Direttore Centro Conservazione Biodiversità at Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Italy
Prof. Gianluigi Bacchetta is a renowned botanist and Full Professor at the University of Cagliari, Italy, with a distinguished career in plant biology, conservation, and geobotany. He holds multiple advanced degrees, including a European PhD in Plant Biology, and has served in various academic roles, including Director of the Hortus Botanicus Karalitanus and the Conservation Centre of Biodiversity. His research focuses on Mediterranean plant diversity, phytoclimatology, and phytogeography, contributing nearly 700 scientific publications. Prof. Bacchetta is actively involved in international conservation efforts, leading several EU-funded projects and serving on the editorial boards of prestigious journals. He also holds key positions in networks such as GENMEDA and scientific councils across Europe. His impactful work in seed banking, biodiversity preservation, and academic leadership makes him a leading figure in botanical science. His contributions have significantly advanced plant conservation and research, making him a strong candidate for recognition in the field.
Professional Profile
Education 🎓
Prof. Gianluigi Bacchetta holds a comprehensive and multidisciplinary academic background in the life sciences. He earned his degree in Life Sciences from the University of Cagliari in 1996, followed by a Master’s in Landscape Planning at the same university in 1997. He further specialized with a Master’s in “Vegetation Analysis: survey and data elaboration on flora, vegetation and soil” at the Marche Polytechnic University in 2000. That same year, he completed a PhD in Geomorphology and Geobotany at the Marche Polytechnic University, solidifying his expertise in plant ecology and landscape dynamics. In 2002, he obtained the “Suficiencia Investigadora” and earned a European PhD in Plant Biology at the University of Valencia, Spain. His diverse and rigorous academic training across prominent European institutions laid a strong foundation for his distinguished research career in botany, particularly in Mediterranean flora, conservation biology, and phytogeography.
Professional Experience 💼
Prof. Gianluigi Bacchetta has over two decades of professional experience in botanical science, specializing in plant biology, geobotany, and conservation. He began his academic career as a lecturer at the Marche Polytechnic University (2000–2002), followed by his role as Assistant Professor at the University of Cagliari (2002–2006). He was later promoted to Associate Professor (2006–2015) and currently serves as Full Professor at the Faculty of Biology and Pharmacy. He also holds an adjunct professorship at the University of Tehran. Prof. Bacchetta has directed key institutions such as the Hortus Botanicus Karalitanus and currently leads the Conservation Centre of Biodiversity and the Germplasm Bank of Sardinia. He is Deputy Director of the PhD program in Earth and Environmental Sciences and actively contributes to international conservation projects. His leadership, academic mentorship, and research coordination highlight his profound commitment to advancing plant science and biodiversity conservation on both national and international levels.
Research Interest 🔬
Prof. Gianluigi Bacchetta’s research interests center on plant biodiversity, geobotany, and conservation biology, with a strong focus on the Mediterranean region. Since 1991, he has conducted extensive studies on the flora of islands and coastal ecosystems, examining patterns of plant diversity, endemism, and habitat specificity. His work integrates phytoclimatology, phytogeography, and ecological restoration, aiming to understand and preserve vulnerable plant communities. He has a particular interest in ex situ and in situ conservation strategies, seed banking, and the sustainable management of plant genetic resources. As Director of the Conservation Centre of Biodiversity and the Germplasm Bank of Sardinia, he plays a key role in preserving rare and endemic species. Prof. Bacchetta is also involved in international research networks and projects focused on ecosystem resilience, habitat mapping, and biogeographic analysis. His interdisciplinary approach combines fieldwork, data analysis, and policy-oriented research to advance global plant conservation efforts.
Award and Honor🏆
Prof. Gianluigi Bacchetta has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding contributions to botany, plant conservation, and biodiversity research. While specific awards are not detailed in the provided information, his appointment to prestigious academic and scientific positions reflects his high standing in the scientific community. He has been entrusted with leadership roles such as Director of the Conservation Centre of Biodiversity and the Germplasm Bank of Sardinia, as well as President of the GENMEDA network, underscoring his influence in Mediterranean plant conservation. Additionally, his involvement in high-level scientific councils, editorial boards of leading journals, and international conservation initiatives attests to the respect he commands globally. His selection as a principal investigator for numerous European Union-funded projects (LIFE+, Interreg, Erasmus+) further highlights his scientific excellence and leadership. These honors collectively demonstrate his significant impact on advancing plant science and conserving botanical heritage at both regional and international levels.
Research Skill🔎
Prof. Gianluigi Bacchetta possesses a broad and advanced set of research skills in the fields of botany, plant ecology, and biodiversity conservation. His expertise spans geobotanical survey methods, vegetation analysis, phytosociological classification, and phytogeographical mapping. He is highly skilled in the identification and classification of Mediterranean flora, with a strong focus on endemic and threatened plant species. Prof. Bacchetta is proficient in ex situ and in situ conservation techniques, including seed collection, germplasm preservation, and habitat restoration. He demonstrates strong analytical skills in ecological data processing and GIS-based spatial analysis, essential for landscape-level conservation planning. Additionally, he is experienced in managing large-scale, interdisciplinary research projects, especially those funded by the European Union. His ability to integrate fieldwork with policy-relevant science and academic dissemination is evident in his prolific publication record. These research competencies position him as a leader in applied plant science and ecosystem conservation across Mediterranean and island environments.
Conclusion📝
Prof. Gianluigi Bacchetta is an exceptionally qualified and globally respected botanist, whose long-standing contributions to plant taxonomy, biodiversity conservation, and geobotany make him a highly suitable and deserving candidate for the Botany Scientist Excellence Award.
His profound academic achievements, prolific publication record, institutional leadership, and continuous involvement in conservation and international collaboration align perfectly with the award’s vision to honor excellence in botanical research.
Publications Top Noted📚
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An annotated checklist of the Italian vascular flora
Authors: F Conti, G Abbate, A Alessandrini, C Blasi
Year: 1999
Citations: 2005
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An updated checklist of the vascular flora native to Italy
Authors: F Bartolucci, L Peruzzi, G Galasso, A Albano, A Alessandrini, …
Year: 2018
Citations: 927
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An updated checklist of the vascular flora alien to Italy
Authors: G Galasso, F Conti, L Peruzzi, NMG Ardenghi, E Banfi, L Celesti-Grapow, …
Year: 2018
Citations: 625
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Integrazioni alla checklist della flora vascolare italiana
Authors: F Conti, A Alessandrini, G Bacchetta, E Banfi, G Barberis, F Bartolucci, …
Year: 2007
Citations: 397
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Using MaxEnt modeling to predict the potential distribution of the endemic plant Rosa arabica Crép. in Egypt
Authors: M Abdelaal, M Fois, G Fenu, G Bacchetta
Year: 2019
Citations: 297
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Using species distribution models at local scale to guide the search of poorly known species: Review, methodological issues and future directions
Authors: M Fois, A Cuena-Lombraña, G Fenu, G Bacchetta
Year: 2018
Citations: 277
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Hotspots within hotspots: Endemic plant richness, environmental drivers, and implications for conservation
Authors: EM Cañadas, G Fenu, J Peñas, J Lorite, E Mattana, G Bacchetta
Year: 2014
Citations: 243
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Effects of ecological factors on the antioxidant potential and total phenol content of Scrophularia striata Boiss
Authors: Z Zargoosh, M Ghavam, G Bacchetta, A Tavili
Year: 2019
Citations: 226
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Red Listing plants under full national responsibility: Extinction risk and threats in the vascular flora endemic to Italy
Authors: S Orsenigo, C Montagnani, G Fenu, D Gargano, L Peruzzi, T Abeli, …
Year: 2018
Citations: 212
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Phylogenetic analysis informed by geological history supports multiple, sequential invasions of the Mediterranean Basin by the angiosperm family Araceae
Authors: G Mansion, G Rosenbaum, N Schoenenberger, G Bacchetta, JA Rosselló, …
Year: 2008
Citations: 171
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Environmental factors influencing coastal vegetation pattern: new insights from the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: G Fenu, M Carboni, ATR Acosta, G Bacchetta
Year: 2013
Citations: 159
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Vegetazione forestale e serie di vegetazione della Sardegna (con rappresentazione cartografica alla scala 1: 350.000)
Authors: G Bacchetta, S Bagella, E Biondi, E Farris, RS Filigheddu, L Mossa
Year: 2009
Citations: 155
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Conservación ex situ de plantas silvestres
Authors: G Bacchetta, B Daniel, B Piero
Year: 2008
Citations: 144