Dr. Marco Vighi is a distinguished ecotoxicologist and principal investigator at the IMDEA Water Institute in Spain, where he has made significant contributions to environmental risk assessment since joining in 2015. With a career spanning over five decades, Dr. Vighi earned his Biology degree in 1969 and began his professional journey at the Water Research Institute of the Italian National Research Council, establishing his early expertise in aquatic ecosystems. He later served as faculty at the Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca in Italy from 1998, further developing his research in ecotoxicology and environmental science. Dr. Vighi's extensive experience across European research institutions has positioned him as a leading authority in the assessment of chemical impacts on aquatic environments.
Dr. Vighi's research has fundamentally advanced the field of ecotoxicology through systematic studies on the effects of pollutants and contaminants on aquatic ecosystems. His work on risk assessment methodologies for pesticides, antibiotics, and biocides has provided critical frameworks for evaluating the vulnerability of populations and communities to chemical stressors. He has pioneered approaches to monitor cyanobacterial proliferations and analyze cyanotoxins in water systems, contributing to improved water quality management practices. Dr. Vighi's investigations into antibiotic resistance mechanisms in aquatic environments have yielded valuable insights into the relationship between environmental contaminants and the evolution of resistant bacterial strains.
As a respected leader in environmental science, Dr. Vighi was appointed by the European Commission as a member of the Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks, reflecting his significant influence on policy development. His research continues to address pressing challenges related to water security and ecosystem health under the umbrella of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Vighi actively contributes to shaping the future of environmental risk assessment through his leadership in the Aquatic Ecology and Biotechnology Group at IMDEA Water Institute, where he mentors the next generation of environmental scientists. His ongoing work focuses on developing nature-based technologies for water treatment and advancing our understanding of microbial adaptation to environmental changes in the context of global sustainability challenges.
