Francesca Bertacchini is Associate Professor (II level) of General Psychology in the competitive sector 11/E1 – General Psychology, Psychobiology and Psychometrics (SSD: PSIC-01) at the Department of Human Sciences of Link Campus University, Rome. A cognitive psychologist by training, she conducts research on the perceptual, cognitive and aesthetic foundations of human experience and their role in interaction with advanced technological systems.
Her research activity focuses on how individuals perceive, interpret and attribute meaning to formal configurations, visual signals and reactive objects, exploring the perceptual and inferential dynamics that guide aesthetic preferences, choices and emotions. At the same time, she focuses on Human–Technology Interaction, with particular attention to the cognitive and socio-emotional processes activated by interaction with social robots, intelligent agents, conversational avatars and complex digital environments.
Her studies integrate experimental methodologies, computational models, multimodal analysis techniques, and tools from the psychology of perception to understand how people act and learn within hybrid physical-digital systems. The results of his work have been published in high-impact international journals, including Acta Psychologica, Art & Perception, Scientific Reports, Computers & Education, and Computers in Human Behaviour.
In addition to basic research, Bertacchini is active in the development of intelligent learning environments, adaptive e-learning systems based on conversational agents, robotic platforms for education and inclusion, and interactive methodologies to support cognitive and metacognitive processes. Her interest in the intersection between art, cognitive science and technology has led her to design two interactive science exhibitions and several phygital ecosystems dedicated to research communication and the immersive enjoyment of cultural heritage.
Her contribution lies at the intersection of perception, aesthetics, embodied interaction and intelligent technologies, with the aim of understanding and enhancing the human experience within increasingly interconnected, responsive and cognitively rich environments.
Curriculum Vitae OFFICE HOURS
The professor is available to receive the students at the end of the lessons. However, the students may also request an appointment by email.