Professor of Cell Biology, Director of the Cell Therapy Program at Centre for Regenerative Medicine Stefano Ferrari of University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, R&D Director and Member of Board of Directors of "Holostem Terapie Avanzate Srl" Company. Studies in Chemistry, in Pharmacy and molecular pharmacology at University of Genoa. Member of Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, of the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS), of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), of the European Society for Cell and Gene Therapy (ESCGT), of International Society for Eye Research (ISER) and Founder of International Ocular Surface Sciety (IOSS). Award of the Italian Association for Research on Ocular Pathologies. Author of several international patents. Expertise and relevant experience on biology of epithelial stem cells, cell therapy by cultured human epidermis, melanocytes for pigmentation disorders, oral mucosa, urethra, gene therapy of epidermolysis bullosa by genetically corrected epidermal stem cell, and ocular surface from 1995, for transplantation in limbal stem cell deficiency blindness with translation of cell therapy protocols under ATMP European rules.