Sezione di Scienze Ambientali
Via P.A. Mattioli 4 - 53100 Siena
Email: debora.barbato@unisi.it
Biolgist, malacologist. She studies the ecology, diversity, systematics, and taxonomy of Italian terrestrial molluscs and is particularly interested in urban biodiversity and citizen science to actively engage the public in scientific research. She has participated in citizen science events in collaboration with universities, museums, and environmental organizations and has led both local and national citizen science projects for urban biodiversity monitoring. She has contributed to European projects on soil biodiversity and regional studies on the monitoring of species of conservation interest. Actively involved in scientific outreach, she is responsible for educational activities at the Natural History Museum of Accademia dei Fisiocritici.
1. Ecology and Diversity – Study of terrestrial and freshwater malacocoenoses in natural and anthropized environments, with a focus on urban biodiversity.
2. Alien Species – Analysis of the distribution patterns and ecological impact of non-native terrestrial and freshwater molluscs.
3. Monitoring and Conservation – Assessment of taxa of ecological, biogeographical, and conservation interest for the protection of habitats and biodiversity.
4. Multi-Taxa Approach – Studies on the interactions between terrestrial molluscs and other soil biodiversity groups.
5. Citizen Science and Outreach – Design and management of initiatives to actively engage the community in scientific research and the conservation of less charismatic taxa.