Maria Beatrice Morelli

Biography and Expertise of Maria Beatrice Morelli

Dr. Maria Beatrice Morelli is a distinguished academic and researcher whose work is situated at the intersection of cellular biology, oncology, and complementary medicine. As an Associate Professor at the University of Camerino, she applies rigorous scientific methods to explore the therapeutic mechanisms of natural compounds. Her research primarily concentrates on the role of these substances in fighting cancer, with a specialized focus on their interaction with ion channels, which are critical for tumor progression and resistance to treatment.

Her contributions are highly relevant to the congress, particularly within the Thematic Axis of “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” Dr. Morelli’s investigations into phytocannabinoids and other herbal products provide essential scientific validation for their use in complex diseases like cancer. In addition, her role in developing postgraduate programs aligns with the “TCIM Education and Training” axis, as she actively shapes the next generation of professionals skilled in both conventional science and complementary therapies.

Moreover, the work of Maria Beatrice Morelli supports the congress motto pillar of “Knowledge Diversity” by scientifically elucidating the mechanisms of action for compounds derived from traditional sources, such as medical cannabis. Through her research and academic leadership, she helps bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern medicine, fostering an environment where integrative therapies are developed and applied based on solid evidence and a deep molecular understanding.

Professional Career of Maria Beatrice Morelli

Dr. Maria Beatrice Morelli‘s professional career focuses on advancing cancer research through molecular and cellular biology. Her career began with a strong foundation in immunology and ion channel research, which she applies to various oncological challenges. Currently, as an Associate Professor at the University of Camerino, she leads research initiatives, mentors students, and contributes to the university’s academic governance.

Her career is marked by extensive international collaboration, enriching her research and professional network. These collaborations facilitate the exchange of knowledge and techniques, accelerating progress in her field. She also demonstrates a commitment to translating research into practical applications, evidenced by her role as co-founder of an innovative startup.

• Current Position: Associate Professor (MEDS-02/A) at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Health Products, University of Camerino, Italy.
• International Research Collaborations: Has carried out significant research projects with institutions including the Leuven Cancer Institute (KU Leuven), Karolinska Institutet, INSERM, TZB Bayreuth, and the Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology.
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Co-founder and scientific partner of Integrative Therapy Discovery Lab S.R.L., a startup dedicated to creating patented formulations of herbal and medical cannabis products.
• Interdisciplinary Research: Since 2024, she has been collaborating with the Vision, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Lab (VRAI) to apply AI and machine learning in cancer research, supervising a PhD student under the “Innovative Doctorate” program funded by the Marche Region.

Academic Qualifications

Dr. Maria Beatrice Morelli built her distinguished scientific career on a solid and specialized academic foundation obtained from “La Sapienza” University of Rome. Her education reflects a deep-seated interest in biotechnology and its application to complex medical problems, culminating in doctoral research that laid the groundwork for her current focus on oncology and ion channel pathology. The honors she received underscore the high quality of her academic work.

This comprehensive training provided her with a robust skill set in cellular and molecular biology techniques. Therefore, her academic journey prepared her to address intricate research questions concerning cancer development and chemoresistance, which remain central themes in her ongoing work.

• PhD in Immunological Sciences (2011): Earned from “La Sapienza” University of Rome. Her doctoral thesis investigated the role of TRPV ion channels in tumor progression and chemoresistance, establishing her expertise in this critical area of cancer biology.
• Degree in Medical, Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology: Graduated cum laude from “La Sapienza” University of Rome, specializing her knowledge in the medical applications of biotechnology.
• Degree in Biotechnology: Completed her initial university degree with cum laude honors at “La Sapienza” University of Rome, providing a broad base in the life sciences.

Research, Publications, and Patents of Maria Beatrice Morelli

Dr. Maria Beatrice Morelli‘s research is extensive, focusing on the molecular underpinnings of cancer. Her work seeks to understand how cancer cells develop, progress, and respond to therapies. A central element is the study of ion channels and their regulation of key processes like cell death and invasiveness.

Her investigations cover several challenging tumor types. She contributes to translational science by identifying genetic signatures in circulating tumor cells for patient stratification. This work has resulted in a substantial number of publications and citations, and her innovative findings have led to patents for novel cancer treatments.

Key Research Areas

Dr. Morelli’s research centers on molecular mechanisms driving cancer, with an emphasis on how ion channel activity influences cell death, invasiveness, and drug response. Her work has provided insights into tumor types like glioma, multiple myeloma, pancreatic cancer, and bladder cancer.

Publications and Impact

Maria Beatrice Morelli is a prolific author. As of March 2025, her contributions include:

• Over 80 peer-reviewed publications.
• 19 book chapters.
• An h-index of 32, indicating high impact.
• Over 7,000 citations (Scopus).

Patents

Her research has also produced intellectual property with therapeutic potential. She is a listed inventor on patents for novel treatments from natural compounds:

• PCT/US22/36758: Use of phytocannabinoids for treating endometrial cancer and endometriosis.
• PCT/US22/23244: Methods and compounds of cannabidiol, melatonin, and AKBA for treating pancreatic cancer.

Grants and Fellowships

Throughout her career, Dr. Maria Beatrice Morelli has successfully secured competitive funding from several prestigious national and international organizations. These fellowships and grants are a clear indicator of the scientific merit and potential impact of her research proposals. The support from these institutions has been instrumental in enabling her to conduct innovative studies on the molecular mechanisms of cancer and the therapeutic potential of natural compounds.

This consistent ability to attract funding underscores the quality and relevance of her work in the scientific community. Consequently, these awards have provided the necessary resources to build her research program and contribute new knowledge to the field of oncology.

• FIRC (Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro): Received research funding from Italy’s leading cancer research foundation.
• Fondazione Veronesi: Awarded fellowships or grants from this foundation, known for supporting scientific research and health prevention.
• Istituto Pasteur Italia: Obtained funding from this esteemed institute, part of the international Pasteur Network, which focuses on biology and public health.
• University of Camerino (UNICAM): Secured institutional grants to support her research activities at her home university.

Board and Committee Activities of Maria Beatrice Morelli

Dr. Maria Beatrice Morelli actively participates in the broader scientific and academic community through memberships in professional societies and service on institutional committees. This involvement demonstrates her commitment to her field and her dedication to fostering academic excellence and scientific collaboration. Her roles allow her to contribute to the strategic direction of research and education both within her university and in the wider cancer research community.

Her participation in these organizations ensures she remains at the forefront of scientific developments and contributes to shaping the future of her discipline. Therefore, these activities complement her research and teaching, reflecting a holistic engagement with her profession.

Professional Society Memberships

• American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
• European Association for Cancer Research (EACR)
• Società Italiana di Cancerologia (SIC)
• Associazione Italiana di Colture Cellulari (AICC)

Institutional Roles at the University of Camerino (UNICAM)

• Member of the PhD Board in Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnological Sciences.
• Member of the School Council for the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Health Products.
• Member of the Scientific Committees for postgraduate programs in Medical Cannabis and Clinical Integration and Complementary and Integrated Therapies.

Connect with Dr. Morelli

For a detailed overview of the research output and academic contributions of Dr. Maria Beatrice Morelli, her ORCID profile provides a comprehensive and authoritative record of her publications, research projects, and professional activities. This resource is essential for anyone wishing to explore the specifics of her scientific work in oncology and complementary medicine.

ORCID Profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4614-5649