Irene Ruano Benito is a Senior Researcher at the INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH IN SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT, specializing in forest ecosystems and silvicultural strategies. She holds a Doctorate from Universidad de Valladolid (2016) with a thesis on Mediterranean pine regeneration. Her research focuses on forest management, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience in Mediterranean ecosystems. She currently leads the Bosque Modelo Palencia project (BF154), funded by the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and the European Union’s NextGenerationEU program. Her work integrates advanced methodologies like GIS technologies, artificial intelligence, and socio-semantic systems (e.g., Educawood) to address environmental challenges. Key research interests include mixed forest carbon sequestration potential, drought resilience in pine species, and biosecurity in mountain national parks. She has collaborated on projects in Spain, Vietnam, and Northern Vietnam’s Acacia plantations, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches. Publications highlight studies on seedling density effects, stand management diagrams, and post-fire forest recovery. Her contributions span experimental design (Nelder wheel methodology), predictive modeling, and policy-informed management strategies.
Elisa BONA is an Associate Professor at the Department of Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro". Her research focuses on plant-microbe interactions, microbiota dynamics in health and disease, and sustainable agricultural practices. She has contributed to over 180 publications, emphasizing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, gut microbiota in obesity-related diseases, and phytoremediation strategies. Her work addresses UN Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable agriculture, climate action, and good health. Notable projects include BIOURBAN-IMON for urban biodiversity monitoring and MicroMeso, exploring microbiota in mesothelioma patients. She leads or collaborates on grants from EU funds and national agencies, such as the NextGenerationEU and Fondazione Buzzi Unicem. Key research trends include: 1) Mycorrhizal symbiosis enhancing crop resilience and nutrition; 2) Gut microbiota's role in obesity, colorectal cancer, and metabolic disorders; 3) Biofertilizer development from arid soil microbiota; and 4) Antimicrobial metabolites from Basidiomycota. Recent studies highlight interdisciplinary approaches linking environmental microbiology to clinical outcomes. Elisa BONA's grants total over €5 million, focusing on agroecological transitions, pollution control, and microbial therapies. She advises on 6 active projects, including COOLFARMLAB for sustainable farming and SCENARIOS for PFAS mitigation. Her lab integrates metaproteomics, metabolomics, and field trials to advance ecological and biomedical applications.
Régulo Enrique Ávila Martínez is a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute for Research in Technology (IIT) of Comillas Pontifical University, Madrid, Spain. He earned his Ph.D. in Power Systems from the same institution in 2024, focusing on grid-forming VSC-based generator control for enhanced transient stability in power systems with 100% non-synchronous generation. His academic journey includes an M.Sc. in Renewable Energies in Electrical Systems from Carlos III University of Madrid (2017) and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Universidad de Oriente, Venezuela (2012). Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Universidad de Oriente, Venezuela (2012) M.Sc. in Renewable Energies in Electrical Systems, Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain (2017) Ph.D. in Power Systems, Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Spain (2024) His research interests span renewable energy integration, power system stability, and power electronics. His work primarily addresses transient and small-signal stability challenges in power systems dominated by non-synchronous generation, with a focus on voltage control, grid-forming converters, and PLL dynamics. Scientific contributions include studies on current limiters, fast voltage boosters, and active-damping designs for grid-tied converters. Key publications in Electric Power Systems Research and IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion highlight his expertise in stabilizing low-inertia grids. Scientific Awards: PRE2019-088084 Fellowship (2020-2024) funded by MCIN/AEI and ESF Investing in your future He has participated in international exchanges at École centrale de Lille (2022-2023) and presented invited seminars on voltage boosters and PLL control impacts. His grant portfolio includes projects funded by MICINU/AEI, FEDER, Iberdrola, EDP, and NextGenerationEU/PRTR.
Joseph-Simon Goerlach is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at Bocconi University. He holds a PhD from University College London and a B.A. in International Economics from the University of Tübingen. His research focuses on labor economics, political economy, and migration dynamics, particularly exploring how migration duration influences economic decisions. He is affiliated with BIDSA, CEPR, CReAM, IGIER, IZA, and LEAP. Research interests include the political economy of EU legislation, macroeconomic impacts of migration, and drivers of emigration from developing countries. Notable work examines return migration’s effects on human capital and wage assimilation, as well as terrorism’s impact on education in Kenya. He has contributed to policy discussions on migration and entrepreneurship through VoxEU and Bocconi Knowledge. Teaching includes Structural Econometrics (PhD) and Microeconomics (BSc). His research collaborations span institutions globally, with funding from Volkswagen Foundation and NextGenerationEU. Office located at Bocconi University, Room 5-E1-12, Milan.
María del Val Bolivar Oñoro is a Lecturer and researcher affiliated with the NOVA School of Law at Nova University Lisbon and the Centro de Investigação e Desenvolvimento sobre Direito e Sociedade (CEDIS) . She was born in 1991 in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, and holds a Dual PhD (University of Alcalá – Maynooth University) in Insurance Law and Human Rights. Education: BA in Law (2014, University of Alcalá, Spain) LLM in Torts (2017, Rey Juan Carlos University, Spain) Dual PhD (2021, University of Alcalá and Maynooth University) Her research focuses on Insurance Law , Human Rights , and their intersections with Equality and Discrimination in contractual frameworks. Recent work explores the insurance sector's alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (ESG) and health rights, particularly for marginalized communities like HIV-positive individuals. Her publications are concentrated in Insurance Law, with a thematic emphasis on sustainability , anti-discrimination , and technological/financial innovation . She actively engages in academic events, including presentations on disability and insurance practices. Scientific Awards: Margarita Salas Postdoctoral Fellow (funded by Spanish Government, NextGenerationEU, and University of Alcala) María del Val Bolivar Oñoro is part of the CEDIS research network , contributing to law-and-society discourse through interdisciplinary collaborations and publications.
Giovanna Russo is an Associate Professor at the Department of Educational Sciences 'Giovanni Maria Bertin' of Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna. Her academic career spans over two decades at the same institution, where she conducts research on sociology of culture, communication, and well-being. Key research areas: Sociology of sport and physical activity Well-being cultures and wellness practices Disability and societal integration Religious pluralism in sports contexts Migration and cultural diversity Article trends: 22 years of research output show consistent exploration of European wellness society, digital communication impacts, and sports' role in health and social innovation. Major projects include 2022's analysis of fitness technology and 2018's comparative study on wellness across Europe. Academic roles: Principal Investigator for AlmaIdea2022 "NextGenerationEU" project Director of Franco Angeli's "Sport, Body, Society" editorial series Coordinator of European Sociological Association's Sport and Society RN Laboratory involvement: Active member of SportComLab (Research and Study Center on Sports Communication) since 2009, focusing on mega sporting events and health communication.
Francisco Labora Gómez is a Predoctoral Researcher at the Technological Research Institute (IIT) of Comillas Pontifical University, within the Higher Technical School of Engineering. He joined IIT in September 2023 as part of the Regulatory Modeling and Analysis of Energy Systems area, focusing on electrical systems modeling and optimization. His educational background includes: Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Technology Engineering with specialization in Electronics and Automation from Comillas Pontifical University (2021) Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering from Comillas Pontifical University (2023) Mr. Labora Gómez's research centers on energy systems, particularly modeling, operation, and optimization of electrical infrastructure. His work addresses hydropower modeling, power system flexibility, and renewable energy integration through data-driven approaches for medium-term hydrothermal planning and operating reserve provision. His recent publication in Renewable Energy (2025) demonstrates efficient hydropower modeling techniques, while his conference presentations at JOSITE'2025 and EERA ES-e3s-CSP-DfE workshops highlight applications in nuclear power constraints and pumped storage systems for grid stability. No scientific awards or fellowships have been attributed to Mr. Labora Gómez to date. He actively contributes to the AVANHID project (Advanced hydropower systems: modeling, control, and optimized integration) funded by MICIU/AEI and European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR (Oct 2022–Nov 2025). As a predoctoral researcher, he has no advisees but collaborates within IIT's Energy Systems Modeling team. Mr. Labora Gómez operates within IIT's extensive research ecosystem, engaging with national and international energy sector entities through the institute's collaborative framework.
Fidel Fernández Bernal is a Full Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the School of Engineering (ICAI), Universidad Pontificia Comillas. He has been a faculty member since 2000 and previously served as Head of the Department from 2010 to 2019. He is also a member of the Technological Research Institute (IIT) and heads the Electrical Machines and Drives Laboratory. PhD in Electrical Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Comillas (2000) MSc in Industrial Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Comillas (1994) BSc in Industrial Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Comillas (1990) Fidel Fernández Bernal's research focuses on electrical machines, power generation, renewable energy, and wind generation . His work emphasizes power system stability, automatic generation control (AGC), fault ride-through, and the integration of renewable sources. He investigates dynamic modeling, control strategies for synchronous generators, and grid support technologies such as excitation boosters and synchronous compensators. His research bridges theoretical development with experimental validation and real-world applications in collaboration with utilities and industry. His recent publications, primarily in IEEE Transactions and Wind Energy , show a strong trend toward enhancing grid stability in high-renewable scenarios. Key themes include synchronous compensators for PLL stability, wide-area control of excitation systems, wind speed modeling, and the impact of renewables on frequency regulation. His work consistently addresses challenges in transient stability, fault ride-through, and ancillary services in modern power systems. First National Prize in Industrial Engineering (1990) Best B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering in Spain (1990) Extraordinary Prize in Industrial Engineering (1994) Best 1% Top Student Award (1994) Fernández Bernal has supervised multiple PhD students, including L. Díez Maroto and I. Egido, and currently advises J. Suárez Porras. He has led numerous research projects funded by MICIU/AEI, FEDER, EU (NextGenerationEU), and industry partners such as Iberdrola, Endesa, Alstom, and ABB. These projects cover topics like AGC implementation, excitation system analysis, and hybrid AC/DC system studies. He leads the Electrical Machines and Drives Laboratory , where experimental validation of control systems and machine performance is conducted. He has also organized the International Conference on Renewable Energy and Power Quality (ICREPQ’16) and delivered invited lectures on photovoltaic modeling.
Sara Massironi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Gastroenterology at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University. She specializes in gastrointestinal diseases, particularly autoimmune gastritis, neuroendocrine tumors, and inflammatory bowel disease, with a focus on endoscopic techniques and systemic autoimmune interactions. Current roles include teaching in the Master's Degree in Medicine and Surgery. Past roles: Professor a contratto at Università degli Studi di Milano (2008-2017) and teaching positions at Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca (2020-2021). Research Interests : Gastroenterology, with emphasis on autoimmune pathology, diagnostic endoscopy (EUS, ESD), neuroendocrine neoplasms, and psychiatric comorbidities in inflammatory bowel disease. Her work bridges clinical practice with translational research, focusing on biomarkers like the Ki-67 index and systemic autoimmune implications. Scientific Awards : PNRR–NextGenerationEU grant (2024) SIGE Research Award (2002) Grants & Collaborations : • Active in multicenter studies like AGAPE (autoimmune gastritis) and ITARECIPE (chronic pancreatitis). • Leadership in Italian research networks (ITANET, It.a.net).
Yuliya Kazakova is a Research Fellow at the Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI) in The Hague, The Netherlands. She represents the Generations and Gender Programme (GGP) team in the Infra4NextGeneration project, funded by the European Commission, which aims to develop research infrastructure to support evidence-based policymaking within the framework of the 'NextGenerationEU' recovery and resilience plan. Dr. Kazakova holds a PhD in Economics from the Institute for Social and Economic Research at the University of Essex (UK), a Master's degree in Labour Economics from the Higher School of Economics (Russia), and a Master's degree in Public Policy and Development from the Toulouse School of Economics (France). Prior to joining NIDI, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Institut National d'Etudes Démographiques (Ined) in Paris, France. Her research focuses on health economics and the evaluation of public policies, with particular emphasis on childhood health, childhood poverty, and maternal employment. She is also interested in data management and data use for evidence-based policies. Her work centers on the 'Make it Equal' and 'Make it Strong' pillars of the Infra4NextGeneration project, involving collaboration with leading European academics, the EC's Joint Research Centre experts, and the Youth Board to engage young Europeans in data-driven discussions on key issues for future generations. Dr. Kazakova's publications demonstrate a strong focus on multidimensional approaches to understanding child poverty and deprivation, as well as the relationship between maternal employment and child health outcomes. Her research combines demographic methods with economic analysis to provide nuanced insights into early childhood development and the impact of social policies. As a leader of several work packages in the Infra4NextGeneration project, Dr. Kazakova plays a key role in building research infrastructure that supports evidence-based policy-making. Her work involves close collaboration with European institutions and academic partners to develop methodologies for measuring and addressing childhood deprivation across different dimensions.
Francesca Mauri is a researcher at the University of Milan specializing in European Union Law, with affiliations to Human Hall where she oversees the project 'Integration and acceptance of children and families of foreign origins.' Double PhD from University of Milan Bicocca and Université Côte d’Azur (2021) Research fellowships in Constitutional Law at University of Genoa (2021-2022) and University of Milan Bicocca (2022-2023) Research Focus: Her work centers on fundamental rights protection and rule of law in Europe, with specializations in digital citizenship , judicial efficiency , and social inclusion of marginalized groups. Projects include: MUSA (Multilayered Urban Sustainability Action) - Rule of Law and judicial efficiency Task Force for improving judicial offices' productivity Gender equality & migration studies under UN 2030 Agenda Professional Experience: Internships at Venice Commission Secretariat (Strasbourg) and International Center for Transitional Justice (New York). Current work involves EU Law research funded by NextGenerationEU/PNRR initiatives.
Paolo Gambatesa serves as a Research Fellow in Constitutional Law at the University of Milan and oversees the HH4AI project at Human Hall, focusing on the intersection of legal frameworks, human rights, and sustainable development within European contexts. His academic credentials include: PhD in Public Law, Ethics & Economics for Sustainability from the University of Milan PhD in Ciencias Jurídicas from Universidad de Granada, with thesis titled “The Integrated Protection of Fundamental Rights in the European Constitutional Law Perspective” Law degree earned cum laude from the University of Milan (March 2020) Internship at the European Parliament with NGO FREE Group – “Fundamental Rights European Expert Group” Gambatesa's research centers on Constitutional Law and European legal frameworks with emphasis on Fundamental Rights integration, Public Law, and Human Rights applications. His work actively engages with Sustainability and Ethics through the lens of social inclusion, migration policies, and gender equality. He contributes to 18 interdisciplinary initiatives including Academic Inclusion, Inclusive Artificial Intelligence, UN 2030 Agenda implementation, and Migrants Economic Integration, demonstrating a commitment to translating legal theory into practical social sustainability solutions. His current work with the EU-funded MUSA project (Multilayered Urban Sustainability Action) under NextGenerationEU/PNRR focuses on developing territorial innovation ecosystems to combat inequalities through interdisciplinary research and policy strategies.
Ilaria Viarengo is a Full Professor of International Law at the State University of Milan, where she teaches International Protection of Human Rights and Private International Law . She has served as Director of the Department of International, Legal and Historical-Political Studies since 2017 and was a member of the Academic Senate (2018–2021). Her expertise spans private international family law, international human rights protection, and European Union law. Oversees the project Integration and Acceptance of Children and Families of Foreign Origins at Human Hall. Coordinated and participated in European Commission-funded projects under DG Justice, focusing on legal harmonization and human rights. Active speaker and chair in international conferences, seminars, and postgraduate training across Italy and globally, delivering content in Italian, English, and German. She is a member of the scientific committees of multiple journals and series, and has been a practicing lawyer since 1991. She also serves on the Law of the European Union Commission of the Milan Bar Association. Her work aligns with the MUSA - Multilayered Urban Sustainability Action project, funded under the EU’s NextGenerationEU initiative (PNRR Mission 4), aimed at building territorial R&D leadership through innovation ecosystems.
Martina Buscemi is a Researcher in International Law at the State University of Milan, specializing in human rights protection, international responsibility, and the law of international organizations. She oversees the Integration and Acceptance of Children and Families of Foreign Origins project at Human Hall and participates in initiatives under the MUSA (Multilayered Urban Sustainability Action) project funded by the European Union's NextGenerationEU program. Her research spans social sustainability, migration, gender equality, and inclusive AI. She has presented at conferences in Italy and abroad and held visiting fellowships at Kobe University and the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law. Recipient of distinctions from the Italian Society of International and European Union Law Member of the editorial board of QIL and the Society's Blog
Maria Teresa Carinci is a Full Professor of Labor Law at the University of Milan and Director of the Department of Private Law and History of Law. She specializes in labor law, gender equality, migration, and social inclusion, with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches to legal and societal challenges. Her academic roles include membership in the Scientific Committee of the Regional Observatory on the Labor Market (Arpal Umbria) and founder of the Centre of Research on European and Transnational Dispute Settlement. She has held visiting positions at Columbia University, Beijing University, and the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) at the University of Cergy Paris. Research interests span labor law reform, gender equality in the workplace, migrant economic integration, disability empowerment, and ethical dimensions of AI. She leads initiatives like the Gender Equality in the Workplace project at Human Hall and contributes to the MUSA project funded by the EU's NextGenerationEU program. Her over 100 publications include monographs, handbooks, and editorships in labor law and related fields. She previously chaired the University of Milan's Joint Committee on Mobbing Phenomenon until 2013.
