Who I am

Elisabetta Ranucci is a full professor of polymer chemistry. In addition to chemistry, her passions are travel, cooking, family and pets. After high school, her scientific curiosity led her to put aside the beloved classical studies for chemistry. On the other hand, the study of classical history taught her that the love of science is timeless and universal. Elisabetta was trained at the University of Pisa, Italy. Later she served in different Italian universities and spent long research periods abroad, falling in love with the atmosphere and culture of the Nordic countries. Elisabetta is an expert of polymer synthesis, particularly multifunctional polymers for several applications. Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers for nanomedicine; bioinspired polymers as flame-retardants; multifunctional resins as absorbers of inorganic and organic water pollutants, composite hydrogels as scaffolds for tissue regeneration and polymers from renewable sources are her main topics of interest. She has coordinated many national and international research projects, focused on both basic and industrial research and, occasionally, has served as a consultant for plastics industries. In addition, she is currently engaged in editorial activities. She has been teaching polymer chemistry courses for all learning levels for many years. When asked the question “What are you most proud of in your career?”, she replies that contributing to the expansion of teaching on polymer in the chemical degree courses at the University of Milan as well as to the realization of the Master’s Degree Course in Industrial Chemistry entirely held in English; disseminating the knowledge of chemistry among high school students and teachers have been particularly rewarding for her. She has been responsible for PhD courses in polymer science. Finally, when asked “What do you like to do the most?” she replies that if the laboratory activity is rewarding, organizing and participating in the Milan Polymer Days congresses and activities is also a lot of fun.