Giorgio Sabella

QUALIFICATIONS

December 1981 - Degree in Biological Sciences (University of Catania) with full marks and honors.

From February 1990 to January 2001 - Curator of the Museum of Zoology (University of Catania).

From February 2001 to October 2010 - Researcher of SSD BIO / 05- Zoology (Department of Animal Biology 'M. La Greca ", University of Catania).

From November 2010 - Associate Professor of SSD BIO / 05- Zoology (Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania).

TEACHING ACTIVITY

Ph DOCTORATES

From 2003-2004 to 2008-2009: Member of the teaching staff of the International Doctorate in "Entomological Sciences and Protection of Agro-ecosystems," Faculty of Agriculture and Mathematical, Physical, and Natural Sciences, University of Catania.

From 2009-2010 to 2012-2013: Member of the teaching staff of the International Doctorate in "Phytosanitary Technologies and Protection of Agro-ecosystems," Faculty of Agriculture and Mathematical, Physical, and Natural Sciences, University of Catania.

From 2007-2008: Member of the admissions committee for the Doctorate in "Entomological Sciences and Protection of Agro-ecosystems."

2010-2011: Member of the selection committee for the final examination for the PhD in Tourism, Territory, and Environment – ​​Cycles XXI and XII, University of Messina.

Academic Year 2011-2012: Member of the selection committee for the International PhD Program in "Phytosanitary Technologies and Agro-Ecosystem Protection."

From Academic Year 2013-2014 to Academic Year 2014-2015: Member of the teaching staff of the PhD Program in "Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences" at the University of Catania.

From Academic Year 2016-2017 to Academic Year 2021-2022: Member of the teaching staff of the PhD Program in "Earth and Environmental Sciences" at the University of Catania.

Academic Year 2021-2022: Member of the admissions committee for the PhD program in Earth and Environmental Sciences, XXXVII cycle.

Academic Year 2024-2025: Member of the selection committee for the PhD program in Earth and Environmental Sciences, XXXVI, XXXVII – Curriculum in Environmental Biology and Biotechnology.

As part of these PhD programs, he supervised numerous theses as supervisor or co-supervisor.

Teaching and courses held at the Faculty of Mathematical, Physical, and Natural Sciences, the Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, and the Department of Education at the University of Catania.

From 2001-2002 to 2003-2004: Courses in 1) Zoogeography; 2) Fundamentals of Environmental Impact Assessment (Zoocoenotic Aspects); 3) Naturalistic Museology (Zoological Aspects) for the Degree Program in Natural Sciences.

From 2002-2003 to 2009-2010: Courses in 1) Fundamentals of Environmental Impact Assessment (Zoocoenotic Aspects); 2) Naturalistic Museology (Zoological Aspects) for the Degree Program in Ecological Sciences and Environmental Education.

From 2002-2003 to 2009-2010: Courses in 1) Fundamentals of Environmental Impact Assessment (Zoocoenotic Aspects); 2) Naturalistic Museology (Zoological Aspects) for the Degree Program in Ecological Sciences and Environmental Education.

From 2002-2003 to 2009-2010 2009-2010: Teaching General Biology Laboratory (Animal Biology) for the Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences.

From 2003-2004 to 2005-2006: Teaching Environmental Change and its Impact for the Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences.

From 2004-2005 to 2006-2007: Coordinator of the Socrates project within the framework of bilateral agreements between the University of Catania and the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen (Germany).

From 2005-2006 to 2009-2010: Teaching Habitats Directive and Impact Assessment for the Master's Degree in Biodiversity Conservation and Management.

From 2005-2006 to 2007 2009-2010: Teaching: 1) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Design; 2) European Community Environmental Law for the Master's Degree in Ecological Sciences.

From 2006-2007 to 2009-2010: Teaching: Environmental Impact Assessment and Impact Report with practical exercises (zoological aspects) for the Master's Degree in Environmental Sciences and Technologies and Its Resources.

From 2008-2009 to 2012-2013: Participation in the selection committees for admission to the Master's Degree in Environmental Sciences and Technologies.

From 2009-2010 to 2012-2013: Teaching: Ecology and Wildlife Conservation for the Master's Degree in Environmental Sciences and Technologies.

From 2009-2010 to 2014-2015: Teaching of: 1) Integrated Course on the Habitats Directive and Impact Assessment (faunal aspects); 2) Zoogeography and Animal Ecology for the Master's Degree in Biodiversity and Environmental Quality.

From 2009-2010 to 2012-2013: Teaching of the Integrated Course on Environmental Impact Assessment and Impact Report and practical exercises (zoological aspects) for the Master's Degree in Environmental Sciences and Technologies.

From 2010-2011 to present: Teaching of Protected Areas for the Master's Degree in Environmental and Natural Sciences.

From 2014-2015 to present: Courses taught: 1) Integrated Course on the Habitats Directive and Impact Assessment (faunal aspects); 2) Wildlife Protection and Management for the Master's Degree in Environmental Biology.

Academic Year 2019-2020: Integrated Course in Biology (General Zoology Module) for the Master's Degree in Environmental and Natural Sciences.

Academic Year 2023-2024 to present: Integrated Course in Biodiversity Valorization in the Mediterranean Environment (zoological aspects) for the Master's Degree in Sustainable Cultural and Naturalistic Tourism Planning.

October 2018: Organization of the seminars: 1) "From Catania, a Window on the Amazon Forest," taught by Professor Giovanni Onore of the Central University of Ecuador, Quito (UCE) and 2) "The Management of Protected Areas Today: Problems and Perspectives," taught by Professor Tonino Perna of the University of Messina.

June-October 2019: Organization of the seminars: 1) "The Wolf in Sicily: A Forgotten and Disappeared Endemism" (Prof. F. M. Angelici, University of Rome) and 2) "Cave Arachnids and Measures to Safeguard Biodiversity in Cave Environments" (Prof. M. Isaia, University of Turin).

As part of these degree programs, he supervised numerous final papers and theses as supervisor or co-supervisor.

From the 2014-2015 to the 2018-2019 academic years, he also participated annually in the Open Days and the Student Fair, presenting the degree programs he coordinated. Subsequently, from the 2018-2019 academic year, he participated in the Open Days and the Student Fair as the local coordinator of the PLNS of Natural and Environmental Sciences.

Organization of study visits for students of the University of Catania and tutoring for international students

Academic Year 2001-2002 - Study trip to Paris, France, with guided tours of the educational facilities and laboratories of the National Museum of Natural History in Paris and the Louvre.

Academic Year 2002-2003 - Study trip to Stuttgart and Tübingen, Germany, with guided tours of the educational facilities and laboratories of numerous museums and scientific institutions.

Academic Year 2003-2004 - Study trip to Bucharest, Romania, with guided tours of the educational facilities and laboratories of numerous museums and scientific institutions.

From Academic Year 2001-2002 to the present, she has also organized numerous educational excursions each year for undergraduate, graduate, and master's students.

November 2014 - Tutor for a training internship for two young graduates from the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Tunis (Wala Oueslati and Zina Nasr) as part of the project "Let's build a bridge of friendship with the youth of the Mediterranean," promoted and sponsored by the non-profit organizations Ente Fauna Siciliana, the Don Bosco Past Pupils' Union Periferie vive, Sud & Dintorni, the Kiwanis Club "Catania Etna," and "Mediterraneum."

February-March 2016 - Tutor for a training internship for a young doctoral student from the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Tunis (Mouna Abidi) as part of the project "Let's build a bridge of friendship with the youth of the Mediterranean," promoted and sponsored by the non-profit organizations Ente Fauna Siciliana, the Don Bosco Past Pupils' Union Periferie vive, Sud & Dintorni, the Kiwanis Club "Catania Etna," and "Mediterraneum."

February 2026 - Participation in the Study Trip for Portuguese University, organized by P. Minissale DSBGA.

Courses organized or sponsored by the University of Catania

1995 and 1996 - Teacher of Nature Conservation and Zoological Systematics in refresher courses for middle school science teachers, organized by the A.N.I.S.N. (National Association of Natural Science Teachers) under the patronage of the University of Catania.

1995 and 1996 - Seminars on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as part of the refresher courses organized by the National Association of Biologists under the patronage of the University of Catania.

1997 - Conference on "Protected Natural Areas and Environmental Protection in Sicily" as part of the 2nd National Environmental Education Week, organized by the Interuniversity Center for Environmental Protection and Management (CUTGANA) of the University of Catania.

1997-1998 - Organization of conference series as part of the "The City at the Zoology Museum" initiative of the Department of Animal Biology of the University of Catania.

2000 - Lecturer in Museology in the "Museum Communication and Mediation Expert" course, organized by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and Activities of Catania in collaboration with the Institute of Information Technology and Telecommunications and the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning of the University of Catania.

2001-2002 - Lecturer in Environmental Impact Assessment (zoological aspects) in the Master's program in "Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures" at the Institute for Advanced Training of Excellence of the University of Catania.

2003 - Lecture series on the importance of wildlife in environmental management as part of the "Master in Environmental Management," organized by the Sicilian Region in collaboration with the CSEI (Center for Studies in Economics Applied to Engineering at the University of Catania), reserved for regional managers.

From 2003 to 2009 - Lecturer in Zoology and Animal Ecology in the IFTS courses for training professionals in the field of conservation and management of environmental resources.

2004 - Member of the final examination committee for the IFTS courses in: "Expert Operators of Biological Control in Agriculture," "Expert in the Management of Complex Naturalistic Systems," and "Higher Technician for Marketing and Integrated Tourism."

2004 - Lecture series on "Environmental Training" for the "Job Creator" course organized by the C.O.F. (Orientation and Training Center) of the University of Catania.

February-May 2017-2018 - Organization of a series of seminars entitled "Profession of Naturalist" for undergraduate students in Environmental and Natural Sciences and Biological Sciences and the Master's degree in Environmental Biology.

2019 - Lecturer for the Master's program in Environmental Law and Land Management organized by the Department of Law of the University of Catania.

January 2021 - Lecturer for the Master's program in Environmental Law and Land Management organized by the Department of Law of the University of Catania.

April 2021 - Organization of the single-topic Training-Information Day on Brachytrupes megacephalus.

June 2021 - Organization of the lecture by Professor Giovanni Onore on: Alien Species: Bees, Einstein, Ecology.

March 2022 - Conference on poisons and venomous animals as part of the refresher project: "I Lincei per una nuova dieta in scuola: Una rete nazionale" (The Lincean Schools for a New Teaching Methodology: A National Network), organized by the PLS di Scienze (Sciences Department) of the DSBGA.

April 2022 - Seminar for secondary schools in the provinces of Catania and Syracuse on the role of protected natural areas in biodiversity protection as part of the project: "Scientific Research at the Service of Eco-Sustainable Development of the Territory".

January-June 2023 - Organization and management of PCTO - Development of interactive multimedia applications for the Museum of Zoology (Archimede Industrial Technical Institute of Catania) and PCTO - Restoration of the historic “Aradas” malacological collection (I.T.I.S. Concetto Marchesi, Mascalucia (CT) (in collaboration with F. M. Viglianisi).

September 2024 - Member of the Scientific Committee and in charge of the introductory presentation "Marcello La Greca: Zoologist and Biogeographer" for the "Marcello La Greca" Summer School on Biodiversity.

January-June 2025 - Organization and management of PCTO - Development of a georeferenced application to assist visitors to the Museum of Zoology (Archimede Industrial Technical Institute of Catania) (in collaboration with F. M. Viglianisi).

March 2025 - Conference on the fauna of Etna, as part of the initiative "Etna: A Great Natural Laboratory for the Study of Biodiversity," organized by DICAR in collaboration with the International School of Architecture of Mendrisio (Canton of Ticino, Switzerland).

October 2025 - Organization of the seminar by Professor Giovanni Onore, University of Quito (Ecuador), "In the Footsteps of Edward Whymper," for DSBGA degree students.

December 2025-June 2026 - Organization and management of PCTO - Development of Gaming & Interactive Apps to assist with visits to the Museum of Zoology (Archimede Industrial Technical Institute of Catania) (in collaboration with F. M. Viglianisi).

December 2025-June 2026 - Organization and management of PCTO - Custodians of Biodiversity (Boggiolera Scientific High School of Catania) (in collaboration with F. M. Viglianisi).

Teaching Abroad

8 to March 15, 2000 - Invitation from Professor Said Nouira, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tunis, to participate in the organization and implementation of a seminar on the arthropod fauna of Tunisia and an educational field trip to central Tunisia with students from the Faculty of Sciences, University of Tunis.

October 2010 - Invitation from Professor Said Nouira, Director of ISSBAT (Institut Supérieur des Sciences Biologiques Appliquées de Tunis), to hold a seminar on environmental impact assessment for students in the ISSBAT Master's program in Ecology and Nature Conservation.

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Research Areas and Scientific and Professional Activities

Research Areas: 1) Taxonomy, systematics, faunistics, and biogeography of Staphylinidae beetles, particularly Pselaphinae, and Tardigrades; 2) Animal phylogeny; 3) Animal ecology, with particular attention to the composition, structure, and dynamics of forest beetle and pseudoscorpion communities and freshwater biological communities; 4) Naturalistic museology; 5) Conservation, management, and protection of natural environments and fauna; 6) Environmental impact assessment and impact assessment.

Research on Pselaphinae has focused on taxonomic, systematic, faunistic, and biogeographical aspects. Several collecting campaigns in various regions of the world, with particular attention to Italy, Tunisia, Greece, Ecuador, Congo, and Chile, have yielded interesting discoveries, some of which are still unpublished. Taxonomic revisions were conducted based primarily on typical material held in the most important Italian, European, North American, and South American collections. Research has covered most Palearctic tribes and some Nearctic and Neotropical ones, and has led to the description of more than 140 species new to science, the establishment of new synonymies, and the clarification of the geographic distribution of numerous taxa.

Giorgio Sabella has also focused on the taxonomy and systematics of Tardigrades, with studies that, in collaboration with some of the most esteemed specialists in the taxonomic group, have led to the description of species new to science and the revision of several genera.

Another area of ​​interest is animal phylogeny, with research conducted within the group coordinated by Professor Giovanni Pilato, which has led to the critique and reconsideration of the recently established taxon Ecdysozoa and a reinterpretation of the origin of PGCs (Primordial Germ Cells).

Alongside these lines of research, he has always been interested in issues of animal ecology, particularly the composition, structure, and dynamics of Coleoptera communities (especially the Staphylinidae family), Pseudoscorpions, and freshwater biocoenoses.

Another line of research has been in naturalistic museology, given his cultural background and decades of experience, first as Curator of the Zoological Museum of the University of Catania and then as its scientific director. His work has enhanced the heritage preserved in the collections of the Museum of Zoology (particularly the Ragusa entomological collection).

He has been and continues to be interested in issues of conservation, management, and protection of natural environments, on which he has published numerous articles.

He has coordinated and/or collaborated with numerous working groups for the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments (SIA) and impact reports for numerous public works, and has published several methodological contributions for the preparation of impact reports.

He serves as a referee for the following journals: Annales Société entomologique de France, Revue Suisse de Zoologie, Zootaxa, Turkish Journal of Zoology, Journal of the Entomological Research Society, Il naturalista siciliano, Entomologica, Annali del Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Verona, Natura Croatica; Zookeys, Journal of the Entomological Research Society, PlosONe, European Journal of Taxonomy, Insect Systematics and Evolution, Fragmenta entomologica, Biodiversity Journal, Fauna Balkana, Acta Zoologica, Asian Journal of Advances in Research, Coleopterist Bulletin Review, and Insects.

He has authored 140 scientific articles published in national and international journals and three monographs on Pselaphid Coleoptera.

Coordination or participation in research projects funded by the Ministry of University and Research, the Ministry of the Environment, and the European Community.

From 1990 to 1999 - Participation in the M.U.R.S.T. 40% projects "Animal Population of the Western Mediterranean" and 60% "Studies on the Fauna of Southern Italy, Sicily, and the Circum-Sicilian Islands."

From 1993 to 2000 - Participation in the M.U.R.S.T. 60% projects "Protection of Biological Diversity in Sicily: Characterization of Biotopes" and "Biological Diversity and Conservation of Forest Systems and Watercourses."

2000 - Participation, as a specialist in the Coleoptera Pselaphid family, in the project to computerize the checklist of Italian fauna species, funded and coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment.

From 2000 to 2010 - Participation in the P.R.A. project "Animal Morphology, Systematics, and Phylogeny."

From 2010 to 2013 - Scientific Director of the P.R.A. project "Animal Morphology, Systematics, and Phylogeny."

From 2014 to 2016 - Participation in the F.I.R. project on "Mitochondrial DNA as a Biomarker of Cellular Damage Induced by Exposure to Pollution: In Vivo and In Vitro Investigations."

From 2016 to 2019 - Participation in the University of Catania research project on the vegetation and fauna of Mediterranean juniper forests.

From 2019-2020 - Scientific Director of the University of Catania research project on the Biodiversity of Insects, Nematodes, and Tardigrades in Mediterranean Environments.

From 2020 to 2024 - Scientific director of the INTERREG Italy-Malta FAST (Fight Alien Species Transborder) project.

2025 - Scientific director for the drafting of conservation measures for the Natura 2000 sites managed by the University of Catania and neighboring sites.

Research Missions in Italy and Abroad

Since 1991, he has organized and/or participated in numerous research missions in Italy and abroad: the Canary Islands, Greece, Tunisia, Ecuador, Kenya, Uganda, Congo, Madagascar, etc. These campaigns have yielded interesting study material for numerous specialists in various animal groups (Coleoptera, terrestrial isopods, spider mites, opilions, pseudoscorpions, nematodes, tardigrades, etc.). The main study trips are listed below:

March-April 1991 - Research and fauna collection campaign in the Canary Islands (research funds from the University of Catania).

From 1992 to 2010 – Numerous research campaigns and wildlife collections in Tunisia (research funds from the University of Catania).

February-March 1993, 1995, and 1996 – Research campaigns and wildlife collections in Greece (research funds from the University of Catania).

September-October 1994 – Research campaign and wildlife collections in Ecuador (research funds from the University of Catania).

March-April 2000 – Research campaign and wildlife collections in Kenya, Uganda, and Congo (research funds from the University of Catania).

March-April 2011 – Research campaign and wildlife collections in Madagascar (research funds from the University of Catania and the German Foreign Office).

June 2013 - Wildlife research and collection campaign in Bulgaria and Macedonia (research funds from the University of Catania)

April 2014 - Wildlife research and collection campaign in Tunisia (research funds from the University of Catania)

May 2014 - Wildlife research and collection campaign in Bulgaria (Rhodope Mountains) (research funds from the University of Catania)

December 2015 - Wildlife research and collection campaign in Madagascar (research funds from the University of Catania)

January 2018 - Wildlife research and collection campaign in Chile (research funds from the University of Catania)

Study grants

December 1987 - Scholarship from the Natural History Museum of Geneva for a one-month stay to study the entomological collections.

2000, 2003, 2005, 2007 - Scholarship from the University of Catania for a two-week stay at the Natural History Museum of Geneva.

August 2001 - Scholarship (PARSYST program), funded by the EEC, for a 15-day trip and stay at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris to study the entomological collections.

From 2011 to 2024 - Scholarships funded by the Natural History Museum of Geneva for a trip and stay to study the collections of the aforementioned Museum.

September 2014 - Scholarship (SYNTHESYS program), funded by the EC, for a 7-day trip and stay at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris to study entomological collections.

Conference Organization

June 2002 - Participation in the organization of the 19th Congress of the S.E.I., Catania, Italy.

October 2008 - Participation in the organization of the 37th National Congress of Biogeography, Catania, Italy.

May 2014 - Member of the organizing committee of the International Congress "Speciation and Taxonomy", Cefalù-Castelbuono, Italy.

September 2015 - Scientific coordinator and organizer of the International Congress "Biodiversity, Mediterranean and Society", Noto-Vendicari, Italy.

November 2017 - Member of the organizing committee of the International Congress "Man, Natural Habitats and Euro-Mediterranean Biodiversity", Malta.

October 2019 - Member of the Organizing Committee of the International Congress "Taxonomy, Speciation and Euro-Mediterranean Biodiversity", Sofia, Bulgaria.

September 2022 - Member of the Organizing Committee of the 6th International Congress on Biodiversity, Trapani, Italy.

November 2025 - Member of the Organizing Committee of the 7th International Congress on Biodiversity, Palermo, Italy.

Conference Papers

May 1995 - Seminar on the fauna of the Hyblaean Mountains: The fauna of the springs and streams of the Hyblaean Mountains (Invited presentation, in collaboration with R. Gerecke).

1995 - 56th UZI Congress, Reggio Calabria: Status of the Bioitaly project in southern Italy, Sardinia, and Sicily (Invited presentation, in collaboration with O. Picariello).

1996 - 20th International Congress of Entomology, Florence: Soil communities of Staphylinidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) in wooded areas of eastern Sicily (Poster, in collaboration with P. Alicata and A. Adorno).

1997 - 13th Workshop of the International School of Ethology on Wildlife Conservation in Sicily: Action, Education, Strategy, Erice: Some terrestrial and freshwater habitats from Sicily and the risks to their invertebrate fauna (Invited presentation).

1998 - 59th UZI Congress, San Benedetto del Tronto: Sites of the Natura 2000 Network of the Sicily Region (Poster, in collaboration with F. Viglianisi and D. Caruso).

1999 - Conference on Eclecticism and Science in the 19th Century: Francesco Minà Palumbo, Castelbuono: Correspondence with Minà Palumbo of the naturalists of eastern Sicily (Invited presentation, in collaboration with R. Grasso).

2001 - 62nd UZI Congress, Sanremo: Diversity of Pselaphid (Coleoptera) Populations between the Nebrodi, Peloritani, and Aspromonte Mountains (Press release).

2001 - 62nd UZI Congress, San Remo: The Contribution of Rove Beetles to the Biodiversity of the Nebrodi (Northeast Sicily) (Poster, in collaboration with A. Adorno).

April 2002 - Scientific Session of the Gioenia Academy, Catania: Description of Tychus lagrecai n. sp. (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae) from the island of Crete (Press release).

June 2002 - XIX Congress of the S.E.I., Catania: The restoration and revision of the Ragusa entomological collection: an opportunity to compile a new catalog of the Coleoptera of Sicily (Press release, in collaboration with M. Arnone).

November 15, 2002 - Study day on the natural heritage preserved in Sicilian museums, Terrasini: The E. Ragusa collection and the Catalogue Raisonné of the Coleoptera of Sicily project (Press release by invitation).

November 30, 2002 - Conference on the topic: The Contribution of Parks to Nature Conservation in Sicily, Randazzo: The Role of Sicilian Parks in the Conservation of Insect Taxa of Special Interest (Invited Presentation, in collaboration with I. Sparacio).

February 11, 2003 - Seminar: Wetlands: Function, Biodiversity, Management, organized by the University of Catania: Invertebrates and Wetland Management (Invited Presentation).

October 10, 2003 - Conference: "Man in the Iblei Mountains," organized by the Sicilian Wildlife Agency, the Municipality of Sortino, and the UNESCO Center of Catania. The Naturalistic and Historical Framework: The Fauna (Invited Presentation, in collaboration with G. Pilato).

May 2006: Second World Conference "Euro-Mediterranean Forests in Planetary Conservation," Ancona: "State of the Art of the Natura 2000 Network in Italy with Special Reference to Sicily (Invited Presentation)."

May 2007 - Seminar on "The Use of Entomofauna in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EI) Studies" for the PhD program in "Entomological Sciences and Agroecosystem Protection," Faculty of Agriculture and Mathematical, Physical, and Natural Sciences, University of Catania.

October 2008 - XXXVII National Congress of Biogeography, Catania: Hypotheses on the Origin of the Endemic Taxa of Rove Beetles in Sicily (Invited presentation, in collaboration with A. Adorno and A. Zanetti).

June 2011 - XXVI International Meeting on Rove Beetles, Verona-Mantua: Preliminary Data on the Abundance and Flight Activity of Rove Beetles in a Citrus Grove in the Catania Plain (Sicily) (Invited presentation, in collaboration with A. Adorno).

June 2011 - XXXIII National Congress of Entomology, Genoa: Analysis of the flight activity of staphylinidae beetles in a citrus grove in the Catania Plain (Sicily) (Poster, in collaboration with A. Adorno, A. Zanetti, and R. Boemi).

June 2011 - XXXIII National Congress of Entomology, Genoa: Analysis of the biodiversity of soil fauna in traditionally and organically managed orchards in Zone B of the Etna Regional Park (Poster, in collaboration with A. Adorno and R. Boemi).

April 2012 - 2nd Djerba International Mediterranean Environment Sustainability Conference, Djerba: Zoological aspects of the assessment of human impact on the environment (Invited presentation, in collaboration with E. Petralia).

May 2012 - 1st International Congress on Insularity and Biodiversity, Palermo: First data on the diversity of Pselaphid beetles population in the Amber Mountain National Park (Northern Madagascar) (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae). (Communication by invitation, in collaboration with F. M. Viglianisi and E. Petralia).

November 2012 - 15th International Citrus Congress, Valencia: Composition and flying activity of Coleoptera staphylinids in citrus orchards (Poster, in collaboration with A. Adorno, A. Biondi, L. Zappalà, and G. Siscaro).

March 2013 - Conference: Etna, a natural World Heritage Site. New perspectives for the future of the territory. Wildlife emergencies (Invited presentation).

April 2013 - Localization of Brachytrupes megacephalus Lef. (Orthoptera Gryllidae) in the "Vendicari Fauna Oasis" Nature Reserve, Sicily (in collaboration with A. Petralia, E. Petralia, F. Brogna, Bianca C.). 3rd AISA National Congress - Ecology and Restoration of Coastal Environments - April 20-21, 2013. (Invited presentation).

July 2013 – Conference: Angelo Priolo, the ornithological engineer, and the Civic Museum of Natural History of Randazzo. Natural history museums: role and functions (Invited presentation).

May 2014 - The use of entomofauna in the studies of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Assessment of Impact (AI). – The International Congress on Speciation and Taxonomy, May 16–18, 2014, Cefalù-Castelbuono (Italy) (Invited presentation).

May 2014 - Presence mapping of Brachytrupes megacephalus (Lefebvre, 1827) (Orthoptera Gryllidae) within the Vendicari Natural Reserve (Noto, Syracuse, Italy) (in collaboration with A. Petralia, E. Petralia, F. Brogna). - The International Congress on speciation and taxonomy, May 16th-18th 2014 Cefalù-Castelbuono (Italy) (Invited talk).

May 2014 - Functional morphology and energetics of the long-eared owl, Asio otus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Aves Strigidae), in relation to other sympatric owls (in coll. with A. M. Siracusa, E. Musumeci, V. D'Urso). - The International Congress on speciation and taxonomy, May 16th-18th 2014 Cefalù-Castelbuono (Italy) (Invited talk).

May 2014 - Observations on the biodiversity in the coastal area of ​​"Area to High Risk of Environmental Crisis " of Syracuse (South-Eastern Sicily) (in coll. with P. Pitruzzello, R. Mangiafico, A. M. A. Battaglia). - The International Congress on speciation and taxonomy, May 16th-18th 2014 Cefalù-Castelbuono (Italy) (Invited talk).

September 2015 - The use of the drone in the management of protected areas (in collaboration with F. M. Viglianisi, S. Rotondi and F. Brogna). - The International Congress on Biodiversity, Mediterranean and Society, September 4th-6th 2015 Noto-Vendicari (Italy).

September 2015 - The alien leafhopper Balclutha brevis Lindberg 1954 (Hemiptera Cicadellidae) and its host plant, the invasive Poaceae Pennisetum setaceum (Forssk.) Chiov.: a real risk in the scenario of the biodiversity in the Mediterranean lands? (in collaboration with V. D'Urso and O. Lisi). - The International Congress on Biodiversity, Mediterranean and Society, September 4th-6th 2015 Noto-Vendicari (Italy).

September 2015 - Pselaphinae (Coleoptera Staphylinidae) from Sicily and Calabria (Italy). Results from short entomological expedition in Avril, 2015 (in coll. with R. Beckchiev and R. Kostova). - The International Congress on Biodiversity, Mediterranean and Society, September 4th-6th 2015 Noto-Vendicari (Italy).

November 2017 - Analysis and comparison of three Coleoptera families in organic and conventional orchards within the Etna Regional Park (Catania, Sicily) (in coll. with F. Messina). 4th International Congress on Biodiversity “Man, Natural Habitats and Euro-Mediterranean Biodiversity”, Malta, 17-19th November 2017.

November 2017 - Benefits in avifaunistic monitoring through the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the Nature Reserve of Saline di Priolo (Sicily, Italy) (in coll. with F. M. Viglianisi, S. Rotondi and F. Cilea). 4th International Congress on Biodiversity “Man, Natural Habitats and Euro-Mediterranean Biodiversity”, Malta, 17-19th November 2017.

November 2017 - New records of Auchenorrhyncha (Hemiptera) from the Maltese Islands (in coll. with V. D’Urso and D. Mifsud). 4th International Congress on Biodiversity “Man, Natural Habitats and Euro-Mediterranean Biodiversity”, Malta, 17-19th November 2017.

October 2019 - Subterranean fauna in two protected caves in the Hyblean area (Syracuse, Sicily) (in coll. with Nicolosi G., Amore E., Costanzo S., Sendra A., Cirrincione R. & Signorello G.) ARPHA Conference Abstracts 2: e46626.

October 2019 - On the presence of Brachytrupes megacephalus Lefebvre 1827 (Orthoptera, Gryllidae) in the Natural Reserve "Simeto Oasis" (Sicily, Italy) (in coll. with Petralia A., Fiandaca P., Petralia E., Torrisi G., Bianca C. & La Manna F.). ARPHA Conference Abstracts 2: e46538.

June 2022 - The FAST project as a common action of information knowledge and contrast to alien invasive species present in Malta and Sicily (in coll. with D'Urso V., Brunetti S., Puglisi A., Bella S., Cassar T., Lamoliere, A., Mifsud, D.). 42nd Congress of the Italian Society of Biogeography, 22-25 June 2022, Trieste.

September 2022 - Design and preparation of a thematic exhibition on alien species at the Museum of Zoology of the University of Catania (in coll. with F. M. Viglianisi). 6th International Congress on Biodiversity, Trapani, 2-3 September 2022.

September 2022 - The new layout of the Zoology Museum of the University of Catania one year after its opening (in coll. with F. M. Viglianisi). 6th International Congress on Biodiversity, Trapani, 2-3 September 2022.

September 2022 - The new layout of the Zoology Museum of the University of Catania one year after its opening (in coll. with F. M. Viglianisi). 6th International Congress on Biodiversity, Trapani, 2-3 September 2022.

September 2022 - The FAST project as a common action of information knowledge and contrast to alien invasive species present in Malta and Sicily (in coll. with D'Urso V., Brunetti S., Puglisi A., Bella S., Cassar T., Lamoliere, A., Mifsud, D.). 6th International Congress on Biodiversity, Trapani, September 2-3, 2022.

September 2022 - Monitoring of Caretta caretta on the sandy beaches of the Vendicari Nature Reserve (Sicily, Italy) (in collaboration with Bianca C., Amenta F., Uccello P., Mastriani M., Bianca A., Bianca V.). 6th International Congress on Biodiversity, Trapani, September 2-3, 2022.

September 2022 - Terrestrial and freshwater alien invertebrates in Sicily and Malta (Central Mediterranean) (in collaboration with D’Urso V., Brunetti S., Puglisi A., Bella S., Cassar T., Lamoliere, A., Mifsud, D.). Neobiota, 12th International Conference on Biological Invasion, September 12-16, 2022, Tartu (Estonia).

December 2024 - Enrico Ragusa's Sicilian Beetle Collection. Enrico Ragusa (1849-1924): 100 Years of Entomological Heritage. Conference in Honor of the Founder of Sicilian Entomology. Palermo, Friday, December 20, 2024. (Invited Speaker)

October 2025 - The New Exhibition of the University of Catania's Zoology Museum. Communication Plan and Interactive Teaching Methodologies. XXXIV Congress of the National Association of Scientific Museums. Knowing to Conserve: Scientific Collections Between Research, Protection, and Enhancement. Padua, October 14-17, 2025 (in collaboration with F. M. Viglianisi).

November 2025 - Museum Communication Between Human Mediation and Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities, Challenges, and Prospects (in collaboration with F. M. Viglianisi). 7th International Congress on Biodiversity - 9th Congress of the Italian Society of Malacology, “Natural History Museums as Cultural Heritage and Biodiversity Protection,” Palermo, November 28-29, 2025.

November 2025 - The collections of the Museum of Zoology of the University of Catania. (in collaboration with Leone D., Nicolosi G., Viglianisi F. M.) - 7th International Congress on Biodiversity - 9th Congress of the Italian Society of Malacology, “Natural History Museums as Cultural Heritage and Biodiversity Protection,” Palermo, November 28-29, 2025.

November 2025 - The Ecomuseum-Visitor Center of the R.N.O. “Vendicari Wildlife Reserve,” Noto (Syracuse) (in collaboration with Bianca C., Amenta F., Uccello P., Mastriani M., Mangiafico F., Bianca A., Morosini A.). 7th International Congress on Biodiversity - 9th Congress of the Italian Society of Malacology, “Natural History Museums as Cultural Heritage and Biodiversity Protection,” Palermo, November 28-29, 2025.

November 2025 - A new malacological acquisition for the Zoological Museum of Catania: the De Luca D'Amato collection exhibition (in collaboration with Scuderi D., Viglianisi F. M., and Leone D.). 7th International Congress on Biodiversity - 9th Congress of the Italian Society of Malacology, “Natural History Museums as Cultural Heritage and Biodiversity Protection,” Palermo, November 28-29, 2025.

November 2025 - The current status of restoration of the Aradas collection of Catania: final steps or preservation, type, location, and exhibition (in collaboration with Scuderi D., Viglianisi F. M., and Leone D.). 7th International Congress on Biodiversity - 9th Congress of the Italian Society of Malacology, “Natural History Museums as Cultural Heritage and Biodiversity Protection,” Palermo, November 28-29, 2025.

September 2026 - The current knowledge of subterranean fauna and its conservation in Eastern Sicily (in collaboration with Nicolosi G., Amore E., Costanzo S., Ientile R., Privitera S., Sturiale G., Cirrincione R.). International Scientific Conference Mans and Karst 2026, September 13-19, Vendicari (Noto, Siracusa).

ORGANIZATIONAL AND MANAGEMENT TASKS

Member of Comparative Evaluation Committees

He has served on numerous comparative evaluation committees, including:

2009: Member of the selection committees for the public selection process based on qualifications and interviews for the recruitment of six staff members to be hired on a fixed-term, fixed-term basis at CUTGANA (University Center for the Protection and Management of Natural Environments and Agro-Ecosystems) of the University of Catania, with application of the reserve quota, pursuant to Article 1, paragraph 529, of Law No. 296 of December 27, 2006 (2007 Budget Law), for coordinated and continuous collaborators (co.co.co.) already employed at CUTGANA.

2016: Member of the selection committee for the public selection based on qualifications and interview for the assignment of a coordinated and continuous collaboration to carry out the following activities: "Biodiversity monitoring, estimation of the ecological status of coastal marine, brackish, and freshwater bodies, and qualitative and quantitative assessment of the presence of foreign elements (with particular attention to the presence of heavy metals) using marine and brackish seagrasses present in the area of ​​the Vendicari Wildlife Reserve."

2019: Member of the selection committee for the public selection based on qualifications and interview for the assignment of an external collaboration to meet the needs of the University Center for the Protection and Management of Natural Environments and Agro-Ecosystems - CUTGANA, for support in the monitoring of invertebrate fauna in the "Grotta Monello" and "Villasmundo - S. Alfio Speleological Complex" Nature Reserves, and in the Oriented Nature Reserve. "Vallone di Piano della Corte."

2026: Chair of the selection committee for the full-time, fixed-term position of Director of the Isole dei Ciclopi Consortium and the Marine Protected Area.

Scientific responsibility for agreements with the University of Catania

2002 - Agreement between the Department of Animal Biology "M. La Greca" and WWF ITALY for faunal and zoocenotic studies in the Isola Bella Natural Reserve (Taormina, Messina).

2005 - Agreement between the Department of Animal Biology "M. La Greca" and Agristudio for the review of the Natura 2000 sites in Sicily.

2005 - (in collaboration with A. Alicata, P. Minissale, and S. Sciandrello) Agreement between the Department of Animal Biology "M. La Greca" and the Gela Refinery for the preparation of the "Report on the impact on habitats and species of the SCI and SPA ITA050001 "Biviere and Macconi di Gela" of the project for the construction of the containment diaphragm of the homogeneous areas T and V of the Gela Refinery."

2007 - (in collaboration with P. Minissale) Agreement between C.U.T.G.A.N.A. (Interuniversity Center for the Protection and Management of Natural Environments and Agroecosystems) and Infrastrutture S.p.A. for the preparation of the "Report on the Impact on Habitats and Species of the SPA ITA090029 "Pantani della Sicilia Sud-orientale" of the project to build a wind farm in the municipalities of Pachino and Porto Palo di Capo Passero."

From 2007 to 2010 - Coordinator of the working group on the study of animal biodiversity within the Archimede project, for the creation of a multipurpose center for sustainable development as part of the collaboration between C.U.T.G.A.N.A. (Interuniversity Center for the Protection and Management of Natural Environments and Agroecosystems), the Regional Province of Enna, the Municipality of Villarosa, and the Sicilian Regional Department of Industry.

2008 - Agreement between the Department of Animal Biology "M. La Greca" and the Province of Ragusa for the preparation of the management plan for SCI ITA080003 – Pineta di Vittoria.

2008 - Agreement between the Department of Animal Biology "M. La Greca" and Agristudio for the preparation of the management plan for the Pantani of Southeastern Sicily.

2008 - (with P. Alicata) Agreement between the Department of Animal Biology "M. La Greca" and Agristudio for the preparation of the management plan for the Peloritani Mountains.

2008 - Agreement between C.U.T.G.A.N.A. (Interuniversity Center for the Protection and Management of Natural Environments and Agroecosystems) and the Province of Syracuse for the preparation of management plans for the SCIs of the aforementioned province.

2008 - (in collaboration with P. Minissale) Agreement between the Department of Animal Biology "M. La Greca" and the Gela Refinery for the preparation of the "Report on the Impact on Habitats and Species of the SCI and SPA ITA050001 "Biviere and Macconi di Gela" and the SPA ITA050012 "Torre Manfria, Biviere and Piana di Gela" of the project for substantial modifications to the Gela Refinery's plant layout.

From 2008 to 2009 - Wildlife Sector Coordinator of the Remediation Plans for Areas at High Risk of Environmental Crisis (Gela, Priolo, and Milazzo) as part of the technical and scientific collaboration between C.U.T.G.A.N.A. (Interuniversity Center for the Protection and Management of Natural Environments and Agroecosystems) and the AERCA Special Office of the Department of Land and Environment of the Sicilian Region.

2009 - Agreement between the Department of Animal Biology "M. "La Greca" and the Province of Ragusa for the monitoring of rabbit fauna present in the "Irminio River Macchia Foresta" and "Aleppo Pine" Natural Parks (Province of Ragusa).

2009 - (with P. Minissale) Agreement between the Department of Botany and Pizzarotti & C. S.p.A. for the preparation of the Impact Report on Habitats and Species of Community Interest for the SCI ITA070001 "Mouth of the Simeto River and Lake Gornalunga" and the SPA ITA070029 "Biviere di Lentini and the Simeto River" for the project of reconfiguration of the Simeto River bed near the Primosole bridge for the widening of the flood flow section.

2011 - Agreement between the Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences and Agristudio for the preparation of the management plan for Monte Sambuco and Lake Lesina (Foggia).

2012 - (with P. Minissale) Agreement between the Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences and the municipality of Monterosso Almo (RG) for the preparation of the preliminary report for the SEA (Seascape Assessment) of the Municipality's Urban Plan (PRG) for the aforementioned municipality.

2013 - (with P. Minissale) Agreement between the Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences and Edison Energie for the preparation of the Impact Report on Habitats and Species of Community Interest for the SPA ITA010031 (Laghetti di Preola, Gorghi Tondi, and Sciare di Mazara, and Pantano Leone) and for the SCI ITA010005 (Laghetti di Preola, Gorghi Tondi, and Sciare di Mazara), relating to the construction of a wind farm in the municipality of Mazara del Vallo (province of Trapani).

2014 - Participation in the working group for the development of the land use plan Zone B of the RNO "Timpa di Acireale".

2017 - Participated in the working group for the development of the plan for the use of Zone B of the Vendicari Wildlife Reserve.

2019 - Scientific coordinator of the agreement between the Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences and the Etna Park Authority for entomological studies in the Park area.

Coordination and collaboration on other agreements and projects

1987 - Coordinated and led a group of professionals (geologists, botanists, engineers, architects, economists, and zoologists) who conducted, on behalf of the Superintendence of Cultural and Environmental Heritage of the Province of Catania, a preliminary study aimed at drafting the landscape plan for the upper Simeto Valley.

1998-2000 - Collaborated on the Catania-Lecce project for the restoration of the Zoology Museum of the University of Catania. As part of this project, he organized and completed the restoration and cataloging of the Ragusa and Briganti entomological collections.

2004-2006 - Collaborated, for wildlife aspects, on the agreement between the Department of Urban Planning (DAU) of the University of Catania and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and Natural Heritage (BBCCAA) of Catania for external consultancy for landscape planning activities in the areas covered by the guidelines of the regional landscape plan.

2005-2007 - Collaborated, for wildlife aspects, on the agreement between the ASTRA Department of the University of Catania and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and Natural Heritage (BBCCAA) of Enna for external consultancy for landscape planning activities in the areas covered by the guidelines of the regional landscape plan.

2006 - Collaborates on wildlife and ecological aspects of the PIT 24 Etna - Measure 1.11 "Integrated territorial systems with high natural value" - Intervention 1.05 - Pilot action for the management of the SCIs of the Etna Regional Park (ERDF 2000-2006) (Adrano and Biancavilla Pine Forest (SIC ITA 070012); Monte Baracca, C. da Giarrita (SIC ITA 070014); Lake Gurrida and Sciare di Santa Venera (SIC ITA 070019); Linguaglossa Pine Forest (SIC ITA 070013); Bosco di Milo (SIC ITA 070020).

2010 - Collaborates, as an expert entomologist, on the agreement between the University of Catania and the Ministry of the Environment for the study on "The impact of some abiotic stress factors on populations of Pollinating Hymenoptera within the Pineta di Vittoria Nature Reserve (Ragusa, south-eastern Sicily)".

Environmental Management and Protection

1988-1990 - Collaborated on the drafting of the wildlife report accompanying the proposal to establish the Nebrodi Park.

1991 - Collaborated on the drafting of the wildlife report for the Simeto River Basin Plan. 1991 - Collaborated on the drafting of the Environmental Plan for the Lessinia Park (Verona).

1997-1998 - Collaborated on the implementation of the Bioitaly Project, entrusted by the Region of Sicily to the Department of Animal Biology of the University of Catania, for the identification and inventory of the Sites of Community Importance (SCI) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) in the region.

2001 - Coordinated the review of the factsheets and related perimeters of the SCIs and SPAs proposed by the Region of Sicily.

2002 - Participated in the multidisciplinary working group for the drafting of the perimeter project for the Alcantara River Park and prepared the accompanying wildlife report.

April 2017 - Regional Conference 35 Years of Nature Reserves in Sicily. Presentation on "Use Plans for the B Zones of the Sicilian Region's Nature Reserves."

November 2019 - Invited speaker at the conference "The Iblei National Park: Elements of a Sustainable Economy" on the topic: Peculiarities and Biodiversity in the Iblei Natural Environments.

February 2022 - Invited speaker at the conference on "The Establishment of the Vendicari Marine Protected Area," organized by the Sicilian Region, the Municipality of Noto, the Sicilian Wildlife Authority, the Prince Albert II Monaco Foundation, The Med Fund, the Plemmirio MPA, and the Chloé Association.

March 2022 - Invited speaker on the fauna of Etna at the conference on the proposed establishment of the Etna National Park, organized by Legambiente di Milo.

December 2024 - Invited speaker on the fauna of Etna for the Bresadola Mycological Group. Catania.

December 2025 - Invited lecture on Considerations on the Etna Park and the possibility of establishing a National Park, as part of the event celebrating the 40th anniversary of LIPU in Catania.

December 2025 - Invited lecture on the Timpa di Acireale Natural Reserve: The current state of conservation and the planning of a "Timpa and Sea Museum."

SCIENCE OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

Since November 1997, he has collaborated with the nature magazine "Il Grifone," where he has published numerous popular science articles. He also collaborates with the Catania University Bulletin, where he has published several popular science articles.

Since 2011, he has participated in organizing the Marcello La Greca "Grifone d'Argento" Award.

In 2017, in collaboration with F. M. Viglianisi, he organized a series of documentaries on environmental protection and management for the University of Catania, in collaboration with LIPU, the Sicilian Wildlife Authority, and Greenpeace.

In 2017 and 2018, in collaboration with F. M. Viglianisi and Carmelo Ferrito, he organized the Darwin Day events for the University of Catania.

September - December 2019 – Member of the scientific committee and co-organizer of the exhibition "Natura Elegans: Visual Art and Magic in Vintage Natural History Wall Paintings" (in collaboration with the Gioenia Academy).

April 2021: Organization and participation with an introductory speech, as scientific director, at the launch event of the INTERREG Italy-Malta FAST project.

July 2021: Organization and participation in the inauguration of the new exhibition of the Zoological Museum and Butterfly House.

September 2021: Organization and participation in: "Alien Encounters," as part of Sharper Night.

May 2022-June 2024: Organization of the event "Tea at the Zoological Museum," which included 25 lectures (in collaboration with F. M. Viglianisi).

December 2022: Production of informational videos on the Interreg Italy-Malta FAST project and on the alien species within the project.

December 2022: Production of an informational brochure on the Museum of Zoology and Butterfly House in Italian and English, implementation of the Museum's website with information sheets on the exhibits in Italian and English, and a virtual tour of the Museum of Zoology and Butterfly House (in collaboration with F. M. Viglianisi).

2022: Various interviews on RAI 3, Focus Sicilia, and Radio Zammù on the reopening of the Museum of Zoology and on alien species and the FAST project.

January-October 2023: Implementation of the QRCODE project at Muzoo (in collaboration with F. M. Viglianisi).

June 2023: Introductory video for the visit to the Museum of Zoology and Butterfly House (in collaboration with F. M. Viglianisi).

August 2023: Brochure on the final results of the FAST project (Interreg Italy-Malta)

September 2023: Organization of the final event of the Interreg Italy-Malta FAST project.

September 2023: Interview with Antenna Sicilia on the invasive alien species Solenopsis invicta

February 2024-2025: Organizer of Darwin Day for the University of Catania (in collaboration with the Gioenia Academy of Natural Sciences) and participation (2024) with a presentation on: "The Evolution of the Relationship between Science and Democracy."

February-October 2024: Organization of various initiatives at the Museum of Zoology (World Polar Bear Day; World Wildlife Day; M’illumino di sapere; Earth Day; International Museum Day; World Biodiversity Day; World Environment Day; World Animal Day; M’ammalia – “Italian Mammals: A Mosaic to Discover”; Hominid Week, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the discovery of Lucy's skeleton) (in collaboration with F. M. Viglianisi).

February 2025-July 2026: Organization and participation in various initiatives at the Museum of Zoology (M'illumino di sapere; Earth Day; International Museum Day; World Biodiversity Day; European Museum Night; Animal Eggs (in collaboration with F. M. Viglianisi).

November 2025: Contribution on natural environments and fauna in the volume Etna published by Cavallotto Editor (in collaboration with Renzo Ientile).

MAIN OFFICES HELD

From 2001-2002 to 2004-2005: Researcher representative on the Board of the Department of Animal Biology at the University of Catania.

From 2002 to 2006: Member of the Provincial Scientific Council of the Province of Syracuse, representing the University of Catania.

From 2006 to 2007: Member of the Provincial Scientific Council of the Province of Trapani, as a representative of the Sicilian Wildlife Authority.

From 2006 to 2009: Delegate of the Rector of the University of Catania on the Board of Directors of the I.R.I.M. Consortium.

From March 2008 to present: Editorial Director of the Rivista il Grifone, a bimonthly publication of the Sicilian Wildlife Authority, a naturalistic research and conservation association.

From July 2010 to present: Member of the Scientific Committee of the online journal Biodiversity Journal.

2011 to present: Member of the Scientific Committee of the Marcello La Greca "Grifone d'Argento" Award.

August 2011 to July 2016: Member of the Regional Council for the Protection of Natural Heritage (CRPPN) of Sicily, representing the University of Catania.

September 2011 to present: Member of the Provincial Scientific Council of the Province of Ragusa, representing the University of Catania.

November 2012 to October 2016: Member of the Provincial Scientific Council of the Province of Caltanissetta, representing the University of Catania.

November 2014 to September 2018: Coordinator of the Bachelor's Degree in Environmental and Natural Sciences at the University of Catania.

November 2015 to September 2018: Coordinator of the Master's Degree in Environmental Biology at the University of Catania.

From March 2016 to present: Scientific Director of the Museum of Zoology and House of the University of Catania.

From June 2017 to October 2022: Member of the Scientific Council of the Regional Museum of Natural Sciences in Terrasini (Palermo).

From October 2018 to present: Local representative of the PNLS (National Plan for Scientific Degrees) for Environmental and Natural Sciences.

From December 2019 to October 2023: Delegate for the Third Mission of the Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania.

From September 2023 to present: President of the Sicilian Wildlife Agency, a naturalistic conservation and research association.

From October 2023 to present: Deputy Director of the Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania.

From February 2024 to April 2026: member of the CTS of the Etna Regional Park, as an expert zoologist designated by the University of Catania.

 

Last edit: 02/14/2021