Overview of the Ecosystem
The National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC) is devoted to the monitoring, conservation, restoration, and valorisation of biodiversity across marine, terrestrial, freshwater, and urban ecosystems. Funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), NBFC operates through a “hub and eight thematic spokes” structure. It mobilizes a critical mass of over 1,500 researchers from more than 50 Italian universities, research centers, and private partners, working in synergy across disciplines ranging from genomics and ecology to artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology.
NBFC’s vision is to make biodiversity a cornerstone of sustainable development and ecological transition, in full alignment with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. The eight spokes address the whole biodiversity value chain — from mapping and monitoring to ecosystem services, restoration, human wellbeing, communication, and innovation. Central to NBFC are digital and molecular infrastructures, AI- and ICT-based monitoring tools, and nature-based solutions (NBS) that connect research excellence with societal impact.
The Center establishes strong territorial interactions with parks, nature reserves, marine protected areas, municipalities, and urban networks to co-design and test restoration and conservation strategies at different spatial scales. At the same time, NBFC promotes co-designed research and innovation with enterprises, fostering new business models in the circular bioeconomy, sustainable materials, blue and green biotechnology, and environmental monitoring. Through training and open innovation programs, it empowers young scientists and supports the creation of green jobs and start-ups.
By linking science, society, and industry, the National Biodiversity Future Center acts as a national catalyst for biodiversity-based innovation, ecological resilience, and sustainable growth across the Mediterranean region and beyond.
Key Projects and Initiatives
Flagship Projects and Strategic Initiatives of the National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC)
* Publication of three national biodiversity reports
NBFC has released three major publications that synthesize scientific evidence and innovation pathways for biodiversity in Italy:
- 1st Annual Report on Biodiversity in Italy — assessing the current status and trends of national biodiversity;
- Restoring Biodiversity: Research Experiences and Innovations — focusing on ecological restoration and nature-based solutions;
- Biodiversity and Innovation: Strategies for Generating Value — exploring the bioeconomy potential of biodiversity and the creation of sustainable value chains.
These reports provide the scientific and policy framework guiding NBFC actions. www.nbfc.it/en
* Digital platform for biodiversity analysis and modelling (NBFC–CINECA)
A strategic partnership with CINECA has led to the development of a large-scale digital platform integrating genomic, ecological, and spatial data to enable advanced modelling, AI-assisted analysis, and predictive tools for biodiversity monitoring, restoration, and decision support.
* Citizen Science and public engagement
NBFC has launched national Citizen Science programs, including the creation of the Citizen Science Italia Association and a dedicated NBFC Working Table to coordinate community-based biodiversity monitoring and data sharing.
https://www.citizenscience.eu/blog/2024/06/17/italy-the-nbfc-working-table-on-citizen-science-was-born/
* Doctoral Programme of National Interest in Biodiversity
The PhD in Biodiversity connects universities and research institutions across Italy to train a new generation of interdisciplinary researchers in ecology, biotechnology, data science, and biodiversity governance.
* Competitive calls for innovation in protected areas and enterprises
NBFC funds competitive grants supporting parks, reserves, and private companies in developing and testing innovative monitoring, restoration, and valorisation strategies, strengthening links between research, territory, and the green economy.
* Key Exploitable Results (KERs)
NBFC has already identified and validated over 160 Key Exploitable Results, including technologies, datasets, digital services, and policy tools. These outcomes exemplify the Center’s translational approach, transforming research outputs into innovation and societal impact.
Collaboration Opportunities
- Joint R&D
- Tech Transfer and Valorization of Applied Research Results
- Start-up Ecosystem (mentoring, acceleration, access to capital)
Delegation at the Forum
- Andrea Galimberti (Full Professor in Zoology at the University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy): Leader of Spoke 5 (urban biodiversity) of NBFC
- Davide Maggioni (Associate Professor in Zoology at the University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy): Expert in genomics and bioinformatics, involved in the Spoke 7 of NBFC
- Rachele De Giuseppe (Associate Professor in Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition at the University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy): expert in clinical nutrition, dietetics, and lifestyle medicine for the prevention of non-communicable diseases, involved in the Spoke 6 of NBFC
- Annamaria Altomare (Researcher in Gastroenterology at the University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy): her work, framed within a translational and One Health perspective, investigates the interplay between diet, inflammation, and intestinal homeostasis, to develop personalized prevention and treatment strategies.
- Fabio Salbitano (Associate Professor in Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, at the University of Sassari, Italy): he is expert in silviculture, urban forestry and landscape restoration, combining ecological-modelling and territorial applications
