We are pleased to announce that the winner of the SIFB PhD Award in Photobiology – 2026 is Alessio Colleoni, PhD candidate in the National PhD Programme in Photoinduced Processes and Technologies at the University of Milan.
Dr Colleoni was awarded for his research project entitled “Modulation of bacterial cell adhesion proteins via photoswitchable ligands: a promising strategy to counteract biofilm formation”, which addresses one of the most pressing global health challenges, antimicrobial resistance (AMR). His work focuses on the development of innovative light-responsive molecules capable of modulating bacterial adhesion proteins involved in biofilm formation, offering new perspectives for non-invasive and spatially controlled therapeutic approaches.
The project combines medicinal chemistry, photochemistry and microbiology, highlighting the potential of photobiology in tackling complex biomedical problems and advancing next-generation antimicrobial strategies.
The Italian Association of Photobiology warmly congratulates Alessio for this outstanding achievement and looks forward to his future scientific contributions.”