Francesca Pasotti

Francesca Pasotti is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Ghent University, specializing in the characterization of polymetallic nodules ecosystems and their food web interactions in the abyssal Pacific. In addition to roles within the vERSO project focusing on benthic communities' responses to climate change in Antarctica, Francesca has worked on the RECTO project. With extensive experience as an Advanced Belgian Scientific Diver, professional underwater activities include substrate and macrofauna sampling in Antarctic waters. As the founder and former CEO of the NGO Future of Nepal and co-founder of Fishpop vzw, Francesca has also contributed to sustainable fishery practices and educational initiatives in Nepal. Francesca holds a Doctorate in Marine Sciences with a focus on Marine Ecology from Ghent University, where the PhD research investigated glacier retreat effects on marine communities in Potter Cove.