Discover the key highlights from a year of ISSNAF initiatives!
The Italian Scientists and Scholars in North America Foundation (ISSNAF) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2007 under the patronage of the Italian Embassy to the United States. It was founded by 36 distinguished Italian scientists and academics, including four Nobel Prize laureates. Today, with a network exceeding 3,800 members, ISSNAF stands as the largest collective of Italian intellectuals in North America, serving as a vital link between Italy and the continent.
ISSNAF has the capacity to engage effectively with institutions and organizations, amplifying its impact and optimizing its resources to benefit people in both Italy and North America. Many of its members hold senior positions and act as ambassadors of Italian excellence in North America, driving transatlantic collaborations and serving as role models and mentors for the next generation of researchers and innovators.
ISSNAF’s mission is to “connect, empower, and celebrate” Italian professionals from all fields of scholarship and innovation. This mission is pursued through networking opportunities, mentoring and mobility programs, and awards that honour distinguished contributors to their fields as well as early-career researchers. Over the years, collaborations with the Italian Embassy in the USA, the Consular network, and the Italian Cultural Institutes in the United States and Canada have played a crucial role in enabling ISSNAF to fulfil its mission.
2024 Annual Event
As in previous years, the 2024 ISSNAF Annual Event was held on November 14 at the Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C. ISSNAF is proud and honored that the event was under the High Patronage of the President of Italy.
The event has brought together scientists, scholars, policy makers, innovators, and ISSNAF members for a day of networking, education and celebration. The opening session featured remarks by Ambassador Mariangela Zappia, and a video message from Minister Anna Maria Bernini. Additional contributions were provided by Dr. Fausta Bergamotto, Undersecretary of State to the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT), and Honorable Christian Di Sanzo. Cinzia Zuffada, ISSNAF President, concluded this session.
The highlight of the event was a session on the “Promises and Risks of Generative Artificial Intelligence”.
Dr. Vincenzo del Monaco, Deputy Diplomatic Advisor to MIMIT and Dr. Eva Spina, Head of the Department for Digital Connectivity and New Technologies at MIMIT, emphasized the critical role of collaboration in tackling global challenges and driving innovation. A panel of distinguished experts in the field was moderated by Prof. Bertino (Purdue University). In their lectures, Prof. Perona (Caltech), Prof. Quer (Scripps), Dr. Perry (Intel), and Prof. Menczer (Indiana University), explored the AI's impact on health, social media, economics, culture, and science, shedding light on the complexities of its integration into daily life.
The event also celebrated Italian excellence in research and innovation. The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred to Prof. Riccardo Dalla-Favera (Columbia University), for his extraordinary contributions in the field of oncology, particularly his pioneering work in the genetic understanding of lymphoma and other cancers. Six outstanding early-career researchers received the Young Investigator Award.For additional information, visit the event page: Annual Event 2024
Leadership
Board of Directors
In 2024 ISSNAF welcomed four new Directors:
Elisa Bertino, Samuel D. Conte Professor, Purdue University
Napoleone Ferrara, Distinguished Professor of Pathology at Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego
Giulia Galli, Liew Family Professor at Pritzker School, Chicago University
Alessandro Ratti, Division Deputy Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Alessandro Sette, Professor and Member of La Jolla Institute for Immunology
Guido Silvestri, Georgia Research Alliance, Eminent Scholar in Comparative Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine
Scientific Council
In 2024 five members joined the ISSNAF Scientific Council:
Andrea Alù, Distinguished Professor & Einstein Professor at Advanced Science Research Center, CUNY
Leila De Floriani, Full Professor at College Park, University of Maryland
Alessandra Ferrajoli, Professor & Associate Medical Director at MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas
Filippo Menczer, Luddy Distinguished Professor at Department of Informatics and Computer Science, Indiana University
Franco Pierno, Full Professor at Department of Italian Study, University of Toronto
Membership
In 2024, ISSNAF welcomed 270 new members to its growing network, bringing the total membership to 3,850.
A new website section "Members in Action” highlights our members’ contributions and impact. It presents inspiring stories of professional journeys, offering a glimpse into the accomplishments of our members through video interviews, as well as panels and lectures.
The ten ISSNAF Chapters, spanning from California to Florida, through Texas, and from Washington State to New York to Washington, D.C., reflect the vibrancy and diversity of our community. They are not only hubs of engagement but also serve as vital training grounds for ISSNAF’s future leadership.
The Chapter Executive Committees, in collaboration with dedicated volunteers, work to expand membership, host networking and educational events, and promote ISSNAF’s programs at the local level. They also act as ambassadors, fostering relationships with organizations in their region and strengthening the ties between ISSNAF and the broader community.
PND Chapter (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware)
Since its establishment in January 2024, the PND Chapter of ISSNAF has made significant strides in expanding its reach and fostering community engagement. Membership registration has grown to 241 members, reflecting a total of 36 new registrations in 2024.
Throughout the year, the PND Chapter has organized a series of well attended events. Among the highlights were two informal networking events held at the scenic Cherry Street Pier on March 24th and July 7th.
On April 15th, the chapter collaborated with the Consulate to present the International Day of Made in Italy at Leonardo Helicopters.
On September 30th, the chapter partnered with the Free Library of Philadelphia to present an event on neurological disorders and brain health biology.
On November 1st, the chapter hosted an event at SOFIDEL, which focused on fostering partnerships with local and Italian universities, with the participation of Honourable Christian di Sanzo. Later in the month, on November 21, the chapter returned to the Free Library of Philadelphia for an event dedicated to sustainability in architecture and design.
In addition, the PND Chapter is committed to providing personalized mentorship to new members.
Los Angeles Chapter
On February 22nd, the Los Angeles Chapter kicked off the year with an event at Plug and Play, showcasing Italian startups participating in the Global Startup Accelerator Program. This initiative, promoted by ITA (the Italian Trade Agency in Los Angeles) and Innovit (the Italian Innovation and Culture Hub in San Francisco), introduced these startups to the Italian business, scientific, and academic communities across Los Angeles County.
On April 9, president Zuffada addressed the delegation from Confindustria Ancona at the inaugural event of their visit organized by the IACCW to brief them about partnering opportunities.
On April 16th, the Chapter hosted “The Next Generation of Made in Italy” in celebration of Italian Research Day. This event was organized in collaboration with the Consulate General of Italy, the Italian Cultural Institute, and ITA.
In June, an ISSNAF delegation took part in the Festa della Repubblica 2024, marking the occasion with a dedicated presence and exhibition space that highlighted the Chapter members’ contributions.
Finally, on December 10th, the Los Angeles Chapter organized Italian Space Day 2024 in partnership with the Consulate General of Italy in Los Angeles and the Italian Cultural Institute, celebrating Italy's achievements in space exploration. It featured a panel discussion showcasing Dr. Alessandro Rettura of NASA/JPL, Mr. Stefano Cappucci of Relativity Space and Dr. Francesco Grilli of Qualcomm Technologies, in conversation with moderator Emmy-winning Jeremy Spiegel.
San Diego Chapter
On March 24th, the San Diego Chapter convened at Scripps Research for a vibrant meeting featuring two captivating scientific presentations. Roberto Gherzi from Sanford Burnham Prebys discussed “The Long Journey to Understand the Function of a Long ncRNA,” while Bruno Conti from the San Diego Biomedical Research Institute presented “Temperature and Aging Biology.” Moreover, Elisabetta Mantuano introduced new opportunities for biomedical researchers through the Link Campus University in Rome, highlighting its School of Medicine, established in 2011. These initiatives aim to strengthen collaboration between academic institutions in San Diego and Italy, fostering cross-border partnerships in biomedical research.
On September 7th, the San Diego Chapter hosted a distinctive event that seamlessly integrated science, cinema, and literature. The event featured two distinguished speakers: Antonio Iannotta from the San Diego Italian Film Festival and Federico Zampa from Scripps Research. Dr. Iannotta’s lecture, “Cinematic Journeys: Representation of the Mafia in Film and Media,” examined the portrayal of the Mafia in film, exploring stereotypes and the broader implications of such representations. Prof. Zampa’s presentation, “Notes on RNA Translation in Neurons,” provided a clear and accessible overview of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, followed by a deeper exploration of recent advances in neuroscience.
West South-Central Chapter (Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas)
The WSC Chapter achieved significant milestones in 2024, hosting seven events—up from four in 2023—and deepening partnerships with local universities, COMITES, and the Italian Consulate in Houston. These efforts showcased the chapter’s dedication to cultural exchange, scientific innovation, and professional development.
The activities year began in January with Dr. Tina Cascone from MD Anderson Cancer Center, who discussed advancements in cancer immunotherapy.
In March, Prof. Alessandro Carrera from the University of Houston highlighted the role of translation in bridging cultures.
May saw two impactful events: the "VII Giornata Della Ricerca Italiana Nel Mondo" at The Ion, celebrating Italian research, and a lecture by Dr. Francesco Versace on addiction science.
July’s “Aperinetworking” event fostered connections between young professionals and the Italian scientific community.
The October event featured Prof. Giulio Taglialatela’s insights on Alzheimer’s research. The year concluded in December with a festive Christmas celebration co-organized with COMITES and the Italian Consulate.
DMV Chapter (D.C., Maryland, Virginia)
In 2024, the DMW Chapter actively engaged in various initiatives, The Chapter participated in an institutional meeting organized by the Italian Embassy with Hon. Prof. Annamaria Bernini, contributing valuable insights.
At the Johns Hopkins Science Diplomacy Summit 2024, members served as speakers and panel organizers, showcasing leadership in fostering international collaboration.
In collaboration with COMITES DC, the Chapter hosted the event "Meet the Italian Professionals of the DMV" where six members shared personal stories.
The Chapter also joined the DC Bike Ride during Italian Sports Week, representing Italian scientists upon invitation from the Embassy.
BAC Bay Area Chapter (Greater San Francisco Area)
For the Bay Area Chapter 2024 has been a year filled with meaningful connections, cultural exchange, and shared pride in Italian heritage.
It began with the Annual Meeting at the Consulate General in January, setting the tone for a series of engaging and enriching events.
In March, the Chapter delved into the world of science and history with a captivating lecture on Galileo Galilei. The event, hosted at the Istituto di Cultura, featured insightful presentations by Prof. De Angelis from Padova, Italy, and Prof. Pellegrini, offering a fascinating exploration of Galileo's legacy.
In April, a BAC Talks event showcased groundbreaking research conducted at UCSF. The event underscored the strong ties between the local academic community and Italy’s vibrant research culture.
May saw the launch of an exciting new initiative—the inaugural meeting of the Italian Teens Association - Bay Area. Held at "La Scuola”, the gathering marked the beginning of a new chapter for fostering connections among young Italians in the region.
October brought the community together to celebrate a moment of pride and heritage at the San Francisco Little Italy Honor Walk. The event paid tribute to George Moscone.
The year concluded on a thought-provoking note in November, with a panel discussion on the Mediterranean Diet held at the Consulate. The panel delved into the health benefits and cultural traditions of this iconic way of eating, leaving attendees inspired and informed.
Young ISSNAF
Young ISSNAF represents our initiatives aimed at supporting early-career researchers across North America.
Young Investigator Awards
The ISSNAF Young Investigator Awards honor exceptional early-career Italian researchers in North America in six research disciplines. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors for partnering with ISSNAF to support these awards, which inspire and recognize the next generation of researchers. The review and selection process are led by the ISSNAF Scientific Council. Notably, the applicant and finalist pools achieved an almost perfect gender balance.
Discover the 2024 Young Investigator Awardees.
To sponsor an ISSNAF Award and join our esteemed group of award sponsors, please contact office@issnaf.org.
Mentoring Program
The Young ISSNAF Mentoring Programs offer valuable career guidance to early-career members and to Italian university students seeking to explore educational and professional opportunities in North America. In 2024, the program facilitated 18 mentor-mentee pairings.
Launched in 2021, the Mentoring Program for Collegio Ghislieri students is specifically designed to meet their unique needs, developed through an interactive and collaborative process with the students.
Mobility Program
ISSNAF intends to leverage its expertise to support Italian universities, companies, and foundations in their internationalization efforts, such as mobility programs, personnel exchanges, and collaborations.
The systematic development of our mobility program is funded by a grant by the Italian "Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca" - MUR.
ISSNAF partners with Italian Universities to give students and recent graduates access to research opportunities at North American universities and labs.
We have developed a database of hosting and collaboration opportunities provided by ISSNAF members and affiliates across North America, expanding the reach and capacity of the program. We are currently working towards a platform to scale up the project and provide a portal for opportunities for our members and Italian university partners.
Politecnico di Torino issued a call in spring 2024, with another planned for 2025, and a December 24 webinar highlighted the arrays of hosting opportunities in this partnership (recording).
Scuola Superiore di Studi Avanzati Sapienza (SSAS) signed a partnership agreement and issued two calls for students to take advantage of mobility programs in 2024 (details).
An agreement with the Università di Pavia has also been finalized, with mobility starting in 2025.
Finally, the partnership with Università di Firenze has been signed.
Other 2024 Highlights
ISSNAF participated in the Cornaro Piscopia Award in collaboration with the University of Padua and the Italian Cultural Institute in New York.
ISSNAF President Zuffada met with Minister Bernini at the Embassy on April 8th, at a meeting with researchers in the USA.
Revenues and Expenses
We are pleased to report that our financial performance in 2024 has improved, paving the way for a careful expansion.
Chiara Gallo, has joined ISSNAF as a Project Coordinator of various programs and activities, including the Young ISSNAF Mentoring programs, the Young Investigator Awards, communication and Annual Event.
Matteo Magnani, Program Manager, supports the Mobility Programs, interfacing with members interested in becoming hosts, Italian universities interested in joining the program as partners and students interested in learning about the opportunities.
Your Donation Makes a Difference
Like many non-profit organizations, ISSNAF relies on the generous support of its members and friends to cover expenses, as there is no membership fee to join. Donations are tax-deductible and are essential in sustaining its operations.
Make your tax-deductible donation!
No amount is too small, and donors can designate where their contributions are directed.
- Donate to the General Fund
- Donate in support of a specific Chapter
- Donate in support of the Italian students' mobility to North America by supplementing the limited mobility funds provided by Italian institutions. Many top-tier U.S. universities require students to demonstrate monthly funds that exceed what Italian universities offer. ISSNAF seeks to raise $30,000 to provide additional financial support when necessary. A supplement of $1,000 per student per month would help meet the requirements of several American universities.
Thank you to our volunteers and sponsors!
We are very grateful to our volunteers and financial sponsors. It would not be possible to operate without their continued support!
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