Dr Alessandro Siani
Biography
I obtained my BSc in General and Applied Biology from the University of Naples “Federico II” (Italy) in 2006. My BSc research project aimed to elucidate the impact of epigenetic factors (specifically, H3K4 methylation) on the development of oral carcinoma. Research into the molecular aetiology of human pathology was also the main focus of my MSc project, carried out at the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM, Naples, Italy). During my time at TIGEM I investigated the molecular and cellular basis of the neurobehavioural phenotype observed in mouse models of 22q11 deletion syndrome (also known as velocardiofacial or DiGeorge syndrome). I moved to the UK in 2010 for my PhD, which was carried out at the Laboratory of Polymers and Biomaterials of the University of Manchester. My PhD research project focused on understanding the mechanical and biochemical factors underpinning the myofibroblast differentiation process, key cellular event leading to fibrotic degeneration in a number of pathological conditions. During my PhD and post-doc, also at the University of Manchester, I became increasingly engaged in my department’s didactic and outreach activities. As a result, I decided to further pursue my dedication to scientific teaching and communication by enrolling in a secondary (11-18) science PGCE, which I was awarded in 2016 from the University of Manchester.
Research outputs
2025
Scientific misinformation
Siani, A.
1 Sep 2025, In: Encyclopedia. 5, 3, 11p., 119
Research output: Article
Scientific misinformation, disinformation and perception of news sources among Italian secondary school students
Siani, A., Gennari, A.
15 May 2025, In: International Journal of Science Education. 1, 15
Research output: Article
2024
A review of global inequities in COVID-19 vaccination access and uptake
Siani, A.
11 Jul 2024,
Research output: Chapter (peer-reviewed)
Susceptibility to scientific misinformation and perception of news source reliability in secondary school students
Siani, A., Joseph, M., Dacin, C.
9 Jul 2024, In: Discover Education. 3, 12p., 93
Research output: Article
Vaccine hesitancy rising as climate-related disease spreads: COVID increased vaccine hesitancy. With immunisation crucial to protect against the impacts of climate change, the test is how to restore vaccine confidence.
Siani, A.
31 Jan 2024, In: 360info
Research output: Article
Mixed messages, broken trust, avoidable deaths: a critical appraisal of the UK government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Siani, A.
17 Jan 2024, In: Open Health. 5, 7p., 20230016
Research output: Article
2023
Polysulfide nanoparticles inhibit fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition via extracellular ROS scavenging and have potential anti-fibrotic properties
Siani, A., Teixeira, L. I., D’Arcy, R., Roberts, I. V., El Mohtadi, F., Donno, R., Tirelli, N.
1 Oct 2023, In: Biomaterials Advances. 153, 13p., 213537
Research output: Article
Vaccine hesitancy and refusal: history, causes, mitigation strategies
Siani, A.
9 May 2023,
Research output: Chapter (peer-reviewed)
Self-confidence and STEM career propensity: lessons from an all-girls secondary school
Siani, A., Harris, J.
23 Mar 2023, In: Open Education Studies. 5, 1, 10p., 20220180
Research output: Article
Scientific misinformation and mistrust of COVID-19 preventive measures among the UK population: a pilot study
Siani, A., Green, I.
30 Jan 2023, In: Vaccines. 11, 2, 10p., 301
Research output: Article