Francesco was born in Messina in December 1995. He earned his BSc in Chemistry cum laude* n his hometown before moving to the University of Bologna for his MSc, which he also completed cum laude. He later joined the research group of Prof. P.G. Cozzi and Prof. A. Gualandi for his PhD at Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, completing it in 2022 cum laude, focusing on Photoredox Catalysis and Nucleophilic Organometallic Reagents in Organic Synthesis.

After a research period under Prof. I. Marek at Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, he began his postdoctoral journey the same year. He worked under Prof. P.G. Cozzi for two years on super-reducing photoactive species, then continued at the University of Bologna under Prof. P. Ceroni, studying photo-mediated reaction mechanisms. In his free time, he enjoys aerial and circus disciplines, the sea, camping, and music.