The mission of the Italian Scientists and Scholars in North America Foundation is to connect, empower, and celebrate the Italian Intellectual "Diaspora"* in North America.

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At ISSNAF, we believe that Italian intellectual talent is a powerful resource for the benefit of humanity. Professionals who have been educated in Italy and have moved to North America bring a unique intellectual and cultural make-up, valuable not only to their professional fields but to their peers in North America and to Italy. We strive to make the Italian intellectual diaspora in North America accessible, nurtured, and recognized.

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As the diaspora's work increasingly shapes new technologies and industries, ISSNAF is also expanding into innovation, connecting Italian scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs who are turning ideas into ventures, and building bridges between North America's innovation ecosystem and Italy's. 

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ISSNAF mission can be summarized as: 

1. Connecting our members with the ISSNAF community and with research, development, and academic organizations in Italy and North America 

2. Empowering our members, by supporting early-career members and promoting collaborations and exchanges 

3. Celebrating our members’ achievements with Awards and media highlights 

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*The Italian Intellectual Diaspora in North America comprises scholars, scientists, and technologists who: 1) are first-generation Italians; 2) hold a university degree; 3) conduct, or have conducted, research or development in any discipline; 4) have, or have had, at least one year of affiliation with a public or private institution in North America.