Veronica Santinelli is a marine ecologist with a Ph.D. in Earth and Marine Sciences. Since 2023, she has held the position of researcher at the International Marine Centre Foundation (Italy), within the Research Unit for Ecology and Planning of Marine and Coastal Ecosystems. Her research focuses on the role of marine ecosystems-particularly seagrass meadows-in climate change mitigation, as well as the biochemistry of associated sediments, in collaboration with national and international research institutions. She is currently  working on ecosystem services and maritime spatial planning, and is involved in several projects aimed at promoting the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources, with particular emphasis on the aquaculture sector, and the implementation of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation.