My scientific interests are centered on four main fields:  Ecology - Bioindication and radioecology using lichens and bryophytes as bioindicators and bioaccumulators.  Quantitative biogeography – multivariate analysis of plant distribution ranges in different parts of the world.  Lichenology - from floristics and taxonomy to vegetational and applied studies. Presently writing a lichen flora of Italy.  Biodiversity Informatics , with emphasis on automatic generation of identification tools.