On the occasion of the Day of Italian Research across the World, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation presents the videos of “Ritratti di donne – Scienza” (“Portraits of Women – Science”).

The project provides an opportunity to discover the best side of Italy, as well as its latest achievements in science, through the voices and stories of the key figures in the fields of research, technology and initiative in our Country.

A special interview Maria Cristina Fossi, Professor of Ecology and Ecotoxicology at the University of Siena (UNISI) and Scientific Director of the Biomarker Laboratory (CIBM) since 2000.

She has made key contributions to the development of the biomarker approach in terrestrial and marine ecotoxicology. Since 1991, she has developed innovative diagnostic tools for the ecotoxicological assessment of threatened species (marine mammals, birds, reptiles) leading to the definition of methods (non-destructive biomarker approach) currently recognised as the gold standard internationally. In 2012, she provided the first worldwide evidence on the effects of microplastics on minke whales. She has authored or co-authored more than 800 scientific articles.