In depth studies of biological macromolecules are performed with a dual aim: 

- gain a deeper understanding of biological mechanisms at a molecular and atomic level, and 

- envisage innovative strategies for biotechnological and biomedical applications. 

Experimental and computational methods are synergistically employed to identify macromolecular targets and determine their 3D structure, dynamics, regulation, function, evolution, and the relationships among these features. 

Peptide and organic molecules able to modulate the activity of proteins and nucleic acids involved in cancer, neurodegeneration or other human pathologies are computationally designed, chemically synthesized and characterized for their physical-chemical, biochemical and cellular properties. 

Protein-based nanomaterials for targeted delivery of diagnostic and/or therapeutic compounds to disease tissues are developed. 

One research line focuses on the study of prebiotic syntheses of genetic material to investigate the origin of life in the universe.