Researcher in Botany (SSD BIOS-01). Over the years, his training and research activities have focused on general botany, with particular attention to developmental biology, reproductive biology, and some taxonomic aspects. As a result of this experience, scientific skills related to molecular evolution, taxonomy, hybridization, and the reproductive biology of flowering plants have been acquired and developed, with particular attention to Mediterranean orchids, especially in the Sardinian area. Technical skills have been acquired, including the main protocols for DNA extraction, amplification (PCR), and sequencing. Specifically, among the methods of molecular biology, the use and development of DNA barcoding approaches for the identification of biological entities, especially in cryptic groups, have been explored. This aspect is relevant to the project as it will be possible to use the molecular approach to classify some herbaceous species with complex taxonomic characters and verify some species already available on the market.

Dr. Cortis has also developed projects in developmental and pollination biology. Specifically, the use of molecular tools for the characterization of hybrid zones and studies on the pollination biology of orchids has opened new perspectives in understanding the extent of pre- and postzygotic barriers in the speciation and diversification of orchids. Combined studies with entomogamy have also allowed the study of the relationship between these plants and pollinating insects. Complementary to these studies is the understanding of current genetic diversity patterns resulting from population "migration" and habitat fragmentation phenomena and their consequences for the conservation of threatened orchid species.

Another research topic has been environmental contamination and its effects on the plant component. He has participated in biomonitoring campaigns of atmospheric contaminants using bryophytes (moss bag technique) and through the study of the effects of substrate contamination on bryological species and vascular plants (family Orchidaceae).

Dr. Cortis's scientific production is characterized by several scientific publications in international journals and numerous contributions (posters and oral communications) at international, national, and local conferences. He has participated in several research projects at the national and local levels, in particular, he was responsible for the Biennial Project of the Sardinia Region entitled "Integrated Taxonomy (morphology and DNA barcoding) for the conservation of Sardinia's plant biodiversity" (Project Code CRP2_44). Regional Law August 7, 2007, No. 7 "Promotion of scientific research and technological innovation in Sardinia"; he was also responsible for the second "Master and Back Program" project of the Sardinia Region. Principal investigator of the "Serra" project of the University of Cagliari, which won funding presented on the public notice proof of concept (PoC) of the 'bandi a cascata' to be financed under the PNRR, Measure 4 Component 2 Investment 1.4–Research and Innovation Program CN "National Biodiversity Future Center – NBFC", Project CN00000033, funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU – CUP H43C22000530001. Head of Unit of the "Tersicore" Project of the University of Cagliari, which won funding presented on public notice proof of concept (PoC) within the PNRR MUSA project.

02/07/2025