Prof. Maria-Beatrice Coltelli | Sustainability and Recycling of FRPs | FRP Sustainability Achievement Award
University of Pisa, Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Italy
Profiles:
Current Position🏛️
Maria-Beatrice Coltelli (MBC) serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering at the University of Pisa (UNIPI) since 2019. In this role, she imparts knowledge on subjects such as Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Materials Science and Technology, and Reactive Processing and Recycling of Polymers. Furthermore, MBC has taken on the role of President of the PhD course in Chemical Engineering and Materials since 2023, guiding the next generation of scientists and engineers in the field.
Ongoing Research 🔍
Maria-Beatrice Coltelli is actively involved in several research projects that focus on the development of sustainable materials. Currently, she is the coordinator of the project “PLAnt-based antiMIcrobial aNd circular PACKaging for plant products” (PLAMINPACK), funded by the PRIMA2023 EU-Mediterranean call. Her role emphasizes the importance of creating packaging solutions that are both effective and environmentally friendly. Moreover, she is the research leader for the Flexizyme project, aimed at constructing a flexible enzymatic biotechnological platform for sustainable industrial production of bio-based fatty amines.
Research Interests 🔬
MBC’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum within the realm of materials science.
- Biodegradable materials for packaging and agricultural applications.
- Polymer blends, composites, and nano-composites for recyclable and bioplastic applications.
- Industrial ecology, investigating new avenues for waste valorization and resource sustainability.
Academic Background 🎓
Maria-Beatrice Coltelli completed her Master’s degree in Chemistry in 2001, followed by a PhD in Chemical Science in 2005, both from the University of Pisa. This strong academic foundation has equipped her with the skills necessary to address complex challenges in materials science, particularly in polymer technology.
Scholarships and Awards 🏆
Throughout her career, MBC has been recognized for her contributions to the field. Her role as the National Coordinator of the European BISC-E challenge organized by the Biobased Industry Consortium (BIC) since 2024 exemplifies her leadership in promoting biobased solutions. Her commitment to academic excellence is further reflected in her leadership roles within various interdepartmental centers at UNIPI.
Professional Associations 🤝
MBC is an active member of several professional organizations, enhancing her network and influence within the scientific community. She has been involved with the CISIM, CISUP, and CISBEC interdepartmental centers at UNIPI, contributing her expertise to interdisciplinary initiatives and projects.
Training & Workshops 📅
As an educator, Maria-Beatrice Coltelli has organized and participated in numerous training sessions and workshops, aiming to disseminate knowledge on innovative materials and sustainable practices. Her dedication to educating others is evident in her dynamic teaching approach and active engagement in academic forums.
Oral Presentations 🗣️
MBC has delivered multiple oral presentations at international conferences, sharing her insights on materials science innovations and sustainable practices. Her ability to communicate complex ideas clearly has made her a sought-after speaker in the field.
Tasks Completed as a Researcher ✅
Over her career, MBC has successfully completed various research tasks, including:
- Leading projects on reactive blending of plastics and their recycling.
- Developing 100% biodegradable plastic fibers for agricultural use.
- Participating in numerous European projects aimed at advancing sustainable materials.
Success Factors 🌟
The success of Maria-Beatrice Coltelli can be attributed to her relentless pursuit of knowledge, her ability to collaborate effectively with industry and academia, and her commitment to fostering innovation in materials science. Her interdisciplinary approach and proactive engagement with stakeholders in the biobased industry position her as a leader in the field.
Publications & Laboratory Experience 🧪
With a robust publication record and hands-on laboratory experience, MBC has significantly contributed to the advancement of knowledge in polymer science. Her research on biodegradable materials and recycling technologies continues to inspire new methodologies and applications in the industry.
📖Publications: