# Francesco Frassinelli > Italian researcher **Wikidata**: [Q123035972](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123035972) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/francesco-frassinelli ## Summary Francesco Frassinelli is an Italian software engineer, researcher, and OpenStreetMap contributor specializing in geoinformatics and computer science. Based in Trondheim, he has worked for major institutions including CERN and the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research. He is an active member of the open-source and open-data communities, contributing to projects under the alias "frafra." ## Biography * **Nationality:** Italy * **Residence:** Trondheim * **Education:** * Master of Science in Geoinformatics — Polytechnic University of Milan * Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — Polytechnic University of Milan * **Known for:** OpenStreetMap contributions, software engineering, geoinformatics research. * **Employer(s):** * The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (September 2018 – Present) * CERN (2013 – 2016) * **Field(s):** Software Engineering, Geoinformatics, Data Analysis * **Languages:** Italian (native), English ## Contributions Francesco Frassinelli has made significant contributions to the field of open-source software and volunteer geographic information. Since registering on OpenStreetMap on July 29, 2008 (User ID 55024), he has been a consistent contributor to the platform, utilizing tools such as JOSM and Python to manage and edit geospatial data. He is an active member of **PoliMappers**, a volunteer mapping group, and **Wikimedia Italia**, promoting open knowledge and free content. His technical contributions include the use and development of software within the Fedora Linux ecosystem. He documented his involvement in the global geospatial community by participating in **State of the Map 2018**, the annual international conference for OpenStreetMap. Professionally, Frassinelli applies his expertise in software engineering and programming to research contexts. His career includes a notable tenure at **CERN** from 2013 to 2016, where he worked as a software engineer. Since 2018, he has served the **Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA)**, applying his skills in Python and software development to ecological and environmental research. ## FAQs ### Q: What is Francesco Frassinelli's current occupation? A: He works as a researcher and software engineer for the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), a position he has held since September 2018. ### Q: What are Francesco Frassinelli's educational qualifications? A: He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Geoinformatics, both obtained from the Polytechnic University of Milan. ### Q: How long has Francesco Frassinelli been contributing to OpenStreetMap? A: He has been an active OpenStreetMap contributor since July 29, 2008. ## Why They Matter Francesco Frassinelli represents a bridge between rigorous software engineering and the collaborative world of open data. His career trajectory—from technical roles at CERN to research at NINA—demonstrates the application of high-level programming skills (Python, Linux environments) to scientific and ecological challenges. His long-standing commitment to OpenStreetMap and membership in organizations like PoliMappers and Wikimedia Italia highlight his dedication to the democratization of data. By maintaining an active public profile through his website, GitHub, and academic CV, he provides a transparent model of a modern researcher who actively contributes to the commons while advancing professional science. His work aids in the development of free geographic tools that are essential for navigation, disaster response, and environmental management. ## Notable For * **OpenStreetMap Contributor:** Registered user since 2008 (ID 55024). * **CERN Alumnus:** Served as a software engineer at the European Organization for Nuclear Research from 2013 to 2016. * **PoliMappers Member:** Active participant in this mapping team, often associated with Politecnico di Milano. * **Open Source Advocate:** Utilizes and develops for Fedora Linux and maintains public repositories on GitHub and GitLab under the username "frafra." ## Body ### Professional Career Francesco Frassinelli is a software engineer and consultant with a background in computer science and geoinformatics. His professional experience is anchored by his work at **CERN** in Geneva, where he was employed between 2013 and 2016. Following this, he joined **The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA)**. Based in Trondheim, his role at NINA involves utilizing software tools for nature research, commencing in September 2018. ### Technical Skills and Tools Frassinelli’s technical stack is focused on open-source technologies. * **Programming:** He is a proficient programmer, specifically citing **Python** as a key language in his work. * **Operating Systems:** He is a user and proponent of **Fedora Linux**. * **Mapping Tools:** For his contributions to OpenStreetMap, he utilizes **JOSM** (Java OpenStreetMap Editor), a widely used tool for detailed mapping. ### Contributions to Open Knowledge Under the handle **frafra**, Frassinelli maintains a presence across various open-knowledge platforms. * **OpenStreetMap:** He has been contributing for over a decade, creating and editing map data. * **Wikimedia:** He is a member of **Wikimedia Italia**, supporting the free culture movement in Italy. * **Community Engagement:** He participated in **State of the Map 2018**, engaging with the global mapping community. He also maintains a diary on OpenStreetMap and a personal website (frafra.eu) where he shares his curriculum vitae and project updates. ### Education Frassinelli completed his higher education at the **Polytechnic University of Milan** (Politecnico di Milano). He earned a **Bachelor of Science in Computer Science** followed by a **Master of Science in Geoinformatics**, equipping him with the dual expertise in computing and geographic information systems that defines his career. ## References 1. [Source](https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/User:Frafra) 2. GitHub 3. [Source](https://frafra.eu/files/cv-francesco-frassinelli.pdf) 4. [Source](https://www.openstreetmap.org/user/frafra/diary) 5. [Source](https://frafra.eu/)