Searching consortium as a scientific partner – University of Catania

Dear all,
I am writing on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A) of the University of Catania (Sicily), Italy, to express our interest in joining a consortium as a scientific partner within the Interreg Euro-MED Mission.

Specifically, our research group, coordinated by Prof. Daniela Romano, Full Professor of Horticulture and Floriculture, has extensive scientific and applied experience in Mediterranean landscape and urban horticulture, ornamental and Mediterranean plant species, sustainable management of green areas, and plant responses to abiotic stresses.

Our expertise includes, in particular:
-selection and evaluation of ornamental and Mediterranean plant species for urban green spaces and climate-resilient landscapes;
-physiological and productive responses of plants to water scarcity, salinity, shading and other environmental stresses;
-water-use efficiency and identification of species suitable for low-input and water-limited environments;
-planning and sustainable management of parks, gardens and Mediterranean green areas;
-use and valorization of native plant biodiversity for urban and peri-urban greening;
-research on medicinal and aromatic plants, including essential oils, plant extracts and their potential applications in urban horticulture;
-development and evaluation of plant-based solutions contributing to biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation and ecosystem services.

The research group has long-standing experience in national and European research projects addressing sustainable horticulture, plant biodiversity, Mediterranean production systems, urban green infrastructure and plant adaptation to environmental constraints. We are available to join a consortium as a scientific partner and contribute actively from the proposal development stage, bringing our expertise to defining project objectives, designing scientific activities and methodologies, and planning pilot actions addressing green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, biodiversity, and climate-resilient Mediterranean urban landscapes.

We would welcome contact from lead partners, municipalities, public authorities, universities, research organizations, and other partners currently building a consortium and seeking complementary scientific expertise. We would be pleased to join as a partner.

Kind regards,
Valentina Formica

valentina.formica@phd.unict.it
University of Catania
Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A)
Catania, Italy