1996, Degree in Geological Sciences, University of Torino, Italy. 2000, Ph.D. in Earth Sciences, University of Genova, Italy. 1999, 2001, Research contract, University of Catania, Italy. 2000-2001, Research contract, University of Torino (Italy), and ENI E&P oil company. 2001-2004, Researcher, National Research Council (CNR-IGG, Torino, Italy). 2004-2015, Researcher  (Tectonics and Structural Geology), University of Torino (Italy),                    and consultant (2005-2008) of National Research Council (CNR-IGG). 2009, 2011, Visiting Professor at the Miami University, Oxford, OH (USA). 2015-2022, Associate Professor (Tectonics and Structural Geology), University of Torino (Italy). 2017-2022, Coordinator of the IUGS Task Group on GeoHazards. 2019-to present, Steering Committee of the International Association of Gondwana Research (IAGR, Bejing, China). 2022- to present, Affiliated scientits to National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IGG). 2022, Elected Fellow of the Geological Society of America (GSA). 2024-to present, Full Professor (Tectonics and Structural Geology), University of Torino (Italy).

Mélange and mélange forming processes: definition of the role played by tectonic, sedimentary  (gravitational), and diapiric processes in the formation of mélanges (or chaotic rock units) in passive and active  margins, and in ancient accretionary complexes. Particular interest is addressed to document and define: (i)  the relationships between different mélange types, and geodynamic setting in which they formed; (ii) the criteria helpful for distinguishing different types of mélange forming processes and their superposition. This research is developed through the comparative analyses of different types of mélanges exposed in the  Apennines and W-Alps in Italy, circum-Mediterranean region, Central Appalachians and Sierra Nevada (USA), Andean Precordillera (Argentina) and Cantabria Zone (Spain). The paper "Mélanges and mélange-forming processes: a historical overview and new concepts" by Festa et al. 2010 (International Geology Review, 52(10- 12), 1040-1105) has been recognized as “High Cited Paper” and evaluated the #10 paper on 11542 articles in the category “Geology” of WEB OF SCIENCE for the period 2010 to 2014 (Web of Science Core Collection). Convergent margins and subduction zones: definition  of  the  structural  setting  and tectono- stratigraphic evolution of convergent margins from subduction-related deformation to collision and intra-continental  deformation. This research also focusses on the dynamics of the accretionary complexes, including the study of the MTDs (mass-transport deposits), supported by the comparison between modern accretionary  complexes (oceanic drilling from IODP project) and fossil analogues. Studied areas include the Northern,  Central and Southern Apennines in Italy, Tertiary Piedmont Basin (NW-Italy), Western Alps, Central Appalachians and northern Sierra Nevada (USA).This research has been awarded with the GEOSCIENCE FRONTIERS Best Paper Award 2020 in recognition of the paper: “The role of structural inheritance in continental break-up and exhumation of Alpine Tethyan mantle (Canavese Zone, Western Alps)” by Festa, A., Balestro, G., Borghi, A., De Caroli, S., and Succo, A. (2020), Geoscience Frontiers, 11, 167-188. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsf2018.11.07. Tectono-stratigraphic evolution of sedimentary basins: definition of the multistage tectono-stratigraphic evolution of fold-and-thrust belts (Italian Apennines) and episutural basins (Tertiary Piedmont Basin, NW- Italy). This research is based on detailed, and regional field mapping, structural, and stratigraphic analyses of the syntectonic clastic wedges, and top-thrust successions. Interpretation of seismic lines, analysis of fractures  in outcropping reservoirs, and their implication  for  oil  migration, as well as paleomagnetic analysis represent other detailed aspects of these researches. Intra-oceanic tectonic and sedimentation relationships: reconstruction of the intra- oceanic tectono- stratigraphic setting of the Late Jurassic Ligurian-Piedmont Ocean (Alpine Tethys) and preserved remnants of  extensional detachment faults associated to Oceanic Core Complexes in eclogite facies Western Alpine metaophiolite units (Monviso Meta-ophiolitic Complex and Aosta Valley). Particular attention is addressed to  the role played by preserved intra-oceanic structures in controlling the subsequent tectonic evolution of  Western Alps during subduction, obduction, collision and exhumation stages. These studies have been awarded  by IUGS (International Union of Geological Sciences) with the EPISODES Best Paper  Award  2016 in recognition of the paper: “Pre-Alpine  extensional tectonics  of  a peridotite-localized Oceanic Core Complex in  Late Jurassic, High-Pressure Monviso Ophiolite (Western Alps)” by Balestro, G., Festa, A., Dilek, Y., Tartarotti,  P. (2015) - Episodes, 38 (4), 266-282. Geological Mapping: geologic mapping represents the principal tool that I use in my research to convey a complete compilation of information about the structure and stratigraphy of the sectors I work on. The  product consists of maps at different scales (from 1:10.000 to 1:250.000) of different sectors of the Apennines thrust-and-fold belt.

The scientific interest, spanning the fields of Tectonics and Structural Geology, includes regional tectonics, field mapping, and structural and stratigraphic studies in orogenic belts of different ages (from Paleozoic to Cenozoic), exhumed accretionary wedges and subduction zones. The main subjects of my research are:

2006-2008, University of Otago, New Zealand. Geological-Structural Map of Central-Southern Apennines (Italy). 2009, University of Canterbury, New Zealand. Field characterization of seismic faults in Central Italy. 2009-to present, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA. Processes of mélange formation and Ophiolites and their origin in orogenic belts and subduction-accretion complexes . 2012-to present, Collaboration with the IODP “NaTroSLIDE” Project (expeditions 533 e 538 “Kumano Basin, Nankai).  Structural analysis and definition of mechanisms of detachment, transport and emplacement of exhumed  submarine mass transport deposit and comparison with present day examples. 2013-2015, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain. Procesos de formación de melanges y otras unidades geológicas desorganizadas. 2016-2020, Ruhr University (Institute of Geology, Mineralogy and Geophysics), Bochum (Germany). Structural study of the Cretan Mélange (Crete, Greece). 2016-2020, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (The  Netherlands). Structural-stratigraphy  of chaotic complexes in Northern Apennines. 2019-to present, China University of Geosciences, Beijing (China). 2021-to present, Charles University, Prague (Czech Republic). 2023-to present, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan (China).

2010, European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Meeting, Vienna 2010. Co-convener of Topical Session: Ophiolites, blueschists and mélanges in convergent margin tectonics. Conveners: Y. Dilek, A. Festa, G.A. Pini, P. Agard, and M. Pubellier. Vienna, Austria, 02-07 May 2010. 2010, European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Meeting, Vienna 2010. Chairman of Topical Session: Geometry, kinematics, and deformation mechanisms in foreland thrust belts. Conveners: S. Tavani. Vienna, Austria, 02-07 May 2010. 2010, Geological Society of America Global Meeting “Tectonics Crossroads: Evolving Orogens of Eurasia–Africa–Arabia”. Convener of Topical Session: Mélanges and mélange–forming processes. Conveners: A. Festa, Y. Ogawa, and G.A. Pini. Ankara, Turkey, 04-08 October 2010. 2011, AGU Fall Meeting. Convener of Topical Session: Mass-transport deposits, mélange formation, and associated natural hazards in modern and ancient accretionary complexes. Conveners: A. Festa, Y. Dilek, Y. Ogawa and R. Anma. San Francisco, CA (USA), 05-09 December 2011. 2012, 29^th   IAS Meeting of Sedimentology. Convener of Topical Session: Mass-transport deposits, olistostromes and mélange formation in modern and  ancient continental margins, and associated natural hazards. Conveners: A. Festa, Y. Dilek, Y. and S. Missoni. Schladming (Austria), 10-13 September 2012. 2012, GIGS Meeting (Meeting of the Italian Group of Structural Geology). Co-chairperson of the meeting. Chairpersons: L. Federico, A. Festa, C. Frassi, F. Meneghini, F. Remitti and M. Roda. Modena (Italy), 25-27 October 2012. 2013, GSA Cordilleran Section Meeting. Convener of Topical Session: Mélanges: comparison and contrast between Circum Pacific and Tethyan chaotic rock bodies, and modern submarine analogues Conveners: A. Festa, Y. Dilek, Y. and Y. Ogawa. Fresno, CA (USA), 20-22 May 2013. 2015, GSA Meeting 2015 “Bridging two continents”, Convener of Topical Session: Rift-drift, seafloor spreading and subduction zone tectonics of collisional orogens: Comparative analysis of the Circum-Mediterranean and Appalachian-Caledonian orogenic belts Conveners: A. Festa, and Y. Dilek, Y. Baltimore, MD (USA), 1-4 November 2015. 2017, GSA Meeting 2017, Convener of Topical Session: Polygenetic mélange: a glimpse of tectono-sedimentary recycling in convergent margins. Conveners: A. Festa, K. Ogata, and G.A. Pini. Seattle, WA (USA), 22-25 October 2017. 2019, International Workshop on “Complex Formations: Characterization and Case Studies”, Co-Chairperson of the meeting. Chairperson: M. Barbero, A. Festa, N. Moraci, M.L. Napoli, C. Scavia and C. Soccodato. Politecnico di Torino, Torino (Italy), 30 May 2019. 2020, Meeting of the Working Group on Mediterranean Ophiolites (GLOM). Co-chairperson of the meeting. Chairpersons: G. Balestro, D. Castelli, A. Festa, P. Mosca and R. Tribuzio. Torino (Italy), 31 January 2020. 2021, GSA Meeting 2021. Convener of Topical Session: Sutures and Suture Zones in the Phanerozoic and Precambrian Orogenic Belts. Conveners: Y. Dilek, and A. Festa. Portland, OR (USA), 10-15 October 2017. 2021, IAGR (International Association for Gondwana Research) 2022 Annual Convention & 19th International  Symposium of Gondwana to Asia. Member of the Organizing Commitee Chengdu (China), 23-26 September 2022 2023, European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Meeting, Vienna 2023. Convener of Topical Session: Significance of ophiolites, mélanges and blueschist assemblages in probing the crustal anatomy and geodynamic evolution of accretionary and collisional orogenic belts. Conveners: Y. Dilek, A. Festa, and E. Barbero. Vienna (Austria), 23-28 April 2023. 2023, 2nd International Workshop on “Complex Formations”, Co-Chairperson of the meeting. Chairperson: M. Barbero, A. Festa, M.L. Napoli, S. Rampallo, and C. Scavia. Politecnico di Torino, Torino (Italy), 09 May 2023. 2023, IAGR (International Association for Gondwana Research) 2023 Annual Convention & 20th International  Symposium of Gondwana to Asia. Member of the Organizing Commitee Niigata (Japan), 7-12 October 2023 2023, GSA Connects 2023 (annual meeting of the Geological Society of America). Convener of Topical Session: Geological and Geophysical Constraints on Orogenic Architecture as Windows to Tectonic Style Through Time. Conveners: T. Kusky, S. Violante, and A. Festa. Pittsburgh, PA (USA), 15-18 October 2023.

2016, EPISODES Best Paper Award 2012-2016 for “Pre-Alpine Extensional Tectonics of a Peridotite-localized Oceanic Core Complex in Late Jurassic, High-Pressure Monviso Ophiolite (Western Alps)” – Episodes, vol. 38 (4), 266-282. 2017, ANVUR Award (Italian Agency for the evaluation of Universities and Research institutes) for the scientific activity as Associate Professor in the period 2012-2016 (FFABR - Funds for the Basic Research Activities - Fondo per il Finanziamento delle Attività Base di Ricerca). 2019, The Geological Society of America, History of Geology Division Award Grants (Phoenix, AZ-USA). 2020, GESOSCIENCE FRONTIERS (Elsevier) Best Paper Award 2020 for “The role of structural inheritance in continental break-up and exhumation of Alpine Tethyan mantle (Canavese Zone, Western Alps)”- Geoscience Frontiers, 11, 167-188. 2022, ELECTED FELLOW of the Geological Society of America (GSA) 2023, GEOSYSTEMS AND GEOENVIRONMENT (Elsevier) Best Editor Award 2023. Niigata (Japan)

Geology (GSA), Geological Society of America Bulletin (GSA), Commuication Earth & Environment (Nature Portfolio), GSA Books, Geophysical Research Letters (AGU), Tectonics (AGU), Earth and Space Science (AGU), Journal of the Geological Society of London, Gondwana Research (Elsevier Press), Earth and Planetary Science Letters (Elsevier), Earth-Science Reviews (Elsevier), Geoscience Frontiers (Elsevier Press), Geosystems and Geoenvironment (Elsevier), Global and Planetary Change (Elsevier Press), Tectonophysics (Elsevier Press), Journal of Structural Geology (Elsevier Press), Precambrian Research (Elsevier Press), Marine Geology (Elsevier Press), Marine and Petroleum Geology (Elsevier Press), Journal of Asian Earth Sciences (Elsevier Press), Lithos (Elsevier Press), Journal of Geodynamics (Elsevier Press), Ore Geology Reviews (Elsevier), Sedimentary Geology (Elsevier), Journal of Rock Mechanics (Elsevier), Kuwait Journal of Science (Elsevier), AAPG Bulletin, The Journal of Geology (The Univ. Chicago Press), Terra Nova (Wiley Online Library), Basin Research (Wiley Online Library), Geological Journal (Wiley and Sons), AGU Books, International Geology Review (Taylor & Francis), Journal of Maps (Taylor & Francis), New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics (Taylor & Francis), Episodes (IUGS publications), Comptes Rendus Geoscience, Arabian Journal of Geosciences (Springer), International Journal of Earth Sciences (Springer), Journal of Iberian Geology (Springer), GeoHeritage (Springer), Springer Books, Central European Journal of Geosciences (Springer), Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences (NRC Research Press), Ofioliti, Italian Journal of Geosciences (SGI), Geologica Carpathica, Rendiconti della Società Geologica Italiana (SGI), Geosciences (MDPI), Open Geosciences (De Gruyter Press), AMQ-Alpine and Mediterranean Quaternary, Journal of Earth Sciences and Engineering. Books: AGU books (Wiley & Sons), Elsevier books (Geoscience and Atmospheric Science). Scientific research programs: NERC, PRIN, EnviMed, UIF-Bando Vinci.

Deputy Editor 2024 to present: Deputy Edito, JOURNAL OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, The Geological Society of London, UK. Associate Editor 2016 to present: Associate Editor, EPISODES, IUGS publications. 2019 to present: Associate Editor, GONDWANA RESEARCH, Elsevier Publishers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 2021 to present: Associate Editor, GEOSYSTEMS AND GEOENVIRONMENT, Elesevier Publisher. Guest Editor 2010: Book Editor, GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA SPECIAL PAPER, Boulder, Colorado - USA. 2010-2012: Guest Book Editor, TECTONOPHYSICS, Elsevier Publishers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 2012-2014: Guest Book Editor, MARINE GEOLOGY, Elsevier Publishers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 2016-2017: Guest Book Editor, GEOLOGICAL MAGAZINE, Cambridge University Press, UK. 2017-2019: Book Editor of the AGU BOOK “Submarine landslides: subaqueous mass transport deposits from outcrop to  seismic profiles”, JOHN WILEY & SON, USA 2018-2019: Guest Book Editor, GONDWANA RESEARCH, Elsevier Publishers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 2019-2020: Guest Book Editor, JOURNAL OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, The Geological Society, London, UK. 2019 to present: Council Member, GEOSCIENCE FRONTIERS, Elsevier Publishers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 2021 to present: Guest Book Editor, FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE, Lausanne, Switzerland. 2022 - 2023: Guest Editor, GEOSYSTEMS AND GEOENVIRONMENT, Elesevier Publisher. 2023 - 2024: Guest Editor, JOURNAL OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, The Geological Society, London, UK.

2005-to present, University of Torino, courses of:  - Structural Geology (BSc) - Geological Mapping (BSc)  - Brittle Tectonics (MSc) Supervisor of n. 44 Degree theses, and n. 5 PhD thesis. 

The Geological Society of America (GSA) The American Geophysical Union (AGU) The European Geophysical Union (EGU) International Association of Gondwana Reasearch (IAGR) Working Group on Mediterranean Ophiolites (GLOM)

2007, Clay Day meeting, Rome (Italy) 2007, GSA Annual Meeting, Denver, CO (USA) 2010, GSA Global Meeting, Ankara (Turkey) 2013, University of Pisa, Pisa (Italy) 2013, University of Basilicata, Potenza (Italy) 2014, University of Barcelona, Barcelona (Spain) 2014, SGI-SIMP Meeting, Milan (Italy) 2016, IAG-WTGT International Summer School, Peveragno (Italy) 2016, GLOM Meeting (Meeting of the Working Group of Mediterranean Ophiolites), Parma (Italy) 2017, Ruhr University, Bochum (Germany) 2018, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (Italy) 2019, International Workshop of Complex Formations, Torino (Italy) 2019, Geoscience Frontiers Annual Convention, Beijing (China) 2019, China University of Geosciences Beijing (CUGB), Beijing (China) 2019, GSA Meeting, Phoenix, AZ (USA) 2019, Charles University, Prague (Czech Republic) 2023, 2nd International Workshop of Complex Formations, Torino (Italy)