Dr Vittorio Bartoli

Vittorio is the Head of Research and Development at Biohm. He holds an MEng in Chemical Engineering from the University of Manchester, a PhD in Synthetic Biology from the University of Bristol, and is the lead author of numerous papers, including ‘Tunable genetic devices through simultaneous control of transcription and translation’.

During his PhD, Vittorio engineered tuneable genetic devices from DNA ‘parts’. The devices enable us to tune how, where, and when a protein is made in a cell allowing us to more precisely control how cells behave. This could be applied to engineer microbes that manufacture valuable chemicals from agricultural waste or target anti-cancer drugs directly at tumours. This project shaped his holistic research approach that emphasises design and systems thinking.

For Vittorio, working and thinking with biotechnology requires a shift from the current paradigm that routinely interprets anything that is other than self (and sometimes including ourselves) as objects or tools that can be utilised for human ends, rather than subjects with agency.

Remaining rooted in this old paradigm is preventing us from accurately perceiving biological systems as they are, meaning, ironically, we’re less able to engineer biology into tools. As such, Vittorio strives to emulate ‘biophilic’ epistemologies, transforming relationships with humans and non-humans into a conversation between subjects, rather than a battle between subject and object.

When he isn’t at Biohm, Vittorio can usually be found reading, writing, dancing, swimming, singing, hiking, and meeting new plants.