XL CICLO | Biaggioli Serena

I graduated in Cellular and Molecular Biology and hold a Master’s in Scientific Communication, where I specialized in science communication strategies and social media applications. Through my experiences, including winning several post-graduate scholarships, I have broadened my expertise by using social media to promote scientific research, engage the public, and raise awareness about environmental and biodiversity issues, while crafting communication strategies tailored to specific audiences.
My research interests focus on effective methods of communicating scientific knowledge to the public, ensuring that complex topics are both accessible and engaging. I am pursuing a PhD in Ecology and Sustainable Management of Environmental Resources, where I integrate communication strategies with scientific research to foster a more informed and proactive society in addressing environmental challenges and biodiversity conservation.

My research project investigates the role of local stakeholders in fostering sustainable tourism on small islands. These islands, recognized as biodiversity hotspots, are vulnerable ecosystems due to their limited size, isolation, and susceptibility to both natural and human-induced pressures. Although tourism is a significant economic driver, over-tourism can have severe negative effects on these fragile environments.
The project focuses on environmental education programs designed to increase biodiversity awareness and enhance conservation efforts. Using the quadruple helix model, the study involves local authorities, tour operators, academics, and tourists to promote shared responsibility and collective action. The primary goal is to make scientific knowledge more accessible to local stakeholders, empowering them to actively contribute to biodiversity conservation. Additionally, the project evaluates the impact of stakeholders’ engagement on tourists’ knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of biodiversity through pre- and post-intervention analysis. A key objective is to assess how their involvement in education programs can enhance the resilience of island communities and promote pro-conservation behaviors.