Maria Violetta Brundo
Keywords
The research activity focuses on cell and developmental biology, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms underlying cellular differentiation, reproductive biology, exosomes as drug delivery systems, and the assessment of the biological activity and safety of bioactive compounds through experimental in vitro and in vivo models. The research integrates advanced microscopy and imaging techniques, nanotechnologies, molecular biomarkers, and ecotoxicology, with applications in the fields of translational medicine, nutraceuticals, sustainable aquaculture, and environmental health. More recently, the research activity has expanded to include the use of bio-inspired approaches and artificial intelligence for the development of innovative models in biological and biomedical applications.
Full Professor of Comparative Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology at the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania. Her research focuses on cell and developmental biology, experimental toxicology, the use of exosomes as bioactive molecule delivery systems, and the application of nanotechnologies in biomedical and environmental sciences. She also has extensive expertise in optical and electron microscopy applied to biological research.
Throughout her academic career, she has coordinated and participated in numerous nationally and internationally funded research projects, serving as principal investigator and scientific coordinator in several strategic initiatives. Since 2014, she has been Director of the Laboratories of Electron Microscopy, Developmental Biology, Reproductive Biotechnology, Cytology and Embryology at the University of Catania. She currently serves as President of the Master's Degree Programme in Experimental and Applied Biology. Previously, she served as Rector's Delegate for Student Orientation and directed postgraduate Master's programmes in Reproductive Biology and Clinical Embryology, making a significant contribution to the development of the University's academic programmes.
Alongside her research and teaching activities, Professor Brundo is deeply committed to the training of early-career researchers. Over the years, she has supervised numerous PhD candidates as well as undergraduate and Master's students, fostering scientific excellence and mentoring the next generation of researchers in cell biology, developmental biology and biotechnology.
She is also actively engaged in knowledge transfer and innovation through collaborations with companies operating in the fields of cosmeceuticals, regenerative medicine and biotechnology. Her research supports the development and preclinical validation of innovative products, strengthening the link between academic research and industrial innovation.
Professor Brundo is the author of more than ninety peer-reviewed scientific publications in international journals and has established a strong bibliometric profile. She serves on the editorial boards of several international scientific journals and acts as reviewer for numerous high-impact journals. Her academic activity combines research, teaching and innovation, with a strong commitment to promoting collaboration between academia, industry and society.
Professor Maria Violetta Brundo's research activity is focused on cell biology, comparative anatomy, and developmental biology, adopting a highly multidisciplinary approach that integrates basic research, translational research, and technological innovation. Her main research interests include cell biology, the study of exosomes as drug delivery systems, in vivo and in vitro evaluation of the toxicity and efficacy of bioactive compounds, nanotechnology applied to life sciences, environmental toxicology, and regenerative medicine. Particular emphasis is placed on the application of advanced optical and electron microscopy techniques for the ultrastructural analysis of cells and tissues. Since 2014, she has served as Scientific Director of the Electron Microscopy, Developmental Biology, Reproductive Biotechnology, Cytology, and Embryology Laboratories at the University of Catania.
Throughout her career, she has coordinated and participated in numerous national and international research projects funded through competitive programs, including PRIN, PNRR, PON, FIR, Horizon/FP7, and regional funding schemes, frequently serving as Principal Investigator or Unit Leader.
Her scientific production is characterized by continuity and significant international impact, as demonstrated by 96 indexed scientific publications. Her editorial activity includes appointments as Associate Editor, Review Editor, and Editorial Board Member for several international scientific journals, in addition to serving as a peer reviewer for numerous high-impact journals.
Her research activity is closely integrated with advanced education and technology transfer. Professor Brundo has promoted and founded several interdisciplinary research centers dedicated to nutraceuticals, molecular and translational imaging, and rare diseases, contributing to the development of interdisciplinary research networks and the enhancement of scientific outcomes. In parallel, she has supervised a large number of undergraduate, master's, and PhD theses and coordinates advanced postgraduate training programs, fostering the education of young researchers and promoting knowledge transfer to industry and society.
Professor Maria Violetta Brundo plays a significant institutional role at both local and national levels in the field of university guidance and orientation, with particular reference to policies aimed at strengthening the connection between secondary education, universities, and the higher education system.
Since 2012, she has served as Delegate of the Director for Orientation at the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania, contributing to the design and implementation of orientation activities addressed to secondary school students and university students, with particular attention to the promotion of scientific disciplines, the enhancement of BIO-related educational pathways offered by the Department, and support for informed choices regarding university studies.
By Rector’s Decree No. 1495 of 11 April 2023, she served, until 18 September 2025, as Delegate of the Rector of the University of Catania for Incoming Orientation, coordinating University strategies aimed at promoting access to higher education, educational success, and the reduction of academic dropout rates. In this role, she promoted initiatives addressed to secondary school students, developing innovative orientation models based on the integration of laboratory activities, scientific outreach, and guidance pathways supporting students in their university choices.
At the national level, she serves as National Coordinator of the National Scientific Degrees Plan (Piano Lauree Scientifiche – PLS) for the National Project in Biology and Biotechnology, promoting coordination among 46 Italian universities, the development of shared orientation strategies, and the enhancement of students’ scientific skills, in close collaboration with the Ministry of University and Research.
She also served as the University of Catania’s Representative for the actions envisaged within the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), Mission 4 – Component 1, Investment 1.6, implemented through Ministerial Decree No. 934/2022, dedicated to active orientation during the transition from secondary school to university. In this role, she coordinated the planning, organization, and monitoring of orientation activities, fostering collaboration with secondary schools and the implementation of innovative pathways aimed at developing students’ transversal and disciplinary skills.
Professor Brundo also participates in the activities of the National Conference of Presidents and Directors of University Structures for Sciences and Technologies (Con.Scienze), where she is a member of the Commission for Student Orientation and Career Development, contributing to working groups focused on teaching innovation, university orientation, and national policies for scientific education. Through this role, she contributes to the development of shared strategies for strengthening STEM disciplines, promoting scientific culture, and consolidating dialogue among universities, schools, institutions, and local communities.
The overall range of these activities reflects her continuous commitment to the design and implementation of orientation policies based on inclusion, methodological innovation, and the enhancement of human capital, with the aim of promoting informed access to university pathways, supporting educational success, and strengthening the role of universities as drivers of cultural, scientific, and social development.