Alessia Ligresti

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT ALESSIA LIGRESTI

I am a Biochemical Pharmacologist with a passion for chemical biology and translational research. I am a Research Director at the Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), leading a team focusing on developing novel cannabinoid-based therapies for oncometabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Our research focuses on identifying multi-modal molecules that selectively target the endocannabinoid system and elucidating the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in various pathological contexts, particularly their connection to cannabinoid receptors. I am a scientific consultant for several pharmaceutical and technology companies, guiding drug development and technological innovation. I served as a Member of the Supervisory Board of the H2020-MSCA-COFUND “INCIPIT” project (grant agreement: 665403). I have successfully coordinated national and international research programs and private funding initiatives. My work extends to directing the Health Section for Obiettivo LCC and serving as a member of the Panel of Evaluators for the MIMIT (Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy) and EU-EIC-PATHFINDER calls. I earned my PhD in Pharmaceutical Science from the University of Naples “Federico II” in December 2005. After postdoctoral training at ICB-CNR (20••••08) under Prof. Vincenzo Di Marzo\'s mentorship, I secured a tenured track position at CNR-ICB. My career has been marked by promotions to Senior Researcher in 2010 and Research Director in 2023. This journey has been punctuated by significant recognitions, including habilitation as an Associate Professor in Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry (2014) and Full Professor in Medicinal Chemistry (2024) by the MIUR, recognition as a Highly Cited Woman Researcher for Chemistry at CNR in 2020, and, in 2024, the receipt of the Mid-term Career ICRS Award and appointment as International Secretary for the ICRS. In 2024, I was included in the world\'s top 2% scientists list by Stanford University and Elsevier. Co-inventor of 2 patents and author of over 130 scientific articles with key discoveries in leading journals (H-index: 48, source Scopus, March 2025). My expertise spans Biochemical Pharmacology, Chemical Biology, Cannabinoid Research, and Mitochondrial Biology. I am a fast learner with excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. I am passionate about fostering collaboration and creating supportive team environments. My motto,\"The only limit is the one you set yourself,\" reflects my insatiable curiosity and drive to constantly seek new challenges.