Research topics

M. Volta research interests relate to complex systems modeling, control and planning and deals with topics in the area of environmental systems.

The methodological and applied research includes the following issues:

  • Non-linear systems modelling and simulation: 3D meteo and chemical transport models, data assimilation.
  • System identification: Forecast models for environmental variables, multivariate geostatistics algorithms, source-receptor and emission-cost models
  • Integrated Assessment Modelling: decision models, environmental system planning, ecosystems and health exposure assessment. (a video in italian)



Main projects

As Coordinator:
  • ATHLETIC (Air quaIiTy and Life styles: HeaLTh Cobenefits) , University of Brescia (IT), 2016-2018.
  • APPRAISAL (Air Pollution Policies foR Assessment of Integrated Strategies At regional Local scales), EU FP7 308395, 2012-2015.
  • OPERA (Operational Pollution Emission Reduction Assessment), EU LIFE09ENV/IT/092, 2010-2013, scientific coordinator.
  • NINFA (Design of a modelling system to assess the emission reduction costs in Emilia Romagna), ARPA Emilia Romagna (IT), (2010-2011).
  • RIAT (Regional Integrated Assessment Tool), EC JRC 384364, 2009-2010.
As Unit and WP leader:
  • VALUTA (Assessing the impact and the economic value of the Lombardia Region Air Quality Plan), ARPA Lombardia, 2014-2015.
  • QUITSAT, Italian Space Agency, 2006-2010.

Scientific conferences
As Conference Chair:
  • IFAC 1stIAMES workshop, May 10-11 2018, Brescia (IT)
  • Integrated Assessment Modelling for the design and implementation of Air quality plans in EU Regions – FP7 APPRAISAL project final conference, EC Committee of the Regions, Bruxelles (BE), May 11th 2015.
  • Air Quality, Health and Ecosystems, Conference Chair, Brescia (IT), 10 November 2014 
  • Air Quality: Integrated Assessment Modelling for the design and implementation of Air quality plans in EU Regions, EC Committee of the Regions, Bruxelles (BE), 19 November 2013. 
  • Joint Workshop of the APPRAISAL FP7 project and NIAM, Brescia (IT), June 2012.
  • Environment, Energy and Sustainability in the EU LIFE+ Italian projects, Brescia (IT), May 25th2012.
As scientific committee member:
  • IFAC WC 2017, IPC Technical Associate Editor (TC8.3), session co-chair “Bio- and Ecological Systems - Modeling and Control of Environmental Systems",Toulouse, France
  • Final conference of the OPERA EU LIFE project, Bologna (IT), September 2013 
  • Second conference of the OPERA EU LIFE project, European Parliament, Strasburg (FR), November 2012
  • First conference of the OPERA EU LIFE project, Bologna (IT), June 2011
  • 2012 IEEE Workshop on Environmental, Energy, and Structural Monitoring Systems, Perugia (IT), September 2012, 
  • iEMSs2012, Leipzig (D), 1-5 July 2012, section co-chair "System Identification and Control Theory applications for Environmental Systems Management"
  • IFAC PID 2012, Brescia, March 28-30 2012, National Organizing Committee 
  • 22nd ACCENT-GLOREAM workshop, Brescia (IT) 26-27 November 2009
  • 2009 IEEE Workshop on Environmental, Energy, and Structural Monitoring Systems, Crema (IT), 25 September 2009
As invited speaker:
  • “Integrated assessment for regional and local air quality policies”, EC DG ENV – DG RTD, Green Week 2013. Session 6.3 - Science & evidence-based environmental policy making – the scientific input to the EU Air Policy Review, Brussels, June 2013
  • EU Network of Excellence ACCENT+, ACCENT Symposium 2013, Urbino September 2013


Awards
  • OPERA LIFE09ENV/IT/092 project - Best Environmental Life projects Award 2015 (EC DG-ENV)
  • BASALTO project - Oscar Masi Award for Innovation (IT, 2018) 

Publications