Francesca Bertella

Name: Francesca Bertella


Organization: Aachen Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM) & BioEvol S.r.l


Areas of Expertise: Polymer science and technology, Bio-based polymers, Nucleating Agents.


Why is Biobased ValueCircle an interesting project for you?

First of all, I consider this program a unique possibility to work on a very interesting topic in my study field and, at the same time, to be part of something bigger. The main goal, in fact, is common to all 12 ESRs and each of us is going through their own project with a different background and experience, making a contribution from a personal point of view. I think this is very stimulating and can be very helpful in pursuing the common aim, which is making the transition from a fossil-based economy to a circular one faster.

Tell something about yourself which other Biobased ValueCircle people might not know yet?

I started practicing Ju-Jitsu when I was 5 years old and I continued to do it for 12 years at a competitive level; I think this martial art has helped me a lot to grow as a person as well, teaching me to manage the stress and the respect for competitors. Currently, I always like to change interests and learn new things, including traveling as much as possible to learn about different cultures and customs.

How did you become a researcher / scientist?

I have always been interested in knowing the deep meaning of things, asking myself how and why, trying to get more than a superficial explanation; I think this attitude naturally brought me to start a scientific path, choosing to do Industrial Chemistry as matter of my studies. 

What do you like most in your current work?

First of all, the thing I like most is the international environment I find myself in, which inspires me a lot. Furthermore, I enjoy the constant challenges my work places me in front of, having each day different from the previous one.