Her research work starts in 2005 with a main focus on complex carbohydrate, dietary fibre, prebiotics and antioxidants in foods, and their effects on metabolism and intestinal functions. During her Ph.D. studies, she was a visiting scientist at the School of Food Biosciences, Food Microbial Sciences Unit, University of Reading (UK). She also was involved in population surveys in the Italian section of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). In these research fields, she is co-author of several publications on international peer reviewed Journals. Since 2009, being involved in food educational projects implemented in primary schools of the Parma area, Francesca acquired a deep experience in educational health learning programs and children population surveys.