Professor Michele Morgante wins the Ferrari Soave Award

Professor Michele Morgante, lecturer in Genetics at the University of Udine, has won the Ferrari Soave 2025 Award, one of the most prestigious national awards in the field of Biological Sciences. The award, which is given every two years to scientists who have distinguished themselves for their research, selected Morgante in this year’s edition, which was national in scope and focused on plant biology. The award ceremony was held during the inauguration of the academic year of the Turin Academy of Sciences.
Morgante was honoured for his fundamental contributions to the understanding of plant genomes, with particular emphasis on those of cultivated plants. The reasons for the award are in recognition of both his scientific contribution and his institutional commitment and dissemination of knowledge throughout his career, particularly over the last ten years.
His basic research studies have opened up new scientific concepts, such as that of the pan-genome, which is essential for a complete understanding of the genetic variability of a species. He has been able to translate the results of theoretical research into practical applications with a significant impact. In particular, he has developed pathogen-resistant grapevine varieties that are currently in production, providing concrete solutions for sustainable agriculture. In addition to his laboratory work, Morgante is strongly committed to scientific dissemination and to fostering relations with Italian and European institutions responsible for defining policy strategies in the field of genetics and plant biology.

The Ferrari Soave Prize is a high-profile award in the scientific community, given to a living scientist who has distinguished themselves for their research in the field of biological sciences. The prize alternates between national and international editions.