Professor Maria Careri stands as a distinguished leader in analytical chemistry with a career spanning over three decades at the University of Parma. She currently holds the position of Full Professor of Analytical Chemistry at the Department of Science, a role she has maintained since achieving promotion to this rank in 1998. Dr. Careri earned her Chemistry degree with highest honors from the University of Parma in 1987, followed by a Specialization in Chemistry and Food Technology with honors in 1989, and completed her PhD in Chemical Sciences at the same institution in 1991. Her academic journey began with an appointment as University Researcher in Analytical Chemistry in 1992, establishing her foundation as a methodological expert in chemical analysis and quality systems.
Dr. Careri's scientific work is documented by more than 170 publications that have significantly advanced analytical methodologies in food chemistry and laboratory quality assurance systems. Her research has established rigorous frameworks for method validation and quality control protocols that have become essential standards for accuracy and reliability in chemical testing laboratories. As the representative of the University of Parma in the European ESFRI METROFOOD-RI infrastructure, she has played a pivotal role in developing international reference materials and measurement standards for food analysis across Europe. Her expertise in analytical validation systems has been instrumental in shaping laboratory practices and regulatory frameworks throughout the scientific community, ensuring scientific integrity in food safety assessments.
Beyond her research achievements, Professor Careri has profoundly influenced analytical chemistry education through her long-standing commitment to teaching specialized courses on method validation and quality control systems at the University of Parma since 2012. Her leadership in the field has been formally recognized with the prestigious 'Premio alla Carriera' (Career Award) scheduled for 2025, affirming her lasting impact on analytical science education and practice. She continues to mentor future generations of analytical chemists while advancing collaborative research initiatives through European infrastructure networks. Looking forward, Professor Careri remains dedicated to refining analytical standards and developing innovative approaches that address emerging challenges in food safety and chemical measurement science worldwide.
