SPEAKERS

Giuseppe Venturella is a Full Professor of Systematic Botany at the University of Palermo, Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences (SAAF). He holds a degree in Agricultural Science and a specialization in Food Science from the same institution. 

With an academic career spanning over three decades, Professor Venturella is a renowned expert in mycology and plant conservation. His research focuses on fungal taxonomy, in situ and ex situ conservation strategies of Pleurotus taxa, and the identification, cultivation, and characterization of bioactive compounds from medicinal mushrooms. His expertise also extends to ornamental plants, riparian vegetation and biomonitoring. 

He has authored over 200 scientific publications including several books and monographs. Beyond his research, he holds prestigious leadership positions, including Vice President of the Italian Botanical Society (SBI) and President of the Italian Society for Medicinal Mushrooms (SIMM). He is the Italian representative for the International Society for Medicinal Mushrooms (ISMM) and an active member of the IUCN Mediterranean Plant Specialist Group. 

As a scientific coordinator, he manages major projects under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). He is also the curator of the SAAF Department Herbarium. Throughout his career, he has organized key national and international events, including the 9th and 12th International Medicinal Mushroom Conferences, held in Palermo (2017) and Bari (2024).