BSc degree in Forest Science at University of Firenze (Italy, 1992). Research Associate at Istituto Sperimentale per la Selvicoltura (Italy, 1992). PhD in plant environmental biology at the University of Firenze (Italy, 1993-1995). Postdoc at Boyce Thompson at Cornell University (USA, 1995-1997). Lecturer, senior lecturer, reader, then Professor of Forest Science at Edinburgh University (UK, 1997-2016). Since 2018, ranked as a Highly Cited Researcher (top 1% by citations)  in the field of Plant & Animal Science by Clarivate Analytics.  Ranked among the top Italian Scientists in the area of Natural & Environmental Science by Via-Academy (http://www.topitalianscientists.org/top_italian_scientists.aspx).

Research interests

I work at the frontier between biological and environmental sciences, interfacing with global change. My major contributions to science are in the study of forest dynamics, particularly carbon and water cycles, in Boreal, temperate, tropical and Mediterranean forests in Europe, the Americas, Australia and Africa. I have authored >200 peer-reviewed papers. I am very involved in debates concerning how longer and more intense droughts, as a consequence of climate change, can accelerate tree mortality. I also work closely with the forestry sector on themes including forest growth and carbon sequestration, using models and remote sensing. I have supervised >40 scientists, of whom >20 are still active in senior academic positions or universities. I have spoken at several high-profile conferences. Since 2018, I have been ranked as a Highly Cited Researcher (top 1% by citations)  in the field of Plant & Animal Science by Clarivate Analytics.