International Centre for Climate Change Research and Studies

Carlo Barbante has been the founder and director of the Institute of Polar Sciences of the National Research Council (CNR) and is a Full Professor at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, where he focuses on climate and environmental reconstructions through the analysis of ice cores. He has taken part in numerous expeditions and sampling campaigns in polar regions and the Alps, and is the author of over 330 publications in high-impact scientific journals. He received a prestigious Advanced Grant from the European Research Council for the study of anthropogenic impact on climate in the pre-industrial era. From 2012 to 2014, he served as a visiting professor at the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei and is an elected member and vice president of the Accademia Nazionale delle Scienze detta dei XL, as well as Secretary of the Science Class of the Istituto Veneto di Scienze, Lettere e Arti. Since 2025, he has been an elected member of the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei. He is currently president of the International Center for Research and Studies on Climate Change. Recently, he was awarded the 2024 Minister of Culture Prize by the Accademia dei Lincei and the Canneri Medal by the Italian Chemical Society. As a science communicator, he recently published a book titled “Scritto nel ghiaccio”, which was a finalist for the "Mario Rigoni Stern" literary prize.

Francesco Musco is Full Professor of Urban Planning and Director of Research at Iuav University of Venice, president of Corila, and vice-president of the International Center for Study and Research on Climate Change (CSRCC). He has taught and conducted research both in Italy and abroad at institutions including the University of Louisville, Kentucky (Center for Environmental Policy and Management), Drexel University in Philadelphia, the University of Parma (Faculty of Economics), the University of Bologna (Faculty of Engineering), the University of Reading (Department of Real Estate and Planning), the Autonomous University of Barcelona (Geography), the University of Sassari in Alghero (Architecture), and the University of Seville. A strong advocate of a multidisciplinary approach to urban and territorial planning, in recent years he has focused his research on the relationships between urban planning, sustainability, and resilience, with particular attention to sustainable urban regeneration and the role of local plans in contributing to “climate-proof” planning. He serves as a consultant to numerous public and private institutions in Italy and abroad on urban planning, environmental and territorial policy, and local development.

Silvia Rova is the Programme Manager at the International Centre for Climate Change Research and Study (CSRCC). She holds a degree in Marine Biology from the University of Padua and a degree in Ecohydrology from the Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Germany. She earned her PhD in Science and Management of Climate Change at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, where she worked as a researcher in ecology and currently teaches as an adjunct professor. Her research is characterized by a strongly interdisciplinary approach, both in the scope and in the methods employed. She has explored, on one hand, how our well-being depends on nature through a variety of social–ecological interactions, and on the other, how these interactions, often taken for granted, can be affected by climate change and management decisions. The magnitude of these challenges led her to embrace a more active role in driving meaningful change in society. That’s why she now places her experience and deep knowledge of the Venice Lagoon at the service of CSRCC’s mission. Because balancing our relationship with nature is a necessary condition for a sustainable future.

Nicolò Ardenghi is a researcher at the International Center for Climate Change Studies and Research (CSRCC). He focuses on synthesizing and organizing research and data on climate change mitigation, resilience, and adaptation in the Venetian area and on translating scientific findings into practical recommendations for policymakers. With a background in Natural and Environmental Sciences, he has worked on paleoclimate research projects reconstructing past environmental and climatic changes, developing a strong interest in the links between climate, environment, and society. He views Venice and its lagoon as an exemplary setting for addressing the challenges of climate adaptation and mitigation.

Ciro Cerrone is a coastal geomorphologist specializing in Quaternary sea-level reconstruction. His research focuses on the identification, analysis, and dating of past sea-level indicators preserved along both active and passive continental margins. His study areas include coastal regions of the Mediterranean Sea, the Caribbean, and the Atlantic Ocean, where he investigates the interplay between tectonics, sedimentary processes, and relative sea-level change to better understand coastal evolution through time. He obtained a Ph.D. in Earth, Environmental and Resources Science from the University of Naples Federico II in 2021, graduating with the highest distinction ("Eccellente"). During his academic training, he acquired international experience through study and research activities at several institutions, including the University of Cuyo (Mendoza, Argentina), the Universities of Salamanca and Granada (Spain), the Agricultural University of Athens (Greece), Birkbeck, University of London (UK), and MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Bremen (Germany).

Davide Longato. Urban and environmental planner, I am a postdoctoral researcher in Urban and Regional Planning. I work at the intersection of science and policy, focusing on sustainable urban development and climate change adaptation. I specialize in planning instruments and land policies for ecological transition and climate adaptation, environmental assessments, and nature-based solutions for urban and territorial resilience. I received my MSc in “Planning and Policies for Cities, Environment and Landscape” from the University IUAV of Venice, and I hold a PhD from the University of Trento (IT). I have experience as planning consultant for regional and local administrations.

Shannon Valley is a transdisciplinary strategist motivated by her concern for the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations and ecosystems. Her Ph.D. and postdoctoral research focused on ocean circulation’s relation to abrupt climate change and carbon storage and emissions in coastal wetlands. While at the United States Agency for International Development, Shannon served as a mitigation specialist supporting efforts to reduce emissions, strengthen resilience, and promote just, climate-positive development with partnering governments and community organizations in countries around the world. Prior to her climate work, Shannon served as a legislative liaison at NASA and as an assistant to the White House Domestic Policy Council.