Giornata della Ricerca Italiana nel mondo 2025
- Comites Houston
- 30 mag 2025
- Tempo di lettura: 3 min
Aggiornamento: 26 lug
La Giornata della Ricerca Italiana nel Mondo -VIII Italian Research Day in the World – Houston, May 10, 2025
On May 10th, 2025, the vibrant research community of Houston hosted the VIII Edition of the Italian Research Day in the World (Giornata della Ricerca Italiana nel Mondo – GRIM). The event was held at the TMC3 Helix Park and brought together Italian scientists, students, and institutions for a full-day conference showcasing excellence in science and innovation across all career stages — from graduate students and postdocs to senior faculty and international leaders.
Organized by ISSNAF-West South Central (WSC), Comites Houston, and the General Consulate of Italy in Houston, this event was part of a broader initiative promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Italian researchers abroad.
Kicking Off the Day: Institutional Greetings and Vision
The event opened with a warm welcome and institutional remarks, setting the tone for a day of scientific exchange and collaboration. The opening session was moderated by Dr. Eleonora Dondossola, co-chair of ISSNAF-WSC, and featured speeches by:
Mauro Lorenzini, Consul General of Italy in Houston
On. Christian Di Sanzo, Member of the Italian Parliament elected in North and Central America
Dr. Alessandra Ferrajoli, member of the ISSNAF Scientific Council
Dr. Salvatore Saieva, President of Comites Houston
All speakers emphasized the importance of fostering strategic international partnerships and investing in the Italian scientific diaspora as a global asset.
Session I – Insights from Italy: A Look at Strategic Partnerships
Moderated by Eleonora Dondossola (ISSNAF-WSC) and Salvatore Saieva (Comites Houston), the first session offered a virtual window into cutting-edge research and innovation efforts in Italy. Presentations were delivered remotely by:
Danilo Ercolini, Agritech Center, Naples
Roberto Provera, Thales Alenia Space, Turin
Elisabetta Mantuano, Link University, Rome
This session highlighted opportunities for transatlantic collaborations in sustainable agriculture, space, AI education, and university-industry partnerships.
Spotlight on Emerging Investigators: Young Italian Talent in the U.S.
Chaired by Martina Sgritta and Stefano Casarin (ISSNAF-WSC), the second session showcased rising stars in the Houston area:
Marco De Giorgi, Baylor College of Medicine – “Liver-directed genome editing for inherited metabolic disorders”
Marzia Cescon, University of Houston – “Automation and Autonomy in Cyber-Physical Systems”
Anna Fracassi, UTMB Galveston – “Resilience to Alzheimer’s Disease”
Vittorio Netti, University of Houston – “XR and Future Space Capabilities”
Their work exemplified the diversity and innovation Italian researchers bring to U.S. institutions.
Session II – Insights from Italy: Research from Southern Italy and Beyond
Moderated by Eduardo Bossone (Italian Consulate) and Federica Giordano (ISSNAF-WSC), this session offered additional insight into Italian medical and public health research:
Giuseppe Limongelli & Martina Caiazza, Monaldi Hospital, Naples
Andreina Carbone, University Federico II, Naples
Giuseppe Caracciolo, Fondazione Menarini, Florence
Luca Boscolo, Top Italian Scientists Project, London
Final Session – Advancing Science: Perspectives from the Experts
Moderated by Francesco Versace (MD Anderson) and Matteo Massaro (BostonGene), the final panel featured high-impact research by senior scientists across a range of disciplines:
Francesca Polverino, Baylor College of Medicine – “Cracking the Code of COPD: AI Meets Multiomics”
Luca Salvo Parmitano, ESA/ASI – “The AMS EVAs”
Giannicola Genovese, MD Anderson – “Cross-Species Functionalization of the Cancer Genome”
Annalisa Quaini, University of Houston – “Computational Mathematics to Aid Drug Design”
Poster Session & Giorgio Allegri Memorial Awards
The highlight of the day was the Poster Presentation, which featured 52 presenters from diverse fields including life sciences, aerospace, artificial intelligence, mathematics, physics, Earth, and environmental sciences. The poster competition was dedicated to the memory of Giorgio Allegri, a beloved ISSNAF-WSC community member who passed away tragically last summer in a hiking accident. His mother gave a heartfelt speech during the awards ceremony.
🏅 Poster Competition Winners:
1st Place: Giuseppe Spallitta – Rice University
2nd Place: Elisa Serafini – Houston Methodist Research Institute
3rd Place: Ludovica La Posta – MD Anderson Cancer Center
A Collective Effort
A heartfelt thank you to all those who made the event possible:
ISSNAF-WSC Team: Eleonora Dondossola, Federica Giordano, Martina Sgritta, Stefano Casarin, Pietro Milillo
Volunteers: Special thanks to Stefano Serpelloni and Emanuela Gentile for on-site logistics
Comites Houston Team: Salvatore Saieva, Isabella Carrino
Italian Consulate Team: Prof. Eduardo Bossone
Looking Ahead
The VIII Italian Research Day in the World was a powerful reminder of the strength, talent, and commitment of Italian scientists working abroad. It reinforced the value of global connections and the vital role of the Italian diaspora in shaping a more innovative and inclusive scientific future.
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