top of page

David Baracchi

Associate Professor

PhD in Animal Ecology and Ethology

Address:

Università degli Studi di Firenze,

Room B2.34

Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italia

Contact:

david.baracchi@unifi.it

(+39) 055 457 4723

Orcid ID: 0000-0003-1308-0612
Foto David-Baracchi.jpg

Social insects demonstrate intricate behaviors and possess remarkable cognitive capabilities. I have a particular fascination with studying the evolution and adaptability of these behaviors and abilities. Working alongside my research team, we focus on investigating the neuroethological mechanisms and behavioral principles employed by small-brained insects, primarily bees, ants, and wasps. Our aim is to unravel how these insects effectively adjust to their surroundings and make strategic decisions to ensure their survival.

 

Our research also delves into the impact of biotic and abiotic stressors on the well-being and cognition of managed and wild pollinators. We are interested in understanding how factors such as pesticide exposure, pollutants, and disease affect the health and cognitive abilities of these crucial insects. By exploring these interactions, we aim to contribute to the development of sustainable practices and conservation strategies that promote the resilience of social insect communities

Education

2012

PhD in Animal Ethology and Ecology. University of Florence. Advisor: Prof. Stefano Turillazzi

2007

Master's degree in Behavioural Biology. Honours Summa con Laude. University of Florence. Advisor: Prof. Stefano Turillazzi

2005

Bachelor's Degree in Biological Science. Honours Summa con Laude. University of Florence.  Advisor: Prof. Stefano Turillazzi

Awards

2023-2025 National Funding Scheme PRIN-2022 (Role: Coordinator) (€284.000)

2021-2023  Eva Crane TRUST Grant (€35.000)

2017-2021 Rita Levi Montalcini Programme Fellowship (€214.000)

2013-2015 Marie  Sklodowska Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship IEF (€221.000)

2009-12 PhD Scholarship Awarded by the Italian Ministry of Research and Education

Professional History

2021 -

Associate Professor (Sector Bio-05) University of Florence, Italy

2018 - 21

Montalcini Research Fellow (RTDb). Assistant Professor. University of Florence, Italy

2015-18 

Postdoctoral Researcher, Université Paul Sabatier III, CNRS, France. Prof. Martin Giurfa's Lab

2015-18 

Postdoctoral Researcher, Université Paris13, France. Prof. Patrizia d'Ettorre's Lab

2013-15 

Marie Curie Research Fellow, Queen Mary University of London, UK. Prof. Lars Chittka's Lab

2012

Cultore della Materia (Zoology). University of Florence, Italy

Invited Talks at Scientific Meetings

2022 Title: Pheromones as neuromodulators of experience-depending behaviour in insects. International Congress Neuroethology, Lisbon, Portugal

2018 Title: Aminergic underpinnings of pheromonal modulation of olfactory learning and memory formation in honeybees. XI European Congress of Entomology, Naples, Italy

2015 Title: Appetitive and aversive pheromones modulate sucrose response threshold in honey bees. IFE-GDR Meeting, Paris, France

2015 Title: Nestmate recognition in a social wasp: vision and olfaction. SFECA Strasburg, France

2014 Title: Infected bumblebees self-medicate by increasing the ingestion of nectar toxins. EURBEE Murcia, Spain

bottom of page