Piero Ciccioli

Biography

Dr. Piero Ciccioli joined CNR as a researcher in 2012, after earning a Master's Degree in Geology in 2005 and a PhD in Earth Sciences and Geotechnologies in 2009, both at the University of Studies of Perugia.

Through his research activities at CNR, he developed a sound expertise on:

• formulation and synthesis of novel inorganic and hybrid organic-inorganic eco-sustainable materials for industrial application (e.g. low carbon cements obtained by using secondary raw materials, formaldehyde-free adhesives) as well as development of novel low energy processes for the production of new binding materials to be used in building sector;

• development of innovative and eco-friendly soil conditioners, technosoils and soilless growth media based on natural stone materials for 'water harvesting', ‘urban faming’, improvement of water use efficiency and, more in general, optimization of the use of natural resources for the sustainable management of agricultural and forest ecosystems;

• GIS modelling of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), both of anthropogenic and biogenic (BVOCs) origin, and detection methods for measuring the concentrations of these compounds as well as other airborne substances (especially contaminants, such as formaldehyde and NO2) in indoor and outdoor environments.

On these topics, Dr. Ciccioli has made a decisive contribution to the conception, development and implementation of more than ten research projects successfully funded by European and national programmes. These projects include the CNR National Flagship Project “Factory of the Future MECAGEOPOLY - Mechano-chemistry: an innovative process in the industrial production of poly-sialate and poly-silanoxosialate geopolymeric binders used in building construction”, the BRIC-INAIL Project “FREEFORES: Development of new organic and inorganic-based glues as substitutes for resins containing formaldehyde in wood products used in the construction and furniture sectors” and the PRIMA Project “SUSMEDHOUSE: Efficient, Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Mediterranean Greenhouse Integrated with Artificial Intelligence, Hi-Tech Automation and Control System”.

Dr. Ciccioli is also active in teaching, high education and scientific dissemination on the topics of environmental sustainability, sustainable development and Green & Circular Economy. In this context, he has been the Project Manager of the Erasmus+ KA02 European projects “EN-VET - Environmental Sustainability in the VET System: a Powerful Tool for the Future” and “CHERISH - Cultural and Natural Heritage: a Sustainable Tourism VET Integrated Approach”, both recognized by the Erasmus+ Authority as ‘Good Practices’ at European level.
He has been/currently is adjunct professor of “Green and Circular Economy” and “Global Changes and Human Resilience” teachings, both held at the “International Studies for Sustainability and Social Security” Degree Course of the University for Foreigners of Perugia.