Matteo Dell’Acqua is a Professor of Crop Genetics at Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna (SSSA) in Pisa, Italy. A plant geneticist by training, his current research is focused on developing data-driven methods to foster the sustainable intensification of farming systems. Matteo leads an international and diverse research group developing transdisciplinary approaches connecting genomics, socioeconomics, and climate sciences with a specific focus on smallholder farming systems. Their research methods include DNA sequencing and bioinformatics, climate modelling, quantitative genetics, and participatory methods for crop improvement. He has an interest in genetic and cultural agrobiodiversity, and his research explores the connection between plants and people using crops including maize, wheat, teff, barley, sorghum, and cowpea. His team is engaged in training a new generation of researchers with a multidisciplinary background, committed to research for impact. At SSSA, he is also the Director of the Institute or Plant Sciences, a research hub connecting plant physiology, genetics, and agroecology to develop more resilient and sustainable primary production systems.

Mercy Macharia is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna with six years of research experience in quantitative genetics. Her work focuses on evaluating diverse crop populations and generating data-driven insights to support climate-resilient crop improvement and sustainable agriculture. As Course Coordinator for Work Package 2 of the BREEDTECH project, Mercy supports the design and coordination of training activities to ensure content aligns with emerging scientific advances and stakeholder needs. She contributes to strengthening capacity in plant breeding and biotechnology education and research through cross-institutional collaboration, and training initiatives across partner institutions.