Alessia Ligresti

I am a Biochemical Pharmacologist passionate about chemical biology and translational research. As the Research Director at the Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), I lead a team developing novel cannabinoid-based therapies for onco-metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. My research focuses on designing multi-modal molecules that selectively target the endocannabinoid system and understanding mitochondrial dysfunction's role in various pathologies, particularly concerning cannabinoid receptors. I also serve as International Secretary for the International Cannabinoid Research Society and as a scientific consultant for pharmaceutical and technology companies, guiding drug development and innovation. My previous roles include being on the Supervisory Board of the H2020-MSCA-COFUND “INCIPIT” project and directing the Health Section for Obiettivo LLC. Additionally, I contribute as a member of the Panel of Evaluators for MIMIT and EU-EIC-PATHFINDER calls. With a PhD in Pharmaceutical Science from the University of Naples “Federico II” (in 2005), I completed postdoctoral training at ICB-CNR before securing a tenured track position in 2008. My career has led to promotions to Senior Researcher in 2010 and Research Director in 2023. I have received significant accolades, including habilitation as a Full Professor in Medicinal Chemistry in 2024 and recognition as a CNR Highly Cited Woman Researcher in 2020 (in the field of chemistry). In 2024, I was named one of the world’s top 2% scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier (in the field of chemistry). As a co-inventor of two patents and author of over 130 scientific articles (H-index: 47), my expertise spans Biochemical Pharmacology, Chemical Biology, Cannabinoid Research, and Mitochondrial Biology. My motto, "The only limit is the one you set yourself," reflects my insatiable curiosity and drive for new challenges.