Over the past few months, we have had the pleasure of hosting Çağrı as an Erasmus student from University of Ankara in our laboratory. During his stay, he became an active member of our research group, contributing to ongoing activities while bringing enthusiasm, curiosity, and a positive attitude to the lab.

We would like to thank Çağrı for his commitment, hard work, and the moments shared both inside and outside the laboratory. It has been a pleasure to have him with us, and we are grateful for the contribution he made to our group.

Good luck, Çağrı, and thank you for being part of our team! 🍀🔬

Our research group was delighted to take part in the organization of the European Researchers’ Night! Throughout the event, we engaged with children, teenagers, and families through a series of hands-on activities designed to make chemistry fun and accessible. Participants explored the concept of pH through interactive experiments, learning how scientists distinguish between acidic and basic substances in everyday life. 

We also introduced visitors to the fascinating world of molecules, showing how these tiny building blocks come together to form the materials and living systems around us. By constructing molecular models and participating in educational games, young scientists had the opportunity to discover how chemistry helps us understand the world at the microscopic level.

Seeing the enthusiasm, curiosity, and creativity of the participants was incredibly rewarding. Events like the European Researchers’ Night highlight the importance of science communication and provide a valuable opportunity to share our passion for research with the next generation.

🔬🧪✨ Science is even more exciting when it is discovered through play and curiosity.

Prof. Curti and Dr. Kelly Bugatti participated in CDCO 2026, the conference of the Organic Chemistry Division of the Italian Chemical Society, held in Naples, where they presented their latest research activities.

Prof. Curti delivered a presentation entitled “Functionalization of Bioactive Dihydroquinazolinedione Scaffolds for Enhanced Stability toward Oxidation”, focusing on the design and functionalization of bioactive dihydroquinazolinedione derivatives to improve their oxidative stability and potential applications.

Dr. Kelly Bugatti presented “From Prediction to Bench: An Integrated Modelling–Synthesis Framework for Bitter Peptide Identification”, describing an interdisciplinary workflow that combines computational modelling and experimental validation for the identification and characterization of bitter peptides.

The conference provided a valuable opportunity to share our research with the Italian organic chemistry community, engage in stimulating scientific discussions, and strengthen connections with colleagues working in related fields. We were pleased to present our work at such an important scientific meeting and to contribute to the exchange of ideas driving innovation in organic and bioorganic chemistry.

Prof. Sartori and Dr. Kelly Bugatti attended the 14th IUPAC International Conference on Bioorganic Chemistry (ISBOC-14), held in Milan in June 2026, where they presented two research projects currently being developed within our group.

Prof. Sartori presented the work entitled “Antifibrotic Efficacy of a Nintedanib–Peptide Conjugate Targeting αVβ6 Integrin in IPF”, focused on the development of targeted therapeutic strategies for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Dr. Kelly Bugatti presented “From Extraction to Immunoreactivity: A Chemical-Biology View of C-Phycocyanin from Arthrospira platensis”, highlighting a multidisciplinary approach to the study of C-phycocyanin, from its extraction and characterization to the evaluation of its immunoreactive properties.

The conference provided an excellent opportunity to share our latest findings with the international scientific community, exchange ideas with researchers from diverse fields, and establish new collaborations. We were delighted to present our work at such a prestigious international event and to contribute to the scientific discussions taking place at the forefront of bioorganic chemistry.

On June 19, we had the privilege of spending a day together dedicated to the memory of Professor Giovanni Casiraghi, ten years after his passing.

The event opened with remarks from Prof. Marco Mor, Deputy Director of the Department of Food and Drug Sciences, who highlighted the deep respect and admiration the academic community has always held for Professor Casiraghi.

Prof. Zanardi then retraced his remarkable scientific achievements, intertwined with his passion for mountain climbing— an integral part of who he was. It was a heartfelt talk, not without moments of emotion.

Prof. Appendino, with his presentation “Phytocannabinoids: Reflections from a Two-Decade Journey”, also shared memories of their meaningful personal connection and long-standing epistolary friendship, offering a genuine glimpse of the man behind the scientist.

Finally, PhD student Luca Aimi presented the progress of his first two years of research, made possible through a fellowship established in memory of Professor Casiraghi and funded by his family—a tangible sign of continuity and commitment to future research.

It was a meaningful, moving day. Moments like these remind us how a great professor can leave a lasting impact: not only through memory and affection, but also through the continuity of ideas, research, and the people they have inspired.

A special day for our research group 🎓✨

27-02-2026: Debora successfully defended her PhD thesis, earning the title of Doctor of Philosophy!

Her dissertation, “Innovative Asymmetric Synthesis Routes toward Bioactive, Chiral Heterocyclic Compounds”, is the result of years of dedication, scientific curiosity, and determination. Her work opens new perspectives in the asymmetric synthesis of bioactive heterocyclic compounds, a key area for many pharmaceutical and chemical applications 🔬 ⚗️

We are proud and grateful to have shared this journey with her.

Congratulations, Debora — and onward to the next challenges! 🚀 

On October 6, 2025, the University of Parma reaffirmed its leading role in Italian and international research against emerging viruses through the PANVIRIDE project. The consortium developed hundreds of antiviral molecules, including four broad-spectrum preclinical candidates, and innovative therapeutic strategies. The final event in Catanzaro gathered over 100 researchers and international experts, highlighting Italy’s contribution to biomedical innovation and training new scientists.

👉 Our PhD student Debora Guazzetti also presented her project during this important event.

On 7th March Margherita Restori obtained her PhD, defending her thesis entitled "Novel Fluorescent Molecular Probes and Peptide-Drug Conjugates Targeting Integrin αvβ6 towards Precise Imaging and Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis".

Congratulations to Margherita on her successful PhD!

On the 29th November, Prof. Franca Zanardi was invited to give a seminar at the University of Milan on our research topic, entitled "Jumping from Heterocycles to Peptides in Search of New Chemical Connections and Molecular Functions".

If you missed it, you can find the abstract here: don't hesitate to contact us if you want to learn something new about our projects!

On 27 November, Dr Kelly Bugatti will delivered a webinar for Boc Sciences, wherein she presented a summary of the findings from our research into peptide-drug conjugates as a potential treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. 

The webinar was filmed and is available to watch again if you missed it. You can find the registration link on the Boc Sciences site (link), and feel free to contact our research group if you have any questions!

During the European Night of Reasearcher we played the CabbageMind! 

Do you know that the red cabbage contains an anthocyanin-based dye, which can be used as a pH indicator? We used the different colored solutions at different pH to play a classic MasterMind game, which turned, in this way, to a CabbageMind.

Come to visit us next year, at the Department of Food and Drug at the University of Parma. What will be the next way we will teach you chemistry?

Prof. Zanardi received the medal at the XXVIII National Congress of the Italian Chemical Society 2024 “for having been able to combine the research of innovative pathways of asymmetric organic synthesis for selective access to molecular diversity with the effective use of some molecular prototypes in the bio-medical field, with relevant results in precision medicine in the diagnostic and therapeutic fields.”

During this occasion, Prof. Zanardi held a lecture entitled “Handcrafting function-rich molecules: an amazing opportunity to serve life sciences.”

The “Adolfo Quilico” Medal, named in memory of this scientist of the last century, is awarded annually to a scholar or scholar who has distinguished himself or herself for research of special interest in the field of Bio-Organic Chemistry.

The two-year Ischia Advanced School of Organic Chemistry (IASOC) was held from September the 19th to the 24th: this year the school was a success not only for the large number of participants, but also for the exceptional quality of the lectures. The school is famous for having a program full of leading researchers, among whom this year was Prof. Marta Catellani, an exceptional chemist from the University of Parma, who enlightened the students with her lesson entitled “The Lively Chemistry of the Pd/Norbornene Duo”.

We're waiting to attend the school during September 2026: in the middle time, stay tuned by checking the school website! https://www.iasoc.it/home/