Over 100 researchers from 9 different institutions and 12 different laboratories gathered in Siena, at the Certosa di Pontignano, on 23-24 April 2024 for scientific meeting of Spoke 3 of the NBFC.

The program was divided into five sessions, which hosted 45 oral presentations and 30 posters.

In session 1, chaired by Marco Bologna (University of Roma Tre), the latest results on alpha-taxonomy, which includes plants, animals, fungi and microbes from various ecosystems, were presented. While taxonomy studies benefit from the integration of morphological data with molecular information (integrative taxonomy), the need to train, through dedicated educational programs (such as summer school and doctorate), a new generation of taxonomy experts was underlined.

Session 2, chaired by Stefano Cannicci (University of Florence), was dedicated to conservation issues, focusing on various species and habitats at risk of extinction and underlining the danger that a growing erosion of biodiversity leads to the loss of species useful for providing compounds of pharmaceutical, nutraceutical or cosmetic importance. At the same time, however, the intrinsic value of biodiversity has been stressed, both from a cultural and ethical point of view.

Session 3, chaired by Roberto Guidetti (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia), focused on invasive species and the threat that their spread poses to native biodiversity. The possible negative effects of these species on human economic activities and human health were also highlighted.

The theme of session 4, chaired by Andrea Buffagni (CNR-IRSA), was two ecosystems of particular interest for human activities: agricultural and forestry soils and freshwater environments. The main animal and plant groups of these ecosystems were discussed, also from an interdisciplinary point of view, with scientific contributions from the world of geology, geochemistry and environmental chemistry.

Finally, in session 5, chaired by Andrea Sforzi (Museum of Natural History of Maremma), the latest developments in Citizen Science were taken into account through the description of projects already carried out or in the process of being carried out. This session also represented the moment for the launch of a specific action transversal to the NBFC and intended to network all the Citizen Science activities carried out by the Centre's partners, also with a view to building a relationship with the MUR and leading to the establishment of a National Reference Center on Citizen Science.

ALPHA-TAXONOMY - MARCO BOLOGNA (U. ROMA TRE)

CONSERVATION - ALICIA T.R. ACOSTA (U. ROMA TRE)

 INVASIVE SPECIES - ROBERTO GUIDETTI (U. MODENA E REGGIO EMILIA)

SOIL & FRESHWATER - ANDREA BUFFAGNI (CNR-IRSA)

CITIZEN SCIENCE - ALESSANDRO CAMPANARO (CREA)