Responsabile Centro di Riferimento Biregionale Ittiopatologia at Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Umbria e Marche “Togo Rosati”,Italy
Dr. Francesco Agnetti is a distinguished veterinary scientist with over two decades of expertise in aquatic animal health, diagnostic innovation, and public veterinary services. He holds advanced degrees in veterinary medicine and specialized aquatic pathology, all earned with top honors. Currently serving as Head of the Terni Diagnostic Laboratory and the Bi-Regional Reference Center for Fish Pathology at IZSUM, he leads cutting-edge diagnostic and research efforts in fish diseases. Dr. Agnetti is actively involved in national and EU-funded research, scientific publishing, and peer reviewing for prestigious journals. His career blends operational leadership, academic rigor, and continuous professional development, reflected in his roles on veterinary boards and scientific societies. With a strong commitment to public health and food safety, his work directly contributes to sustainable aquaculture and animal welfare. Dr. Agnetti’s contributions make him a highly deserving candidate for the Excellence in Innovation Award, showcasing a career rooted in science, service, and innovation.
Professional Profile
ORCID Profile
Education
Dr. Francesco Agnetti holds a distinguished academic background in veterinary medicine and specialized aquatic animal health. He earned his Laurea Magistrale in Veterinary Medicine with honors (110/110 e lode) from the University of Perugia in 2000. He later pursued two prestigious postgraduate specializations: Sanità Animale, Allevamento e Produzioni Zootecniche (2007, 70/70) from the University of Perugia and Allevamento, Igiene, Patologia delle specie acquatiche e Controllo dei prodotti derivati (2004, 110/110) from the University of Milan. These advanced qualifications are closely aligned with his research focus in aquatic animal pathology and food safety. He also completed his Veterinary Medical License in 2021 with high marks (111/120), further validating his professional capacity. His academic journey is strongly supported by continuous professional development through numerous workshops and certifications across Italy and Europe, highlighting a lifelong dedication to advancing his knowledge and contributing to veterinary and aquatic sciences.
Professional Experience
Dr. Agnetti has over two decades of experience in veterinary diagnostics and public health, especially in fish pathology and aquatic animal diseases. Since 2009, he has been a permanent Veterinary Officer at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche (IZSUM). Currently, he leads the Terni Diagnostic Laboratory and serves as Head of the Bi-Regional Reference Center for Fish Pathology, playing a central role in laboratory diagnostics and quality assurance systems. He has also served in leadership roles at IZSUM’s Pesaro section and Terni lab, contributing to overall diagnostic operations and research coordination. His career includes European Union–funded research fellowships and various fixed-term assignments related to animal health and diagnostics. Dr. Agnetti’s work spans across multiple areas, including virology, pathology, bacteriology, and parasitology, enabling comprehensive diagnostic services. His leadership and technical contributions have significantly advanced the institute’s regional and national reputation in veterinary and aquatic health.
Research Interest
Dr. Agnetti’s core research interests lie in fish pathology, aquatic animal diseases, and diagnostic innovation in veterinary science. His expertise bridges laboratory diagnostics and applied research in aquaculture, focusing on disease surveillance, health management, and inspection of fish-derived products. He actively contributes to research through EU-funded projects, national programs, and interdisciplinary collaboration with academic and scientific communities. He is also engaged in scientific dissemination and training, with experience as a lecturer, thesis co-supervisor, and conference participant. Dr. Agnetti has published extensively and serves as a peer reviewer for leading journals, including Ittiopatologia, Journal de Mycologie Médicale, and Mycopathologia. His scientific activity is supported by a strong commitment to quality standards in diagnostics, as seen in his leadership of accredited laboratory systems. His vision integrates scientific rigor with applied public health objectives, making his research both academically robust and socially relevant—particularly in the evolving sectors of aquaculture and food safety.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Francesco Agnetti has been consistently recognized for his academic excellence and professional leadership. His early academic achievements include graduating summa cum laude and achieving top marks in two postgraduate veterinary specializations. Professionally, his leadership roles at the IZSUM laboratories and appointment as Vice Head of multiple diagnostic centers reflect institutional trust in his capabilities. He currently serves on the Board of the Veterinary Medical Association of Terni Province (2024–2027), a position of high professional esteem. Additionally, he is an active member of the Italian Society of Fish Pathology (SIPI) and is frequently called upon as a referee for peer-reviewed journals. While the curriculum does not list named international awards, his impact is recognized through long-term research engagements, speaking roles at conferences, and scientific review contributions. His career reflects a strong blend of technical merit, community leadership, and service to the broader veterinary and aquatic science sectors.
Conclusion
Dr. Francesco Agnetti is a well-rounded veterinary scientist and diagnostic leader whose contributions span academic excellence, applied research, and institutional leadership. With deep specialization in fish pathology and aquatic animal health, his work significantly supports both public health and sustainable aquaculture. His blend of scientific research, operational leadership in diagnostic laboratories, and commitment to lifelong learning positions him as a valuable figure in veterinary innovation. His service as a reviewer, educator, and organizational leader further reinforces his standing within the professional community. Although more emphasis on patents or widely recognized innovations could further enhance his profile, his cumulative contributions already demonstrate significant innovation through applied diagnostics and research translation. Overall, Dr. Agnetti presents as a highly deserving candidate for the Excellence in Innovation Award, embodying the core values of scientific advancement, interdisciplinary impact, and professional integrity.
Publications Top Notes
- Title: Gene Expression Study in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata): Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Olive Oil Polyphenols on Immunity, Metabolic, and Oxidative Stress Pathways
Authors: Martina Torricelli, Andrea Felici, Raffaella Branciari, Massimo Trabalza Marinucci, Roberta Galarini, Massimo Biagetti, Amedeo Manfrin, Laura Boriani, Eleonora Radicchi, Carla Sebastiani, et al.
Year: 2024
Source: International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
DOI: 10.3390/ijms252212185
- Title: Eustrongylides spp. parasite risk management in Atherina boyeri from Lake Trasimeno
Authors: Raffaella Franceschini, Andrea Valiani, David Ranucci, Rossana Roila, Giuseppe Palma, Francesco Agnetti, Giacomo Di Giacinto, Raffaella Branciari
Year: 2023
Source: Italian Journal of Food Safety, Crossref
DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2023.11338