Ricercatore sanitario at Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Italy
Martina Torricelli is a dedicated biomedical researcher with over a decade of experience in molecular biology, biotechnology, and public health. She holds a PhD in Animal Health and Food Safety and is currently a permanent Research Scientist at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche. Her research spans molecular diagnostics, food safety, zoonotic diseases, and genetic studies in both human and veterinary contexts. Martina played a crucial role in the COVID-19 response through molecular testing and viral sequencing. She is also pursuing a specialization in Clinical Pathology and holds a Master’s in Health Management, reflecting her commitment to both scientific and organizational excellence. Her technical expertise includes real-time PCR, sequencing, and bioinformatics, supported by numerous national research projects. Passionate about science, she consistently contributes to scientific writing and project development. Martina exemplifies perseverance, scientific rigor, and a strong contribution to public health, making her a valuable figure in biomedical research.
Professional Profile
Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile
Education
Martina Torricelli has a comprehensive academic background in life sciences and biotechnology. She holds a PhD in “Animal Health, Livestock Production, and Food Safety” from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Perugia, where she conducted research at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche (IZSUM). She is also a licensed Biologist, having passed the national certification exam in 2014 and is registered in the Order of Biologists (Section A). To further enhance her clinical and diagnostic expertise, Martina enrolled in a specialization school in Clinical Pathology and Biochemistry and is currently in her third year. Complementing her scientific education, she obtained a Level II Master’s in Healthcare Management from the University “Niccolò Cusano” in 2024. Her academic achievements reflect a multidisciplinary approach that bridges research, diagnostics, and management, preparing her for both laboratory innovation and healthcare leadership roles.
Professional Experience
Martina Torricelli’s professional journey is rooted in research and diagnostic laboratories at the IZSUM, where she has built a solid reputation in molecular biology and biotechnology. With more than a decade of experience, she has held various research positions funded through scholarships and fixed-term contracts before earning a permanent role as a Research Scientist in 2024. Her work has involved developing and validating molecular techniques for detecting pathogens, food allergens, and genetic polymorphisms in both animal and food matrices. Notably, she contributed to Italy’s COVID-19 emergency response by performing molecular analysis and sequencing of SARS-CoV-2. Martina has led or contributed to several national projects, including genetic improvement in dairy herds and the study of Toll-like receptor polymorphisms in bovines. Her ability to bridge field diagnostics, laboratory innovation, and applied research showcases her versatility and reliability as a scientific professional in both public health and veterinary fields.
Research Interests
Martina Torricelli’s research interests focus on molecular diagnostics, genetic characterization, food safety, zoonotic diseases, and host-pathogen interactions. Her work reflects a strong commitment to improving both animal and public health through the application of cutting-edge biotechnological tools. She has worked extensively with PCR, real-time PCR, digital PCR, DNA sequencing, and in silico bioinformatic analysis. Notably, she has investigated SNP associations in immune-related genes, such as Toll-like receptors in cattle, and contributed to allergen detection and GMO studies in food. Her PhD and subsequent research emphasized translational science, connecting lab-based findings to real-world health applications. Martina is also passionate about One Health approaches, integrating veterinary and human diagnostics. She actively contributes to writing scientific papers and research proposals, further showing her commitment to academic dissemination and innovation. Her interests continue to evolve toward clinical pathology, supported by her current specialization studies, ensuring a well-rounded profile with both depth and adaptability.
Awards and Honors
While specific awards are not explicitly listed, Martina Torricelli’s career achievements and academic recognitions highlight a consistently excellent performance in the biomedical research field. She successfully obtained her PhD with top evaluations and earned national recognition by qualifying as a registered Biologist. Martina’s continuous receipt of competitive research fellowships at IZSUM for over a decade reflects institutional trust and recognition of her expertise and dedication. Her involvement in key national research projects—such as those focused on food allergen detection, genetic resistance in livestock, and SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics—demonstrates her reputation as a reliable and skilled scientist. Her recent promotion to a permanent Research Scientist position in 2024 further underlines the institutional value placed on her work. Additionally, her enrollment and success in the Clinical Pathology specialization and Health Management Master’s program showcase her drive to continuously expand her professional competence, making her a strong candidate for recognition such as the Women Researcher Award.
Conclusion
Martina Torricelli stands out as a passionate, driven, and well-rounded biomedical researcher whose work has significantly contributed to molecular diagnostics, public health, and veterinary science. Her extensive experience at IZSUM, participation in nationally significant projects, and evolving academic pursuits highlight her adaptability and continuous professional growth. She brings together technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and an interdisciplinary outlook aligned with the principles of One Health. Her dedication to scientific rigor, innovation, and her pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic further underscore her impact. Martina’s transition from scholarship-based roles to a permanent research position is a testament to her competence and commitment. With ongoing specialization in clinical pathology and advanced training in healthcare management, she is well-equipped for leadership in research and diagnostic innovation. These attributes collectively make her a highly deserving candidate for the Women Researcher Award, celebrating both her achievements and her potential for continued contributions to science and public health.
Publications Top Notes
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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: Torricelli, Martina; Felici, Andrea; Branciari, Raffaella; Ranucci, David; Agnetti, Francesco
Year: 2024
Source: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
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Title: Terbinafine Resistance in Trichophyton Strains Isolated from Humans and Animals: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Italy, 2016 to May 2024
Authors: Crotti, Silvia; Cruciani, Deborah; Sabbatucci, Michela; Spina, Sara; Piscioneri, Vincenzo; Torricelli, Martina; Calcaterra, Roberta; Farina, Claudio; Pisano, Luigi; PAPINI, Manuela
Year: 2024
Source: Journal of Clinical Medicine
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13185493
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Title: Evaluation of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) Associated with Genetic Resistance to Bovine Paratuberculosis in Marchigiana Beef Cattle, an Italian Native Breed
Authors: Mazzone, Piera; Di Paolo, Antonella; Petrucci, Linda; Torricelli, Martina; Corneli, Sara; Sebastiani, Carla; Ciullo, Marcella; Sebastianelli, Martina; Costarelli, Silva; Scoccia, Eleonora
Year: 2023
Source: Animals
DOI: 10.3390/ANI13040587
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Title: Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and CD163 Resistance Polymorphic Markers: What Is the Scenario in Naturally Infected Pig Livestock in Central Italy?
Authors: Torricelli, Martina; Fratto, Anna; Ciullo, Marcella; Sebastiani, Carla; Arcangeli, Chiara; Felici, Andrea; Giovannini, Samira; Sarti, Francesca Maria; Sensi, Marco; Biagetti, Massimo
Year: 2023
Source: Animals
DOI: 10.3390/ANI13152477
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Title: Tapeworms Detected in Wolf Populations in Central Italy (Umbria and Marche regions): A Long-term Study
Authors: Crotti, Silvia; Spina, Sara; Cruciani, Deborah; Bonelli, Piero; Felici, Andrea; Gavaudan, Stefano; Gobbi, Marco; Morandi, Federico; Piseddu, Toni; Torricelli, Martina
Year: 2023
Source: International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJPPAW.2023.03.007
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Title: Genetic Characterization of Small Ruminant Lentiviruses (SRLVs) Circulating in Naturally Infected Sheep in Central Italy
Authors: Arcangeli, Chiara; Torricelli, Martina; Sebastiani, Carla; Lucarelli, Daniele; Ciullo, Marcella; Passamonti, Fabrizio; Giammarioli, Monica; Biagetti, Massimo
Year: 2022
Source: Viruses
DOI: 10.3390/V14040686
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Title: Marker-assisted Selection of Dairy Cows for Beta-casein Gene A2 Variant
Authors: Sebastiani, Carla; Arcangeli, Chiara; Torricelli, Martina; Ciullo, Marcella; D’avino, Nicoletta; Cinti, Giulia; Fisichella, Stefano; Biagetti, Massimo
Year: 2022
Source: Italian Journal of Food Science
DOI: 10.15586/IJFS.V34I2.2178
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Title: PRNP Polymorphisms in Eight Local Goat Populations/Breeds from Central and Southern Italy
Authors: Torricelli, Martina; Sebastiani, Carla; Ciullo, Marcella; Ceccobelli, Simone; Chiappini, Barbara; Vaccari, Gabriele; Capocefalo, Antonio; Conte, Michela; Giovannini, Samira; Lasagna, Emiliano
Year: 2021
Source: Animals
DOI: 10.3390/ANI11020333
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Title: First Survey of SNPs in TMEM154, TLR9, MYD88 and CCR5 Genes in Sheep Reared in Italy and Their Association with Resistance to SRLVs Infection
Authors: Arcangeli, Chiara; Lucarelli, Daniele; Torricelli, Martina; Sebastiani, Carla; Ciullo, Marcella; Pellegrini, Claudia; Felici, Andrea; Costarelli, Silva; Giammarioli, Monica; Feliziani, Francesco
Year: 2021
Source: Viruses
DOI: 10.3390/v13071290
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Title: Early Detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Infected Cattle: Use of Experimental Johnins and Innovative Interferon-Gamma Test Interpretative Criteria
Year: 2021
Source: Frontiers in Veterinary Science
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.638890
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Title: Frequencies Evaluation of Beta-Casein Gene Polymorphisms in Dairy Cows Reared in Central Italy
Authors: Sebastiani, Carla; Arcangeli, Chiara; Ciullo, Marcella; Torricelli, Martina; Cinti, Giulia; Fisichella, Stefano; Biagetti, Massimo
Year: 2020
Source: Animals
DOI: 10.3390/ANI10020252
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Title: Sesame, Pistachio, and Macadamia Nut: Development and Validation of New Allergenic Systems for Fast Real-Time PCR Application
Year: 2020
Source: Foods
DOI: 10.3390/foods9081085
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Title: A Multi-screening Fast qPCR Approach to the Identification of Abortive Agents in Ruminants
Year: 2018
Source: Journal of Microbiological Methods
DOI: 10.1016/J.MIMET.2018.03.009
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Title: Digital PCR for Analysis of Peanut and Soybean Allergens in Foods
Year: 2018
Source: Food Control
DOI: 10.1016/J.FOODCONT.2018.04.039
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Title: Evaluation of Systems for Nopaline Synthase Terminator in Fast and Standard Real-Time PCR to Screen Genetically Modified Organisms
Year: 2016
Source: Food Analytical Methods
DOI: 10.1007/S12161-015-0283-7
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Title: In-house Validation of a DNA Extraction Protocol from Honey and Bee Pollen and Analysis in Fast Real-Time PCR of Commercial Honey Samples Using a Knowledge-Based Approach
Year: 2016
Source: Food Analytical Methods
DOI: 10.1007/S12161-016-0539-X