Originally from Rome, Marco Lombardi describes his academic background as a blend of nutrition and food science. "I grew up and was born in Rome," he begins. "My bachelor’s and master’s degrees are in food science and human nutrition, so technically I am a nutritionist." After completing his studies in Italy, Marco Lombardi sought to broaden his expertise by pursuing a second level master’s degree in food technology at the University of Turin in collaboration with Ferrero, where he began to see the connections between food systems, plant science, and climate change.  

This realisation led him to a significant turning point in his academic career. "I was surrounded by agronomists and plant physiologists," Marco Lombardi explains. “I became interested in how plants adapt to different environmental impacts.” The curiosity drove him to begin a PhD in plant science. The PhD was a collaboration between University of Nottingham, Italian National Research Council, and Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome. Here he specialised in characterising key genes and molecular mechanisms that control deeper rooting in crops to mitigate the impact of carbon emissions. His PhD research focused on cereals—maize, barley, and wheat—and examined their resilience to the shifting climate conditions.  

A practical approach 

Now a postdoctoral researcher, Marco Lombardi is developing innovative methods to analyse and improve high throughput root phenotyping in agricultural systems. "I’m moving myself more into agronomy," he notes, and explains how his research has transitioned from the laboratory to the field trials. Root phenotyping is dedicated to understanding root traits like depth, angle, diameter, architecture,and biomass. With his colleagues Marco Lombardi aims to develop a tool that can measure these traits directly in the field.    

The challenge is to make it possible to capture many different root traits quickly," he explains. "We are working on a new root phenotyping tool that aims to distinguish between roots from different crops underground and measure root biomass more efficiently. He is a part of a research team led by Eusun Han particularly focused on perennial mixtures, which they believe has a promising future within farming practices. "These systems," he adds, “can help reshape traditional farming practices by integrating perennial intercropping systems and reducing the reliance on monoculture. This target aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).” 

Aiming for carbon negative solutions 

At the heart of Marco Lombardi’s research is a vision of agricultural systems that go beyond carbon neutrality to become carbon negative. He believes that the soil, as a major carbon sink, can play an important role in mitigating climate change. " By increasing root biomass through the selection of varieties with deep roots, such as perennial plants, we can help offset emissions and enhance the resilience of our agricultural systems," he says. Through his work in root phenotyping, Marco Lombardi hopes to gain a better understanding of belowground interactions, particularly how diverse farming practices affect the carbon storage in the soil. 

He explains that understanding root to root and root to soil interactions, especially in the rhizosphere—the zone around plant roots where soil biology and chemistry are most active—could provide valuable insights into how to improve soil health and plant productivity under climate stress. 

Embracing interdisciplinary research 

Marco Lombardi’s passion for interdisciplinary collaboration drives him to continually learn from other fields. "I like when research is not limited to one discipline,” he says. Currently, he is collaborating with a Danish company to develop a cutting-edge spectroscopy technology that will be used in his field studies.  

This international, cross-disciplinary environment is where Marco Lombardi feels most inspired. “I enjoy learning new things every day from different fields,” he shares, emphasising that his unique position between academia and industry allows him to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical applications. This integration, he believes, is essential for achieving the innovative solutions required to address the pressing challenges of climate change. 

Motivated by purpose 

When asked about his motivations, Marco Lombardi is quick to downplay any grand ambitions of "saving the world," but he acknowledges that his work contributes to addressing global challenges. "I think reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere requires action across many sectors,” he reflects. He sees his role as one piece of the puzzle that contributes to a larger, collective effort. 

By embracing the challenges of climate change and striving to find solutions within the agricultural sector, Marco Lombardi represents a new generation of researchers motivated not only by curiosity but by a commitment to make meaningful contributions to society. His journey from Rome to Denmark, from nutrition to agronomy, and from theory to practical applications is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research in tackling complex issues. In the years to come, Marco Lombardi hopes to continue working on root research and build connections between disciplines.  

Contact 

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