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Alma universitas studiorum parmensis A.D. 962 - Università di ParmaAlma universitas studiorum parmensis A.D. 962 - Università di Parma People and Organization
Università degli Studi di Parma

Marina Caldara

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Associate professor
Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability
Biotechnology, Ecology and Sustainability Unit
SSD: Cellular and Experimental Biology (BIOS-10/A)

Curriculum Vitae

Marina Caldara is a biologist with solid experience in international academic research and in the field of biotechnology for health, the environment, and sustainable agriculture. She is currently an associate professor in the Department of Chemical, Life and Environmental Sustainability Sciences at the University of Parma, where she conducts research and teaches in the field of “GENERAL AND CELLULAR BIOLOGY” SSD BIO/10-A. Throughout her career, she has developed in-depth expertise in the use of advanced methodologies in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and systems biology, together with recombinant technologies for the study of microorganisms, opportunistic pathogens, and cellular models. He has completed numerous postdoctoral research periods at institutions of international excellence, including MIT, Harvard University, and KU Leuven, working on topics such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, protein-membrane interactions involved in tauopathies, and the characterization of microbial biofilms. At the University of Parma, she has led and participated in numerous European and national projects dedicated to sustainable agriculture, microbial consortia, soil improvers, and innovative approaches to improving crop resilience, covering roles of coordination, supervision of fellows, and technical-scientific responsibilities. She is task leader in the European DeliSoil project, has been an active collaborator in the CONNECTFARMS and SIMBA projects, and has been involved in regional initiatives on circular bioeconomy and agri-food innovation. Her scientific output includes more than 26 indexed articles, with over 2605 citations, numerous publications as first or corresponding author, and a patent relating to the inhibition of microbial adhesion on surfaces. She has also participated in a wide range of national and international conferences with oral and poster presentations. Among her main achievements are her nomination as ASM Top Cited Author and several contributions to international conferences. Her activities reflect her profile as a highly qualified researcher with an interdisciplinary vision and a strong commitment to scientific innovation and sustainability.

Positions

Joint Teacher-Student Committee (CPDS) for Biotechnology

Internship Coordinator for the Biotechnology Degree Program

Member of the Biotechnology Degree Program Committee

Member of the CLEMFAS Degree Program Committee

Teaching

Research

Research areas

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES: 1: Application of PGPM and soil amendments: Study of how microbial consortia belonging to PGPM can stimulate the growth of plants of agronomic interest (tomatoes, corn, and wheat) through both greenhouse and field experiments. The idea is to use these microbial mixes as alternatives to chemical fertilizers. In addition, rhizosphere soil analysis will be carried out to assess any changes and the addition of soil amendments such as biochar will also be tested to see if this can enhance their action. 2: Soil health: Assessing whether soil health can be improved through the use of soil amendments of agri-food origin. The idea is to transform material that is considered waste or otherwise destined for other uses to assess whether its transformation into a soil conditioner can improve soil health. The supply chains considered are those of tomatoes, oil, and wine production, from which skins, pomace, kernels, and marc are transformed into compost and biochar. The latter are first fully characterized and then tested both in pots and in the field on tomatoes and wheat. Analyses to evaluate their efficiency are carried out by assessing soil indicators, plant performance, and finally the performance of the fruit. 3: Study on biofilm formation and colonization capacity: Study of the colonization capacity of new high-contact surfaces that are less prone to soiling. The study aims to assess whether biofilm growth on these surfaces is inhibited and, if so, to what extent.

Publications

Full list of publications

Public Engagement Initiatives

  • Workshop dedicato al progetto MEAT-ICO

    Presso l'azienda Agrosistemi si è svolto il secondo Workshop dedicato al progetto MEAT-ICO, finanziato dalla Regione Emilia-Romagna con fondi PR-FESR 2021-2027

    Date: 03/10/2025

  • La vita infinita degli oggetti e dei materiali

    In questa attività sono stati illustrati progetti di ricerca volti al riutilizzo di residui e sottoprodotti biologici attraverso le biotecnologie.

    Date: 26/09/2025

  • Open Day 2025

    Presentazione del Corso di Laurea Triennale in Biotecnologie, presenze al banchetto dedicato al corso di Laurea e visite ai laboratori didattici nell'ambito dei 3 giorni di Open Day organizzati dall'Ateneo

    Date: 10/04/2025-12/04/2025

  • Open day 2024

    Attività Istituzionale Orientamento in Ingresso per il Corso di Laurea triennale in Biotecnologie e visita ai laboratori didattici

    Date: 11/04/2024

  • Una settimana STEM: prove tecniche di vita universitaria

    Attività Laboratoriali di tipo chimico, biologico, biotecnologico, di scienze ambientali e scienza dei materiali realizzate congiuntamente dai PLS di biologia/biotecnologie, chimica e scienza della natura e dell'ambiente. Ogni studente partecipante prende parte ad attività che si svolgono nell'arco di una settimana per un totale di 35 ore.

    Date: 12/06/2023-23/06/2023

  • Researchers@school: La vita infinita degli oggetti e dei materiali

    Attività nelle scuole con i temi proposti nella Notte della Ricerca 2022

    Date: 01/11/2022-30/11/2022