Maria Rita Casali is a Full Professor at the Department of Physical, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Her research focuses on geometry, topology, and mathematical structures, particularly in relation to PL-manifolds and colored tensor models. Teaching: Courses in Geometry, Discrete Mathematics, and Linear Algebra for Engineering and Strategic Sciences degrees. Research: Investigates combinatorial invariants (regular genus, G-degree, gem-complexity) for compact 4-manifolds, linking them to quantum gravity and tensor models. Publications: Recent works include studies on trisections of 4-manifolds, classifications via colored graphs, and combinatorial properties of the G-degree. Her contributions to crystallization theory and PL-manifold representation have advanced the understanding of geometric topology and its applications in theoretical physics.
Marcus Herrmann is a Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at Arizona State University's School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy. He is also affiliated with the Center for Negative Carbon Emissions. His research focuses on fluid mechanics, multiphase flows, atomization processes, and numerical methods for discontinuous interfaces. Herrmann holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from RWTH Aachen University (2001) and a Diplom (1995). His career includes a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University's Center for Turbulence Research (CTR) and a visiting scientist position at the University of Technology Eindhoven, Netherlands. He has secured major grants from NASA, NSF, and industry partners like Honeywell, focusing on atomization modeling, supersonic crossflows, and turbulence simulations. Research interests span computational fluid dynamics, multiphase flow simulation, and LES/DNS methodologies. His recent work emphasizes high-fidelity numerical techniques for particle-resolved simulations and phase interface dynamics. Teaching includes courses like MAE 561 (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and MAE 384 (Advanced Math Methods for Engineers). He actively advises students through research and dissertation roles. Notable projects include modeling wax deposition in pipelines and developing novel approaches for interface dynamics in turbulent flows. His work bridges fundamental fluid mechanics with industrial applications like combustion systems and porous media modeling.
Ana Maria Alonso Rodriguez is a Full Professor of Numerical Analysis at the Department of Mathematics, University of Trento. She holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (1993) and has held academic positions across Italy and Spain since 1990. Her research focuses on numerical methods for partial differential equations, computational electromagnetism, finite element methods, and domain decomposition techniques. She has organized international workshops and minisymposia, including the 2022 Oberwolfach workshop on Hilbert Complexes and the 2018 ICOSAHOM conference session on high-order methods. Her work bridges numerical analysis, topology, and applied electromagnetism, with recent contributions to Whitney finite elements and discrete potential theory. Education: PhD in Applied Mathematics, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (1988-1993) Licenciatura en Ciencias Matematicas, same institution (1982-1987) Research emphasizes high-order discretizations for electromagnetic problems, leveraging finite element exterior calculus and graph-based decomposition techniques. Recent work (2024) advances tree-cotree methods for curl operator spectra and Whitney form interpolation. She actively collaborates with international institutions like the CI2MA in Chile and the Laboratoire J. A. Dieudonné in France. Teaching includes courses on numerical PDEs, finite elements, computational electromagnetism, and MATLAB-based numerical analysis at both undergraduate and PhD levels. She has supervised numerous courses in Italy and Spain since 2000, integrating practical software tools like FreeFem and MODULEF into instruction.
Paola Cristofori is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical, Computer and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Her research focuses on Algebraic Topology, Differential Geometry, and Manifold Theory, with contributions to PL topology, 4-manifolds, and combinatorial structures like crystallization theory. She teaches courses in Geometry, Linear Algebra, and Algebraic Topology for undergraduate and graduate programs in Mathematics, Civil Engineering, and Strategic Sciences. Her work emphasizes topological invariants, combinatorial methods in manifold classification, and applications of colored graphs. Key areas include trisections of 4-manifolds, Kirby diagrams, and G-degree theory. She collaborates extensively on projects involving geometric topology and computational topology tools. Dr. Cristofori’s teaching spans foundational topics in linear algebra, Euclidean geometry, and advanced algebraic topology, emphasizing rigorous proofs and practical applications. Her research is published in top journals and includes over 40 articles, reflecting her deep engagement with low-dimensional topology and geometric structures.
Affiliations: Domenico Fiorenza is an Associate Professor at the Department of Mathematics, University of Rome La Sapienza since October 2015. Previously, he held roles as Assistant Professor (2005–2015) and PostDoc Researcher at the Universities of Rome Tor Vergata and La Sapienza. Education: Laurea in Mathematics (University of Rome La Sapienza, 1996); PhD in Mathematics (University of Pisa, 2002). Research Interests: His work focuses on mathematical physics, algebraic geometry, and topology, with contributions to deformation theory, higher structures in quantum field theory, and categorical constructions. Notable areas include T-duality in rational homotopy theory, M-theory, and derived algebraic geometry. Publications: Over 60 peer-reviewed articles, including studies on C-infinity algebras, twistor spaces, and the geometric interpretation of M5-branes. Recent work emphasizes connections between homotopy theory and physics, such as twisted Cohomotopy and anomaly cancellation in M-theory. Labs/Teams: Collaborations with Hisham Sati and Urs Schreiber on topics like super-exceptional geometry and higher TQFTs. Visiting positions at IHÉS, MPIM, and ETH Zurich highlight his international engagement.
Marco Manetti is a Full Professor of Geometry at the Dipartimento di Matematica 'Guido Castelnuovo' of Sapienza Università di Roma. His primary academic role involves research and teaching in algebraic geometry and deformation theory. He has held editorial positions, including Editor-in-Chief of Rendiconti di Matematica e delle sue Applicazioni and editor of Annali di Matematica Pura ed Applicata . Research interests focus on algebraic surfaces, moduli spaces, deformation theory, and differential graded Lie algebras. Notable contributions include work on semiregularity maps, formality conjectures, and L∞-algebras. He has authored influential textbooks like Topologia and Lie Methods in Deformation Theory . He actively engages in outreach, organizing mathematics competitions and events like Intrecci Matematici . Awards include the Premio Bartolozzi (1999). His work bridges pure mathematics with applications in mathematical physics and topology.
Carlo Baldassi is an Associate Professor at Bocconi University, where he has served as Director of the BSc in Mathematical and Computing Sciences for Artificial Intelligence (BAI) since 2023/24. He holds a background in Theoretical Physics from the University of Trieste and a PhD in Computational Neuroscience from the University of Turin. His research focuses on applying Statistical Mechanics to Machine Learning and Neural Networks, particularly studying loss landscapes, optimization problems, and the role of quantum annealing in nonconvex learning. He teaches courses in Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Computer Science, emphasizing Python and Julia programming. His work bridges theoretical physics and AI, exploring topics like synaptic stochasticity in low-precision neural networks and the efficiency of quantum vs. classical annealing. He has published extensively in top journals such as Physical Review Letters and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , contributing to foundational understanding of neural network dynamics and optimization techniques. Teaching includes Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Computer Science I Machine Learning II Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Lab Research emphasizes large-scale inference problems, with a focus on the interplay between statistical mechanics and modern AI architectures.
Matteo Penegini serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Genoa, where he holds a seat on the Department Board. His teaching portfolio spans multiple degree programs including Economic and Financial Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Mathematical Statistics, with courses such as General Mathematics, Geometry, and Linear Algebra and Analytic Geometry. His research centers on advanced Algebraic Geometry, specializing in the classification and structural analysis of algebraic surfaces and threefolds. Key investigations include triple covers of K3 surfaces, surfaces with pg=q=2 invariants, and projective varieties of general type. His work integrates cohomological methods, birational transformations, and moduli space theory to explore geometric genus constraints and Albanese map properties. Recent publications reveal a consistent focus on geometric invariants and covering spaces, with collaborative studies examining K3 surface covers (2022), surface families with specific Chern numbers (2021), threefold classification (2021), cohomology of irregular surfaces (2020), and Zariski multiplets from isogenous surfaces (2020). This trajectory demonstrates deepening engagement with Hodge theory and moduli problems in complex algebraic geometry.
Luca Vitagliano is a Full Professor of Geometry at the Department of Mathematics, University of Salerno. His research focuses on Differential Geometry and Mathematical Physics, with specializations in Poisson Geometry, Lie Algebroids/Groupoids, Differentiable Stacks, and Geometric Methods for PDEs. He has advised four PhD students, including Antonio Maglio (2025) and Pier Paolo La Pastina (2020). He teaches courses such as Geometry II, Homology and Cohomology, and Higher Geometry. His recent articles explore shifted contact structures, Nijenhuis integrations, and deformation cohomology. Education: Not explicitly stated in text Research Groups: Geometry Group at University of Salerno Affiliations: INdAM Intensive Period on Poisson Geometry, Poisson 2024 Conference His work bridges pure mathematics (homological methods, stack theory) with applications in mathematical physics, emphasizing geometric structures like Jacobi manifolds and coisotropic submanifolds. He actively participates in international conferences and publishes with collaborators globally.
Luca Chiantini is a Full Professor at the University of Siena's Department of Information Engineering and Mathematical Sciences. Born in Siena in 1957, he earned his Mathematics degree from the University of Siena in 1979 and held academic positions at the Polytechnic of Turin, University of Naples, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', and others before joining the University of Siena in 1995. His research focuses on Algebraic Geometry, Commutative Algebra, and applications in Tensor Analysis and Multilinear Algebra. Chiantini's work explores projective varieties, secant varieties, Waring decompositions, and geometric complexity theory. He has authored over 100 publications, including studies on interpolation in higher codimension, Geproci sets, and Terracini loci. Education: Degree in Mathematics from the University of Siena (1979), followed by CNR grants and a Brandeis University fellowship (1982-1983). Academic roles include Department Director (2006-2012) and Dean of the Academic Board (2011-2012). Research Interests: Algebraic Geometry (e.g., projective varieties, secant varieties), Commutative Algebra (Hilbert functions, determinantal representations), and applied areas like tensor decomposition, geometric complexity, and algebraic statistics. His work bridges classical and modern algebraic geometry, with contributions to tensor rank, identifiability, and secant defectivity. Key Projects: Studies on interpolation, secant varieties, and geometric configurations. Collaborations on tensor analysis with applications in statistics and theoretical physics. Active in academic service and education, teaching advanced geometry and mathematics pedagogy.
Laura Brandolini is a Researcher at the Department of Industrial and Information Engineering, University of Pavia, where she collaborates with the Computer Vision and Multimedia Laboratory. She simultaneously serves in the university's ICT area, administering over 200 central servers including backup systems, virtualized services, and hardware infrastructure. Her educational background includes: Master in Computer Engineering (cum laude), University of Pavia, 1998 PhD in Industrial and Information Engineering, University of Pavia, 2013 Dr. Brandolini's research integrates computational topology with practical imaging applications, specializing in Reeb graph computation for 3D mesh segmentation and medical shape analysis. Her work bridges theoretical computer science with clinical neuroscience, particularly in developing topological descriptors for brain structures like the striatum. This interdisciplinary approach enables novel solutions for surface mesh processing in both industrial and medical contexts. Her 2012 publications reveal a consistent focus on computational geometry applied to medical imaging, demonstrating how Reeb graph theory can simplify complex 3D shape analysis. These works established foundational techniques for efficient mesh segmentation with applications in neuroimaging and computer-aided diagnosis systems. She has received the following recognition: Best Student Paper Award at ICPRAM 2012 Dr. Brandolini maintains active industry engagement through her PMP certification (held since 2004) and PMI-NIC involvement, while her dual roles demonstrate unique synergy between academic research and enterprise IT operations. Her current work combines server infrastructure management with advancing computer vision methodologies.
Laura Sanità is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computing Sciences at Bocconi University, Milano, Italy. She previously held academic positions at TU Eindhoven (Netherlands) and the University of Waterloo (Canada). Education: Bachelor's in Management Engineering (2003), Università di Roma Tor Vergata Master's in Management Engineering (2005), Università di Roma Tor Vergata PhD in Operations Research (2009), Università Sapienza di Roma Postdoctoral Fellow at EPFL (Switzerland, 2009-2011) Laura's research focuses on discrete mathematics, theoretical computer science, and operations research, with particular emphasis on algorithmic solutions for combinatorial optimization problems. Her work spans approximation algorithms, network design, polyhedral combinatorics, and algorithmic game theory, advancing methodologies for solving complex optimization challenges in theoretical and applied contexts. Her publications demonstrate expertise in network design problems, spanning from fundamental polyhedral characterizations to game-theoretic applications. Key contributions include iterative randomized rounding techniques for Steiner trees, circuit augmentation algorithms, and stabilization approaches for network games. Scientific Awards: NWO-VIDI Award (Netherlands) Discovery Accelerator Supplements Award (NSERC, Canada) Golden Jubilee Research Excellence Award (University of Waterloo) Early Researcher Award (Ontario) Best Paper Award at STOC 2010 Advising & Collaborations: Laura advises PhD students Dylan Hyatt-Denesik and Lucy Verbeck, and collaborates with postdoctoral researchers like Afrouz Jabal Ameli. She has served on program committees and as Associate Editor for top journals including Mathematical Programming, Mathematics of Operations Research, and Operations Research Letters.
Anna Fino is a Full Professor at the Department of Mathematics, University of Turin. Her research focuses on differential and complex geometry, particularly geometric structures on manifolds such as nilmanifolds, solvmanifolds, G₂-structures, and Hermitian manifolds. She has contributed to studies on special metrics (balanced, SKT, Calabi-Yau), holonomy groups, cohomology theories, and geometric flows like the Laplacian flow for G₂-structures. Her work often intersects with algebraic topology and geometric analysis, addressing topics such as tamed symplectic structures, Ricci solitons, and invariant geometric properties on homogeneous spaces. Recent activities include organizing conferences on differential geometry and participating in international collaborations. Key research themes include: Geometric structures on nilpotent and solvable Lie groups Special holonomy and calibrated geometries Hermitian and almost complex manifolds Cohomological aspects of complex and symplectic manifolds Her publications frequently explore interplays between differential geometry and algebraic structures, with applications to geometric flows and classification problems.
Francesca Maria Ceragioli is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Politecnico di Torino, specializing in Mathematical Analysis (MATH-03/A). She serves as a member of both the College of Mathematical Engineering and the College of Environmental and Land Engineering. Her research focuses on discontinuous ordinary differential equations, with specific lines of inquiry in the analysis and control of discontinuous differential equations and their application to social system models. Her expertise is recognized through classification under ERC sectors PE1_19 (Control theory and optimization) and PE1_10 (ODE and dynamical systems). Dr. Ceragioli has been consistently teaching Mathematics of Systems and Control for the Mathematical Engineering Master's program since 2019/2020 through the upcoming 2025/26 academic year, in addition to foundational courses like Mathematical Analysis I and Mathematics Laboratory for Aerospace and Computer Engineering programs. Her publications reveal a dual focus on theoretical research in control theory and practical mathematics education. The 2025 publications show particular emphasis on translating complex mathematical concepts into accessible educational materials through hands-on projects, while maintaining rigorous theoretical work in opinion dynamics and network systems. Mentoring Polito Project (M2P) badge issued June 11, 2024 She is currently participating in the MO.MO. research project (2025-2026) titled 'Taking time to enjoy ourselves together' as a member of the research group, demonstrating ongoing active research engagement.
Luca D'Acci is an Associate Professor in Sustainable Urban Forms and Evaluations at the Polytechnic of Turin, affiliated with the Interuniversity Department of Territorial Sciences, Planning and Policies (DIST). He holds additional affiliations as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Portsmouth and as a member of research networks at the University of Birmingham and Erasmus University Rotterdam. His academic journey includes international roles such as Head of Urban Environment at Erasmus University Rotterdam and visiting researcher positions at the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and ETH Zurich. Education: MSc in Architecture-Science of Cities, Polytechnic of Turin (2003, cum laude) PhD in Economic Assessments, Polytechnic of Turin (2007) BSc in Mathematics, University of Turin (2007) BSc in Construction Engineering, Polytechnic of Turin (2009, cum laude) Post-PhD in Urbanism, University of Campinas (2010) Anthropology, University of Oxford (2020, 20 credits) Luca D'Acci’s research focuses on urban morphology, urban allometry, isobenefit urbanism, and the socio-economic-environmental impacts of urban form. His work bridges humanistic and quantitative approaches, integrating engineering, architecture, economics, and anthropology. He investigates how urbanicity, urban form, and spatial configuration influence well-being, sustainability, and resilience. His recent publications (2023–2025) reveal a strong trend toward computational modeling and simulation of urban growth, particularly through the lens of isobenefit urbanism —a concept he has pioneered. These works combine cellular automata, agent-based modeling, and morphogenetic frameworks to simulate sustainable urban futures. He also explores fractal patterns in housing markets, the psychology of urban living, and the mental costs of urbanicity. His research spans disciplines including urban science, environmental psychology, urban economics, and complex systems. Scientific Awards and Honors: Fellow, Erasmus Happiness Economics Research Organisation (EHERO), Erasmus University Rotterdam (2022–) Senior Research Fellow, University of Portsmouth (2017–) Fellow, Cluster for Sustainable Cities, University of Portsmouth (2017–2020) Fellow, Urban Morphology Research Group, University of Birmingham (2016–2021) Member, Cambridge Networks Network, University of Cambridge (2016–) Honorary Fellow, University of Birmingham (2016–) Luca D'Acci actively advises PhD students as a member of the Doctoral Collegium for Urban and Regional Development at Politecnico di Torino (2020–2024). He has secured and contributed to significant research grants, including projects funded by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Commission, EPSRC, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, and University College London (Future Urban Growth Lab). His editorial roles include membership on the boards of PLOS ONE , PLOS Mental Health , and Humanities & Social Sciences Communications . Labs and Research Networks: Future Urban Growth Lab (UCL, 2019–) LEUr Urban Ecology Lab (UFSC, 2022–) URban Evolution Morphology (UReM, 2024–) Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam (EHERO, 2022–2024) Spatial Intelligence Unit (SPIN Unit), Estonia (2013–) International Society of Biourbanism (2013–)
