- Leo Rufato is an agronomist with a distinguished academic and scientific career in the field of Temperate Fruit Growing and Viticulture, recognized nationally and internationally for his contributions to the technological development of temperate climate fruit production in Brazil. He holds a degree in Agronomy from the Federal Technological University of Paraná, a master's and doctorate in Temperate Climate Fruit Growing from the Federal University of Pelotas, including a doctoral internship at the University of Bologna, and a post-doctorate from Cornell University. He is currently a professor at the State University of Santa Catarina, teaching undergraduate courses in Agronomy and in the Postgraduate Program in Plant Production.
- Throughout his career, he has consolidated significant scientific leadership in research focused on the physiology and management of temperate fruit trees, with an emphasis on apple, grapevine, pear, and small fruits. His research lines encompass training systems, rootstocks, plant growth regulators, physiological management, high-altitude viticulture, seedling production, post-harvest quality, and the sustainability of production systems.
- He is particularly noteworthy for his contribution to the development and consolidation of high-altitude viticulture in Southern Brazil, an area in which his work has contributed to the technological expansion and enhancement of the national production of high-quality fine wines. He has extensive scientific and technological production, with a large number of articles published in high-impact national and international scientific journals, book chapters, full papers in conference proceedings, and participation in scientific events in Brazil and abroad.
- His academic production has a strong impact on the modernization of Brazilian fruit growing, especially in the sustainable intensification of apple production systems and the technological improvement of Brazilian viticulture. He also acts as an ad hoc reviewer for important national and international scientific journals in the areas of Fruit Growing, Horticulture, and Agricultural Sciences. In human resource development, he has been intensely involved in guiding undergraduate, master's, doctoral, and postdoctoral students, contributing significantly to the training of highly qualified researchers, teachers, and professionals in the areas of Fruit Growing and Plant Production.
- His academic career is marked by the integration of research, teaching, and outreach, with strong participation in projects funded by national funding agencies and technical-scientific collaborations with Brazilian and international institutions. His scientific and academic trajectory has consolidated an important contribution to the advancement of Brazilian fruit growing, especially in the development of technologies adapted to the edaphoclimatic conditions of Southern Brazil, promoting gains in productivity, fruit quality, productive sustainability, and international competitiveness of the Brazilian fruit growing chain.