Universit� degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Professor Luca Catalano from Unimore Awarded the 2025 Nardelli Prize by the Italian Crystallographic Association

Luca Catalano, Associate Professor at the Department of Life Sciences at Unimore, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Nardelli Prize by the Italian Crystallographic Association (AIC). This is the highest honour conferred annually by the AIC to a young researcher under the age of 40 who has made outstanding contributions in the field of crystallography.

The announcement was made in recent days by the AIC, which selected Professor Catalano in recognition of the high quality and originality of his research in crystallography, and in particular for his work on the development of smart materials with applications ranging from organic electronics to the design of new pharmaceuticals. The award will be officially presented during the Association’s annual conference, scheduled to take place in Florence in September 2025.

The Nardelli Prize, named in memory of Professor Mario Nardelli – a key figure in Italian crystallography – is an important encouragement for the new generations of scientists working in a field that is crucial for understanding the structure and function of molecules and materials.

“It is a great honour to receive the Nardelli Prize,” said Professor Catalano. “Not only because of the value this recognition holds within the scientific community, but also for what it represents on both a personal and professional level. I share this achievement with all my colleagues, students, and young researchers who have accompanied me on this journey. It is through collaboration and ongoing dialogue that research can grow and generate true innovation.”

Professor Catalano’s research focuses on the chemistry of organic solid-state materials, with particular emphasis on the design, synthesis, and characterisation of functional molecular crystals. His work explores phenomena such as polymorphism, phase transitions, and dynamics within crystals, with the aim of developing smart materials capable of responding to external stimuli. His strongly experimental and interdisciplinary research is published in high-impact international scientific journals and contributes to expanding knowledge on adaptive crystalline materials.

The awarding of the 2025 Nardelli Prize is further confirmation of the excellence of the research carried out within Unimore’s Department of Life Sciences, and highlights the University’s growing role within both the national and international scientific communities.

Categorie: International - english, Notizie_eng