Francesca Granata is a Research Fellow in the Department of Medicine and Metabolic Diseases at Ospedale Policlinico in Milan. 

Graduated in Biology from the University of Milan, she completed her studies with a Master’s Degree in Cell Biology and a specialization in Nutritional Science. Following the diagnosis of erythropoietic protoporphyria, a condition that causes phototoxicity to sunlight, she became a patient-researcher, dedicating her career to studying porphyrias, a group of rare metabolic diseases affecting heme biosynthesis.

Since 2009, she has worked as a researcher in rare hematological diseases, specializing in the diagnosis and research of porphyrias. She focused particularly on the study of inflammation, the complement system, and heme biosynthesis in porphyrias, as well as on the analysis of transporters involved in photosensitivity and liver disease characteristic of these conditions. She is also actively involved in epidemiological studies on porphyrias in Italy.

Her career has extended beyond research, exploring diagnostics, nutrition – which she considers as an essential aspect of human health – and scientific consulting for drug approval processes.

Additionally, Dr. Granata is committed to sharing her knowledge by writing popular science articles, making complex topics such as diseases and nutrition more accessible. She firmly believes in the importance of clear and accurate communication that is understandable to everyone.

She authored 35 articles in international scientific journal, including contributions to prestigious journals such as a commentary in The New England Journal of Medicine, a letter in Lancet Hematology, and an original article in Science. Recognized nationally and internationally as an expert, Granata has spoken at numerous scientific conferences and participated in various communication events, some of which she personally organized.

Years of experience in healthcare have given her a deep understanding of its complex dynamics. Since 2018, she has been a member of the International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), and in 2023, she founded Vivi Porfiria, Italian Association of Patients Affected by Porphyria, serving as president since then.

She has represented the porphyria community at key international conferences, and led initiatives to establish a National and World Porphyria Awareness Day. Her training in patient empowerment has equipped her with strong communication — showcased by her participation as a speaker at TED Talk in 2021 — along with a solid understanding of patient rights, and expertise in healthcare access processes.

Her vision in her own words: “I strongly believe in a clear and accurate communication that is accessible to anyone.”