Prof. Leonardo Mancabelli

Assistant Professor (RTT; SSD BIOS-15/A, former BIO/19) at the Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, and member of the interdepartmental research centre “Microbiome Research Hub”. Research activity focuses on the use of omics approaches (metagenomics, genomics and transcriptomics) and bioinformatics to investigate the human microbiota (including extra-intestinal sites) and its interactions with the host, with particular emphasis on gut bacteria, bifidobacteria and Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB).

Main research topics
• Human microbiota across different body sites
• Microbiota and interactions with the environment
• Genomics and functional genomics of probiotic bacteria and interactions with the human host
• Metagenomics and bioinformatics applied to microbial communities

Education and qualifications
2012: Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, University of Parma (24/02/2012).
2013: Master’s degree in Medical, Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Parma (09/12/2013).
2014–2017: PhD in Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Parma; research focused on intestinal bacteria in human and animal health.
2023: Italian National Scientific Qualification (Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale, ASN) for Associate Professor in SSD BIOS-15/A (former SSD BIO/19) – Microbiology.

Academic positions and affiliations
2019–2022: Research fellow, Probiogenomics laboratory, University of Parma.
2022–2026: Assistant Professor (RTD-A; SSD BIOS-15/A, former SSD BIO/19), Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma.
2026–present: Assistant Professor (RTT; SSD BIOS-15/A, former SSD BIO/19), Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma.
2022–present: Member, interdepartmental research centre “Microbiome Research Hub” (University of Parma).

Affiliation to scientific societies
Since 2023: Affiliate Member, Microbiology Society.
Since 2015: Member, Società Italiana di Microbiologia Generale e Biotecnologie Microbiche (SIMGBM).

Research activity
Research activity (since 2014) focuses on the application of omics techniques (metagenomics, genomics and transcriptomics) to investigate correlations between the microbiota of different body sites and physiological/pathological conditions, in humans and in other hosts (including farm and companion animals) for their relevance to human health. Additional lines of research include genomics and functional genomics of intestinal bacteria and bacteria from other body sites (e.g., vaginal and lung microbiota), with a particular focus on bifidobacteria and Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB).