Francesco Lescai

Bioinformatics

Genomics Medicine

Innovative Teaching

Medical Biotechnologist, with an expertise in statistical genetics and computational biology. I'm Associate Professor of Bioinformatics at the University of Pavia, where I am leading a laboratory of Computational Genomics.

I have a broad range of experiences within academia and in industry, and have contributed to science policy expert groups as well as to initiatives for responsible innovation.

I'm always happy to build projects together in those areas, and work for the advancement of precision medicine and public health.

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What I Do

Bioinformatics

I've began building NGS analysis pipelines when the genome sequencing revolution started. I have coded for a diverse range of applications spanning from Human genetics to metagenomics. I am interested in developing deep learning tools to advance the understanding of our genome.

Precision Medicine

I have worked for a translational genomics centre, helping clinicians improving diagnoses with genome analysis. I have led initiatives to understand the dynamics that make Precision Medicine successful and a game changing field. I am interested in developing new tools to further advance the role data analytics have in this sector.

Innovative Learning

I have a diploma in teaching methods in higher education, and developed considerable experience in designing teaching/learning experiences on a wide range of topics. I love to employ the latest technologies to design rewarding learning tools and contribute building skills for professionals of the future.

Responsible Innovation

I have been engaged in initiatives for science and society since I was a student, and deeply believe in a responsible approach to research and innovation. I have recently coordinated a EU funded project to develop tools helping industries to innovate responsibly, and integrate participatory and co-design approaches in their innovation process.

Testimonials

Francesco is a dynamic and effective individual. During the time we were on the Board of the EFB together, I found Francesco to be an insightful and constructive Board member, and most importantly a strong and effective advocate and asset for the Young European Biotech Network, and the Bologna BioRegion. (Linkedin Recommendation)

Christian Suojanen

Entrepreneur at Stealth Newco - Biotechnology

Francesco is a passionate young researcher with a sharp vision on communication and with an excellent managing talent. We worked together successfully to build a new communication format between scientists and the public as a part of Eu Biopo project -where I helped as an advisor. In every phase of the work, Francesco was very receptive to suggestions, while keeping a clear mind about the project's goals. He is also a good teamworker and a nice person to deal with. It was a pleasure to work with him and the Biopop team. (Linkedin Recommendation)

Sergio Pistoi

Science Writer, Author DNA Nation

I met Francesco at EuroBio2008 in Paris and was impressed by his enthusiasm and verbal skills during a debate that I chaired. (LinkedIn Recommendation)

Roderik Van Grieken

Oprichter en Directeur Nederlands Debat Instituut

Resume

19 Years of Experience

Experience

2021 - current

University of Pavia

Associate Professor of Bioinformatics

I am leading a lab of Computational Genomics, at the Department of Biology and Biotechnology. My lab is focused on developing methods and open-source bioinformatics pipelines to unmask and better understand patterns of genomic variation associated with complex phenotypes.

2019 - 2020

Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency, NIBSC

Section Leader, Head of Bioinformatics

I led the bioinformatics team responsible for the analysis of the Institute’s next generation sequencing data. This includes support and coordination of genomics and statistical analysis projects, in a wide range of areas spanning from Human genetics to immunology, microbiology and metagenomics. I contributed to the planning and development of biocomputing facilities, both on premises and on the cloud, and I represented the institute externally with the relevant stakeholders.

2017 - 2019

QIAGEN Bioinformatics

Senior Scientist, Biomedical Genomics

I was part of the Global Product Management team for the CLC Genomics Workbench and Genomics Server; I was responsible for the development of scientific content related to QIAGEN bioinformatics portfolio in the biomedical sector, and for leading scientific collaborations with other institutions and key opinion leaders.

2013 - 2018

Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University

Associate Professor, Human Genomics and Bioinformatics

My work has been focused on large-scale data analysis of next generation sequencing in psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, autism).

I have been responsible of the development of data analysis pipelines for genome sequences of large cohorts of patients and healthy individuals, and for the deployment of the analyses on different high performance computing infrastructures.

2011 - 2013

University College London, Institute of Child Health

Senior Research Associate in Genome Analysis

Leader of Bioinformatics at the Centre for Translational Genomics “GOSgene". Leader of the NGS Consortium at the University High Performance Computing cluster “Legion”.

2010 - 2011

University College London, Division of Research Strategy

Research Associate in Genome Analysis

Development of the analysis pipeline for exome sequencing, SNPs and INDELs calling, annotation and statistics.

As part of UCL Genomics, I have collaborated with several research groups to provide the expertise in statistical and bioinformatic analysis of NGS data. I have participated to the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium for the analysis of one of the WTCC2 genome-wide association studies.

Education

2002 - 2006

University of Bologna

Ph.D. in Experimental Pathology

PhD thesis entitled: Genetic determinants of human longevity: hypothesis-driven investigation through new technologies.
Supervisor: Prof. Claudio Franceschi
External reviewers: Professor Eline Slagboom (NL) and Professor Stefan Schreiber (D)

2006

European Association of Higher Education in Biotechnology, Edinburgh

European Doctorate in Biotechnology (EDBT)

1995 - 2000

Faculty of Medicine, University of Bologna

Laurea in Medical Biotechnology

First class honours, cum laude.
Thesis in Immunology II, on "Genetic Risk Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease: studies on polymorphisms of interleukin 6 gene".

1990 - 1995

Liceo Scientifico G. Marconi, Grosseto

Scientific School Leaving Certificate

School Diploma with score of 60/60

Policy and Communities

2018 - 2021

Regional Government, Regione Lombardia, Italy

Member, Regional Forum for Research and Innovation

The Forum is an advisory body to the Regional Government on Research and Innovation policies.

As member, I am contributing in particular on the topics of Genomics, large scale data analysis and computing, population-scale screening and how the concept of “responsible research and innovation” applies to public policies on these subjects, especially when involving industry.

2009 - 2018

Association of the Italian Biotechnologists (ANBI)

President, Collegio dei Probiviri

Chair of the body regulating the code of conduct and bioethics for the national Association.

2007 - 2018

European Federation of Biotechnologists (EFB)

Executive Board Member

2016 - 2017

European Commission, Brussels

Rapporteur, Expert Group on Revision of the Bieconomy Strategy

2011

European Commission, DG Research and Innovation, Brussels

Member of the Advisory Committee on Skills for Bioeconomy 2020

2007 - 2009

Young European Biotech Network

Chairman

2001 - 2007

Association of the Italian Biotechnologists (ANBI)

President

2005 - 2007

Committee for Biotechnology and Biosafety, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Rome

Member, Expert Group on Education

2018 - Current

Regional Government, Regione Lombardia, Italy

Member, Regional Forum for Research and Innovation

The Forum is an advisory body to the Regional Government on Research and Innovation policies.

Coding Skills

Anything in R

90%

Perl

80%

Python

70%

Bash

75%

HTML / CSS

80%

Management Skills

Project Management Tools

95%

Budget planning and management

90%

Jira & Trello

90%

Portfolio