Professor of “Georesources and minero-petrographic applications for the environment and cultural heritage” (SSD GEOS-01/D)

RESEARCH TOPICS

• Archaeometric analysis of historical and archaeological artifacts
• Minero-petrographic and chemical characterization of building stone materials
• Analysis of degradation mechanisms of stone materials
• Diagnosis and conservation of cultural heritage
• Recycling of geo-resources for the production of green materials for building and restoration purposes

KEYWORDS

• Archaeometry
• Heritage sciences
• Mineralogy
• Petrography
• Natural and artificial stone materials
• Stone degradation
• Diagnostics and conservationof cultural heritage
• Local and recycled resources

SCIENTIFIC / TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION

• H-index: 24
• No. publications: 58
• No. citations: 1750

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• Giu 2004: Ph.D. in Petrography and Petrology - University of Catania - XVI cycle
• Oct 2000: Master degree in Geological Sciences cum laude - University of Catania

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Apr 2020 - Apr 2023: Researcher (TDB) in the field “Georesources and minero-petrographic applications for the environment and cultural heritage”; University of Catania (SSD GEO/09)
• Mar 2015 - Ago 2018: Post-doc fellow “Experimental study of chemical-mineralogical and physical modifications of ceramic artifacts in underwater environment”, University of Catania (SSD GEO/09)
• Nov 2012 - Apr 2014: Post-doc fellow “Experimental study of chemical-physical degradation of stone artifacts located in different environmental contexts”, University of Calabria (SSD GEO/07-GEO/09)
• Feb 2010 - Feb 2011: Post-doc fellow “Archaeometric characterization of ceramic materials from the Mediterranean area and their coatings through mineralogical-petrographic and chemical-physical techniques”, University of Messina (SSD GEO/09)
• Mag 2009 - Gen 2010: Post-doc fellow “Systematic comparison between non-destructive innovative techniques and conventional petro-archaeometric methods on historic-archaeological ceramic findings”, University of Catania (SSD GEO/09)
• Set 2006 - Apr 2009: Post-doc fellow “Archaeometric characterization of ceramic materials from the Mediterranean area and their coatings through mineralogical-petrographic and chemical-physical techniques”, University of Messina (SSD GEO/09)

INSTITUTIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Dec 2023 – present: Member of the Management and Quality Assurance Group for the L-34 Degree Course at the University of Catania
• Jul 2023 – present: Member of the National PhD board “TEACH - TEchnology applied to Cultural Heritage – University of Calabria
• Jun 2021 – present: Member of the PhD board “Earth and Environmental Sciences” – University of Catania
• Feb 2022 - Apr 2023: Member of the Academic Senate of the University of Catania as a representative of researchers for Area 04 (Earth Sciences)
• Nov 2020 - Jun 2022: Secretary of the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences - University of Catania

EDITORIAL ACTIVITY

• Sep 2023 – present: Member of the Editorial board of the open access journal “Buildings” (MDPI), ranking Q1 - IF 3.8
• Jan 2022 - Aug 2023: Guest editor of the Special Issue “New Frontiers in Innovative and Green Materials for Cultural Heritage Conservation and Construction Industry”, Materials Letters (Elsevier)
• From 2006 to present: Reviewer for several top journals in the fields of competence (Construction and Building Materials; Applied Clay Science; International Journal of Conservation Sciences; Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences; Microchemical Journal; Journal of Archaeological Science; Thermochimica Acta; Advances in Archaeometerials; Heritage; Materials Science; Studies in Conservation, W-ray spectrometry; Periodico di Mineralogia; Acta IMEKO; Rendiconti online della Società Geologica Italiana)

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Institutional teaching assignments

A.Y. 2024-2025:         

• Mineralogy and constituents of rocks with laboratory (6 cfu: 72 hrs) – Bachelor degree in Geological Sciences – University of Catania
• Georesources for the Environment and Cultural Heritage (6 cfu: 52 hrs) – Master degree in Geology and Geophysics – University of Catania

A.Y. 2023-2024

• Mineralogy and constituents of rocks with laboratory (6 cfu: 72 hrs) – Bachelor degree in Geological Sciences – University of Catania
• Petrology of mineral deposit (1 cfu: 7 hrs) - Master degree in Geology and Geophysics – University of Catania
• Short course (18 hrs) entitled “Chemical, physical and biological degradation of materials: observation and interpretation”, PhD in “Earth and Environmental Sciences” - University of Catania
• Short course (8 hrs) entitled “Petrography in Cultural Heritage: examples of application to ceramics and mortars of historical-archaeological interest”, PhD in “Sciences for Cultural Heritage and Production” - University of Catania

A.Y. 2022-2023

• Applied mineralogy and georesources (9 cfu: 78 hrs) - Master degree in Geological Sciences – University of Catania
• Mineralogy and constituents of rocks with laboratory (3 cfu: 36 hrs) – Bachelor degree in Geological Sciences – University of Catania

A.Y. 2021-2022

• Applied mineralogy and georesources (3 cfu: 36 hrs) - Master degree in Geological Sciences – University of Catania
• Mineralogy and constituents of rocks with laboratory (2 cfu: 24 hrs) – Bachelor degree in Geological Sciences – University of Catania

A.Y. 2020-2021

• Applied mineralogy and georesources (3 cfu: 36 hrs) - Master degree in Geological Sciences – University of Catania
• Mineralogy and constituents of rocks with laboratory (3 cfu: 36 hrs) – Bachelor degree in Geological Sciences – University of Catania

Seminars and invited lectures

• Jan 2022: Seminars "Minerals and rocks in thin section" (3h) and "Chemical investigations of Aegyptiaca from central-eastern Sicily through non-destructive XRF analysis (2hrs) at the School of Specialization in Archaeological Heritage, University of Catania
• Jun 2021: Seminars “Petrographic analysis on thin sections of archeological ceramics” (3hrs) and “Petrographic analysis on thin sections of historical mortars” (3hrs), for the formation project DELIAS (OF4) "Development and applications of innovative materials and processes for the diagnosis and restoration of Cultural Heritage", University of Catania
• Jun 2021: Seminars “X-ray diffraction and applications to cultural heritage” (4hrs); “Infrared spectroscopy and applications to cultural heritage” (4hrs); Scanning electron microscopy and microanalysis in the study of materials” (4hrs),  for the formation project DELIAS (OF7) “Nanotechnologies and integrated diagnostics for the conservation of cultural heritage”, University of Catania
• Jul 2014: Invited lecture “Impact of air pollution in deterioration of carbonate stone Heritage materials: examples from some European urban environments” at the 1th International Summer School “Environment-Material Interaction: preventive conservation of monuments and archaeological sites in the Mediterranean basin” (ENVIMAT 2014), University of Calabria
• Apr - Jul 2008: Teaching of "Diagnosis applied to minerals" for the 1th level Master in "Innovative technologies for the detection of degradation and the planning of restoration of cultural heritage", University of Catania (21hrs).

MAIN RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

• Oct 2024 - present: Scientific responsible of the research project “The carbonate stones of the Ragusa Baroque: characterization of materials and study of degradation” (CarboStone), Piaceri 2024/2026 - Line of Intervention 1 "Collaborative Research Projects” - University of Catania.
• Jun 2024 - Dec 2024: Scientific responsible of a research agreement with ARGITAL srl – Modica for the granulometric, mineralogical and chemical characterization of the clay used by the company for the production of natural cosmetics.
• Apr 2024 - present: Scientific responsible of a research grant (Dr. Antonio Stroscio) entitled “Experimental study of the degradation processes of historical mortars used in the architectural heritage of the city of Catania” (duration 12 months) - University of Catania, within the framework of the PNRR CHANGES project - Cultural Heritage Active Innovation for Sustainable Society - Spoke n. 5 (Scientific coordinator for UniCT G. Politi).
• Apr 2024 - Jul 2024: Scientific responsible of a research grant (Dr. Salvatore Menta) entitled “Mineralogical-petrographic and geochemical characterization of mortars used in historical buildings in Catania” (duration 4 months) - University of Catania, within the framework of the PNRR CHANGES project - Cultural Heritage Active Innovation for Sustainable Society - Spoke n. 5 (Scientific coordinator for UniCT G. Politi).
• From 2020 to 2022: Scientific responsible of the research project “Local and recycled georesources for a sustainable building”, Piaceri 2020/2022, Starting grant - University of Catania.
• From 2002 to 2004: Responsible of a two-year research project entitled "Study of the interactions between ceramic materials and the burial environment, based on laboratory experiments conducted on some clay mixtures from the island of Crete", within the framework of funding for widespread research initiatives - Young Researchers Project - year 2000.
• Dec 2024 – present: Member of the research team of the project "CHANGES - Cultural Heritage Active Innovation for Sustainable Society", SPOKE 5 "Science and Technologies for Sustainable Diagnostics of Cultural Heritage" (Scientific Manager for UNICT prof. G. Politi), working group WP2 - Understanding degradation mechanisms and developing preventive solutions for a resilient Cultural Heritage.
• Jan 2021 – Dec 2022: Member of the research team of the project “Smooch - in Sito MethOds fOr Cutural Heritage”, Piano Piaceri 2020/2022 - University of Catania.
• Jan - Mar 2022: Member of the research team of the project “Digital REmote Access to Museums and research Infrastructures - DREAMIN”, Fondo Integrativo Speciale per la Ricerca FISR 2020 - MUR, Scientific Responsible G. Barone, University of Catania.
• May 2020 – Jun 2023: Member of the research team of the project “Sicilia Eco Tecnologie Innovative – SETI”, PO FESR Sicilia 2014-2020 (PON-FESR 1.1.5), Scientific Responsible for Unict G. Barone, University of Catania.
• May 2020 – Mar 2022: Member of the research team of the project “AGM for CuHe – New generation materials for the restauration of cultural heritage: new approach to fruition”, PON Ricerca e Innovazione 2014-2020; Scientific Responsible G. Barone, University of Catania.
• May – Dec 2020: Member of the research team of the project “Development and applications of innovative materials and processes for the diagnosis and restoration of Cultural Heritage – DELIAS”, PON 20017-2013 cod. PON03PE_00214_2, Scientific Responsible D. Chillura, University of Palermo.
• Feb 2018 – Aug 2018: Member of the research team of the project “REUCET - Recovery and use of Etnean volcanic ash”, funded by the Ministry of the Environment and the Protection of Land and Sea, Scientific Responsible P. Roccaro, University of Catania.
• Jan 2015 - Dec 2017: Member of the research team of the project “Nanotechnologies and nanomaterials for Cultural Heritage – TECLA”, PON 20017-2013 cod. PON03PE_00214_1), Scientific Responsible C. Sunseri, University of Palermo. 
• Nov 2012 – Apr 2014: Member of the research team of the project “IT@CHA - Italian technologies for advanced applications to Cultural Heritage”, PON 2007-2013, codice PON01_00625, Scientific Responsible G.M. Crisci, University of Calabria.
• 2009 - 2010: Member of the research team of the project PRIN 2009 “Innovative approaches for the experimental study of underwater ceramic materials”, PI A. Pezzino, University of Catania.
• 2007 - 2008: Member of the research team of the project PRIN 2007 “Identification of the fields of application of innovative non-destructive and micro-destructive methodologies in the analysis of historic-archaeological ceramic finds through systematic comparison with traditional methodologies”, PI P. Mazzoleni, University of Catania.
• 2005 - 2006: Member of the research team of the project PRIN 2005 “Petro-archaeometric analysis for the individuation and knowledge of ancient ceramic productions in southern Italy and Sicily”, PI A. Pezzino, University of Catania.

OTHER RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

• From 2008 to present: Tutor and co-tutor of several bachelor's and master's theses.
• From 2004 to present: Attendance at numerous national and international congresses, mainly as a speaker.
• Feb 2025: Chair of the scientific session “Eco-sustainable materials and nanotechnologies for cultural heritage”, XIII AIAr National Congress, Palermo.
• Oct 2024: Member of the organization team of the geo-event “Melior de cinere surgo: Catania città geologica”, within the “Earth Week - XII edition 2024”.
• Sep 2023: Convener of the scientific session “From waste to resource: the contribution of mineralogy to past and present waste management”, SIMP-SGI-SOGEI-AIV Congress “The Geoscience paradigm: Resources, Risks and future perspectives, University of Basilicata.
• Jan – Apr 2023: Tutor of the projects "The dynamic planet: a journey to understand geological mechanisms from the macro to the micro-scale" and “Etna between georesources and sustainability”, addressed to the students of the scientific high school, PCTO, University of Catania.
• Oct 2022: Convener of the Special Session “Wall paintings in the history: materials, techniques, diagnosis and conservation”, IMEKO International Conference on Metrology for Archeology and Cultural Heritage, University of Calabria.
• Oct 2022: Organization of the geo-event “Discovering Etna between volcanic activity, georesources and sustainability” held at the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania, within the “Earth Planet Week – X edition 2022”.
• Mar - Apr 2022: Tutor of the project "Science and the environment with particular reference to Etna and its eruptions since 1669", addressed to the students of the scientific high school, PCTO, University of Catania.
• Feb 2022: Member of the organizing committee of the Italian National Congress on geopolymers “The new Frontiers in Innovative and Green Materials for Cultural Heritage Conservation and Construction Industry”, University of Catania.
• Mar 2016: Convener of the scientific session “Provenance and dating”, IX Congresso Nazionale di Archeometria, University of Calabria.
• Jul 2014: Member of the organizing committee of the 1th International Summer School “Environment-material interaction: preventive conservation of monuments and archaeological sites in the Mediterranean basin” (ENVIMAT 2014), University of Calabria.
• Feb 2014: Convener of the scientific session “Characterization and diagnostics”, VIII Congresso Nazionale di Archeometria “Scienze e Beni Culturali: stato dell’arte e prospettive”, CNR-ISAC Bologna.

HONOURS, AWARDS AND MEMBERSHIPS

• Jun 2023 – present: Member of the Italian Society of Mineralogy and Petrography (SIMP)
• Jan – Dec 2022: Member of the European Geosciences Union (EGU)
• Mar 2016 – present: Member of the National Group GABeC (Georesources, Environment, Cultural Heritage)
• Mar 2005 – present: Member of the Italian Association of Archaeometry (AIAr)
• Feb 2006: Award for Young Researchers by the Gioenia Academy of Catania in recognition of the scientific activity in the field of "Analysis and techniques of conservation and restoration of Cultural Heritage”