Dr Adam Ritchie serves as a Senior Vaccinologist at the University of Oxford's Jenner Institute and Lecturer in Human Science at St Catherine's College. His work focuses on translating academic vaccine research into real-world impact through the development, manufacture, and clinical testing of candidates for rabies, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and SARS-CoV-2. Education: Holds a BSc, PhD, and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) qualification. His research spans vaccine development, clinical trial design, regulatory affairs, and public policy through Vax-Hub Global. Key interests include adenovirus-vectored platforms, scalable manufacturing processes, and addressing global health challenges in resource-limited settings. Analysis of his 2020-2025 publications reveals a cohesive research trajectory centered on ChAdOx1-vectored vaccines. Dominant themes include prime-boost regimens, intranasal delivery systems, cost-effectiveness modeling for low-income countries, and material science applications for vaccine stabilization. His work bridges laboratory innovation with implementation science, particularly in rabies prophylaxis and pandemic response. Ritchie actively contributes to the Douglas Research Group at the Jenner Institute and global vaccine initiatives through Vax-Hub. His collaborative work appears in high-impact journals including The Lancet, Nature Medicine, and Vaccine, with emphasis on clinical translation and equitable vaccine access.
Prof. Tiziana Lippiello is a Full Professor and Rector at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, leading the Department of Asian and North African Studies. Her academic career focuses on Chinese literature, ancient civilizations, and Confucian thought. She oversees the university's strategic direction as Rector while maintaining active research in East Asian history, religious practices, and intercultural dialogue. Her work bridges classical Chinese texts with modern interpretations, emphasizing themes like divination, governance, and Jesuit influence in cross-cultural exchanges. Key publications include studies on Prospero Intorcetta’s Latin translations of Confucian texts and analyses of ancient longevity practices. She has edited volumes on Chinese literature and merchant culture, contributing significantly to scholarly discourse on Sinology and early modern history.
Francesco Maisano, MD , is Full Professor of Cardiac Surgery at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (Milan) since 2021, where he also serves as Director of the Cardiac Surgery Clinic and of the Valve Center at IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital. From 2014 to 2020 he held the Chair of Cardiac Surgery and directed the Department at University Hospital Zurich. Education & Training 1990 – MD, Catholic University of Rome 1994 – Clinical Fellowship, University of Alabama at Birmingham 1995 – Specialization in Cardiac Surgery, La Sapienza University of Rome Research Interests Professor Maisano’s work centres on innovative therapies for heart-valve disease, spanning surgical reconstruction, catheter-based interventions (TAVI, MitraClip, transcatheter tricuspid devices), and hybrid approaches. He leads translational programmes in biomedical engineering, multimodality cardiac imaging, and artificial-intelligence-guided interventions, with emphasis on the multidisciplinary “Heart Team” model for complex cardiovascular disease. His recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate intense activity in transcatheter mitral and tricuspid repair, long-term durability of surgical mitral repair, AI-driven procedural guidance, and renal protection strategies during mechanical circulatory support. A dominant theme is translating imaging innovations and device concepts into first-in-human studies and large-scale registries. Scientific Awards & Recognitions European Society of Cardiology Silver Medal (2018) ICI Lifetime Achievement in Research & Teaching (2018) ICI Best Technology Parade Presentation (2010) C. Walton Lillehei Young Investigator Award (1999) Leadership & Grants He directs multiple postgraduate programmes, including Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) tracks at the University of Zurich in multimodality imaging, aortic valve, and mitral–tricuspid interventions. He is principal investigator on investigator-initiated grants, coordinates industry-partnered device trials, and mentors numerous doctoral and post-doctoral researchers. His team has filed >24 patents and spun off several cardiovascular start-ups. Labs & Teams At IRCCS San Raffaele he leads the Valve Science Center , a multidisciplinary hub integrating cardiac surgeons, interventional cardiologists, imaging specialists, biomedical engineers, and data scientists focused on next-generation valve repair/replacement technologies and personalised cardiovascular medicine.
Daniele Loiacono is an Associate Professor at Politecnico di Milano's Department of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering (DEIB), affiliated with the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab (AIRLab). His research focuses on interdisciplinary applications of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning in medical imaging, radiation therapy, and procedural content generation for games. He leads projects in synthetic image generation for radiotherapy quality assurance, automated treatment planning, and bias analysis in medical AI systems. Key research areas include medical image synthesis using GANs, radiation therapy optimization, and algorithmic game design. His contributions span clinical applications such as total marrow irradiation (TMI) planning and lymph-node segmentation, alongside innovations in shader generation and interactive evolutionary tools for game development. Loiacono collaborates on multi-center studies to validate AI-driven workflows in healthcare and has pioneered methods combining lean Six Sigma with machine learning for treatment process improvement. His work bridges clinical medicine and computer science, addressing challenges in radiation oncology, anatomical imaging, and procedural content automation. The AIRLab serves as a hub for his research, integrating AI advancements into real-world medical and engineering solutions.
Livio Trusolino is a Professor in the Department of Oncology at the University of Turin, affiliated with the Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (IRCCS) in Candiolo. His research focuses on mechanisms of neoplastic transformation, growth factor receptor signaling, and preclinical models of targeted therapies, particularly in colorectal cancer. He leads courses such as 'Targeted Therapies in Colon Cancer' and contributes to the MD-PhD Program in Medicine. His work integrates molecular profiling (proteomics, genomics) with experimental models like patient-derived xenografts to study drug sensitivity and resistance. Key collaborations include projects on KRAS mutations, EGFR blockade, and drug combination therapies. He chairs academic bodies within the Department of Oncology and oversees the Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory. Recent research highlights include identifying biomarkers for therapeutic response and elucidating adaptive mutability in cancers. His contributions bridge basic science and clinical applications, advancing precision oncology strategies for colorectal cancer.
Giuseppe Banfi is a Professor of Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, where he has held a full academic position since 2006. His career spans over three decades, combining clinical laboratory leadership with academic contributions in aging, musculoskeletal health, and nutritional biochemistry. Graduated Medicine (1984, University of Pavia) Specialized in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine (1988, University of Milan) His research focuses on clinical biochemistry applications in geriatrics, musculoskeletal disorders, and immuno-nutrition. Recent publications highlight innovations in laboratory medicine value-based models, sarcopenia tele-rehabilitation platforms, and aging-related fall prevention strategies. Journal collaborations span Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine and Endocrine Reviews . Current work involves multidisciplinary integration of oral health in orthopedic surgery, telemedicine effectiveness for musculoskeletal conditions, and vitamin D supplementation guidelines. His leadership in scientific research programs at Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute and San Donato Foundation Hospital Group demonstrates ongoing translational science engagement. Management roles include directorships at Fondazione Centro San Raffaele and Istituto Insubrico Ricerca per La Vita Foundation.
Maiko Favaro is a Type B Researcher at Sapienza University of Rome's Department of Modern Literature and Culture, having joined in August 2022 through the 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Young Researcher Program. Previously, she served as Assistant of Italian Literature at Université de Fribourg from 2017 to 2022 and held prestigious fellowships including a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship at Freie Universität Berlin. Her academic journey began with a Perfezionamento in Literary and Philological Disciplines from Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa (2014), preceded by a Laurea Specialistica in Italian Language and Literature from Università di Pisa (2007), where she graduated with highest honors. Her educational path also included research periods at Harvard University, École Normale Supérieure in Paris and Lyon, and Université de Fribourg. Favaro's research focuses on Italian Renaissance literature with particular emphasis on heroic virtue in Renaissance literature, Petrarchism, and the reception of Dante. Her work explores the intersections between philosophical thought, literary representation, and cultural context in sixteenth and seventeenth century Italy. She has made significant contributions to understanding the representation of heroes in Renaissance epic, the topos of lovers' separation, and the role of women in Renaissance dialogues. Her publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly productivity across multiple formats including monographs, edited volumes, and journal articles. Recent work shows increasing focus on Torquato Tasso's prose works, Renaissance philosophical dialogues, and the Friulian literary tradition. Her scholarship often bridges literary analysis with intellectual history and philosophical inquiry. Premio Tasso 2016 for her article on heroic virtue Canadian Society for Italian Studies Award 2011 Premio di laurea from Società Filologica Friulana Favaro has secured significant research funding including the competitive 'Rita Levi Montalcini' fellowship, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship, and an Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (which she declined). She serves on multiple editorial boards including 'Letteratura cavalleresca italiana' and 'Rivista di letteratura tardogotica e quattrocentesca', and has organized international conferences on Renaissance literature. Her current research continues to explore heroic virtue in Italian Renaissance literature while expanding into Friulian literary traditions and Dante reception.
Valeria Bruschi is a Researcher at the Department of Information Engineering (DII) within the Faculty of Engineering at Università Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM) in Ancona, Italy. Her academic profile was last updated on April 13, 2024, and she maintains her office at the Engineering Faculty on via Brecce Bianche, with contact information including phone +39 071-220-4486 and email v.bruschi@staff.univpm.it. Dr. Bruschi's research spans multiple domains within audio and signal processing, with particular expertise in spatial audio systems, automotive human-computer interaction, and biomedical signal applications. Her work bridges theoretical signal processing techniques with practical implementations across diverse fields including automotive safety systems, hearing aid technology, sleep medicine, and agricultural monitoring. She has made significant contributions to head-related transfer function (HRTF) processing, real-time audio enhancement algorithms, and innovative monitoring systems that utilize acoustic signals for various applications. Analysis of Dr. Bruschi's recent publications reveals a strong trajectory in developing practical audio processing solutions with real-world applications. Her work shows increasing integration of machine learning techniques with traditional signal processing approaches, particularly in areas like driver monitoring systems, snoring detection and cancellation, and spatial audio rendering. A notable trend is her focus on creating lightweight, real-time implementations suitable for embedded systems and practical deployment scenarios, while maintaining high performance standards. Her research consistently demonstrates interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting audio engineering with fields as diverse as automotive safety, sleep medicine, and agricultural technology. Dr. Bruschi actively contributes to advancing audio engineering through her research on equalization techniques, noise reduction systems, and immersive audio technologies. Her work on pulse compression techniques for hearing aid distortion measurement represents an important contribution to audiological assessment methodologies. Her publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly output with increasing impact across multiple application domains, reflecting her ability to translate theoretical signal processing concepts into practical engineering solutions.
Stefano CAMPOSTRINI is a Full Professor in the Department of Economics at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, specializing in Social Statistics (STAT-03/B). He serves as a Member of the technical-scientific Committee of the Ca' Foscari Challenge School and the Department of Economics' Committee. His research activities are supported by affiliations with the Research Institute for Social Innovation and the Research Institute for Innovation Management. Professor CAMPOSTRINI's research spans the intersection of statistical methodology, public health, and social policy. His work demonstrates expertise in advanced statistical techniques including Bayesian modeling, spatial analysis, and complex survey methodology. His primary focus areas include healthcare systems analysis, social innovation, public administration, and the economic aspects of health policy. He frequently addresses issues related to comorbidity patterns, healthcare service accessibility, and the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare settings. His publication record from 2021-2025 reveals significant trends in healthcare innovation, with particular emphasis on virtual hospital systems, AI applications in medicine, sustainable healthcare practices, and the statistical analysis of social services like early childhood education. His methodological contributions include novel approaches to analyzing regional health disparities and developing web-based tools for disease prevalence estimation. His research often employs expert consensus methods like Delphi techniques to address complex healthcare organizational challenges. Professor CAMPOSTRINI maintains active involvement in research initiatives through the Research Institute for Social Innovation and the Research Institute for Innovation Management. His work bridges advanced statistical methodology with practical applications in healthcare policy and social service delivery, making significant contributions to evidence-based decision making in public health and social policy domains across Italy and European contexts.
Giovanni Mento is an Associate Professor at the Department of General Psychology, University of Padova. His research focuses on cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, and clinical neurology, with a particular emphasis on neural mechanisms underlying cognitive control, emotional processing, and neurodevelopmental disorders. He employs advanced neuroimaging techniques like high-density EEG to investigate topics such as temporal prediction, decision-making in children, and the impact of preterm birth on brain development. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, combining machine learning with electrophysiological data analysis to address challenges in epilepsy forecasting and predictive brain activity. Key research areas include implicit learning, motivational contexts influencing cognition, and the application of EEG to study socio-emotional and behavioral disorders in clinical populations. Recent studies explore the effects of yoga-mindfulness interventions on cognitive control in children, dynamic brain states in preschoolers, and methodological rigor in EEG-based machine learning models. His contributions span both theoretical frameworks (e.g., re-examining top-down control models) and applied clinical research (e.g., neonatal intensive care practices). Mento’s articles highlight trends in understanding developmental trajectories, predictive neural mechanisms, and translational applications of neuroscientific findings to real-world contexts like education and healthcare.
Arianna ROTONDO is an Associate Professor in the Department of Humanities at the University of Catania, specializing in the History of Christianity and Churches (HIST-04/B). She is currently a Visiting Professor at Ghent University, Faculty of Arts and Philosophy – Department of Literary Studies, from November 2024 to April 2025. Her research spans early Christian history, gender in religious contexts, patristics, late antique Christianity, and the reception of biblical texts. She has led and participated in numerous national and international research projects, including PRIN, FIRB, and ANR-DFG collaborations. Her research interests include: History of Christianity Gender and Religion in Antiquity Patristic Literature Religious Authority and Canon Formation Reception of the Septuagint Biblical Interpretation and Hermeneutics Religion and Cultural History Her recent publications and projects reflect a strong interdisciplinary approach, merging theology, history, literature, and cultural studies. Key themes include the semantics of violence and healing in sacred texts, religious responses to emergencies, and the role of women in early Christian communities. Her work often explores the intersection of religion with politics, identity, and narrative. She has supervised numerous theses on topics ranging from feminist theology and queer Christianity to the history of religious movements, saints, and biblical interpretation. Her academic service includes leadership roles in research units and collaboration with institutions across Europe and North America. Her scientific contributions are recognized through active participation in major research consortia such as THEOPOESIE and Jenseits des Kanons. She is also deeply engaged in public scholarship, examining contemporary religious phenomena such as online liturgies during the pandemic and religious coexistence in the Mediterranean. She advises a wide range of students and leads research on: Feminist and queer theologies Christianity in Sicilian culture Patristic and medieval religious thought Religion and media Historiography of Christian movements
Mara Bonelli is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Parma, Italy, teaching General Pathology across Nursing, Medicine and Surgery, and Speech and Language Therapy programs since 2013/2014 with appointments extending to 2025/2026. Education: Graduated with honors in Biological Sciences (1995), University of Parma PhD in Biology and Molecular Pathology (1999), University of Parma Research Focus: Her work centers on translational oncology , developing molecular-targeted and immunotherapeutic strategies for malignant pleural mesothelioma, breast, renal, and lung carcinomas using in vitro cell models and in vivo animal studies to overcome treatment resistance through technological innovation. Publication Trends: 2024 research demonstrates concentrated efforts in NSCLC resistance mechanisms via metabolic targeting (glucose starvation, glucosylceramide synthase) and immunomodulation of antiangiogenic drugs in renal carcinoma to enhance anti-PD-1 efficacy, reflecting interdisciplinary approaches in oncological therapeutics. Collaborations: Actively partners with Italian and international research groups in translational oncology initiatives.
Daniela Carnevale is a Full Professor at Sapienza University of Rome, where she serves in the Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies within the Faculty of Medicine. She directs the Laboratory of Neuro and Cardiovascular Immunology at the Department of Molecular Medicine, based at IRCCS Neuromed in Pozzilli. Her academic career spans over a decade with a permanent position as Assistant Professor since 2012, progressing to her current role as Full Professor. Education: PhD in Neuroscience (2010) - Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome Professional qualification in Biology (2006) - Sapienza University of Rome Degree in Biological Sciences (2005) - Sapienza University of Rome, final mark 110/110 cum laude Daniela Carnevale's research primarily focuses on the intersection of cardiovascular medicine, neuroscience, and immunology. She investigates neuroimmune mechanisms in hypertension, exploring how the nervous and immune systems interact to influence blood pressure regulation and organ damage. Her work encompasses biotechnologies and translational approaches to understand arterial hypertension, chronic heart failure, Alzheimer's related dementias, and adaptive immune responses. She has pioneered research on brain-spleen communication pathways in hypertension, demonstrating how neural signals prime immune responses that contribute to cardiovascular pathology. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on neuroimmune cardiovascular interfaces, with particular focus on hypertension-induced cognitive impairment, cerebrovascular remodeling, and organ damage mechanisms. Her work increasingly integrates advanced imaging techniques, genetic analyses, and immune profiling to uncover novel therapeutic targets for cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA) (2016) Council on Hypertension Mid Career Award for Research Excellence (2019) International Patent in medical technology (2010) Multiple research awards from the Italian Society of Arterial Hypertension Research Award from the Foundation "Roberto Cornelli" (2009) Professor Carnevale has secured significant research funding as Principal Investigator, including grants from Sapienza University, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, and the Italian Ministry of Health. She has supervised numerous PhD students, post-doctoral fellows, and undergraduate students across various biomedical programs. Her laboratory collaborates internationally with leading researchers from Harvard University, Vanderbilt University, University of Glasgow, and University of Munich. At IRCCS Neuromed, Professor Carnevale directs the Laboratory of Neuro and Cardiovascular Immunology, where her team investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuroimmune interactions in cardiovascular diseases. Her research facility includes advanced preclinical imaging capabilities, including a 7Tesla MRI for small animal research, which she secured through competitive grant funding.
Matteo Mario Pietro Motterlini is a Full Professor of Philosophy of Science at Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele in Milan, where he is affiliated with the Faculty of Philosophy. He is the director of the Center for Research in Experimental and Applied Epistemology (CRESA) and the Behavior Change Lab, and collaborates with the Cognitive Neuroscience Center and Division of Neuroscience. He holds teaching responsibilities in Cognitive Economics and Neuroeconomics, and Behavior Change, and serves on the university's academic committee. Università degli Studi di Milano – Philosophy London School of Economics – Economics Carnegie Mellon University – Cognitive Science His research lies at the intersection of philosophy, behavioral economics, and cognitive neuroscience, focusing on human rationality, decision-making processes, emotions, regret, and social learning, particularly in economic and financial contexts. He investigates how behavioral science can inform public policy and improve organizational practices. His work integrates experimental methods with neuroimaging to uncover the neurobiological foundations of judgment and choice. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in applying behavioral and cognitive sciences to societal challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, disinformation, charitable giving, and policy design. His work combines empirical rigor with philosophical depth, exploring topics like the epistemology of nudges, truth perception, and the role of expert endorsement. The integration of neuroscience, psychology, and economics is evident across his research output. Chief Behavioral Officer, E.ON Italia Spa Chief Behavioral Officer, Gruppo San Donato Scientific Advisor, MilanLab (AC Milan) Scientific Advisor, MarketPsych LLC Advisor for Behavioral Finance, Fidelity (Growth, Income & Stability project) Advisor for Social and Behavioral Sciences, Presidency of the Council of Ministers (Italy) He has received no explicitly mentioned scientific awards in the provided text. However, his advisory roles in high-impact public and private institutions reflect recognition of his expertise. His books are international bestsellers, translated into multiple languages, indicating broad scholarly and public influence. Motterlini has been actively involved in public engagement through collaborations with Corriere della Sera, Il Sole 24 Ore, and Il Foglio. He has delivered keynote lectures and participated in public festivals and media appearances, including on Sky TG24. He has advised on financial education (EDUFIN) and participated in events on longevity risk, health, and sustainability. His research is supported by interdisciplinary collaborations and applied projects with industry partners. He leads two major research units: the Center for Research in Experimental and Applied Epistemology (CRESA) and the Behavior Change Lab (also referred to as the E.ON Customer Behavior Lab), which focus on biometric and neuroscientific analysis of behavior. These labs serve as hubs for experimental research in decision-making, nudging, and behavioral interventions in health, finance, and sustainability.
Pier Giorgio Petronini is a Full Professor of General Pathology at the University of Parma, leading the Experimental Oncology Laboratory within the Department of Medicine and Surgery. He has held research positions at the Pasteur Institute in Paris and serves on the Novartis Oncology Advisory Board, as Academic Editor for PLOS ONE, and reviewer for multiple journals. Scientific Director of Chiara Tassoni Association for Leukemia Research and Augusto per la Vita Association Member of Italian Society of Cancerology, European Association for Cancer Research, and American Society for Investigative Pathology His research focuses on translational molecular oncology in lung, breast cancer, and malignant pleural mesothelioma, emphasizing preclinical therapeutic strategies. Key projects include targeting CDK4/6, EGFR, and PD-L1 pathways, with recent work on metabolic adaptations in drug-resistant cancers. Selected publications highlight advancements in: CDK4/6-PI3K/AKT/mTOR combination therapy for TNBC FGFR2-MEK synergy in cancers of unknown primary PD-L1-STAT signaling in NSCLC angiogenesis He coordinates grants from AIRC, Novartis, AstraZeneca, and Chiesi Farmaceutici, and holds patents for irreversible EGFR and MDR1 inhibitors.
