Senior Manager with the U.S. Department of Energy where he develops, executes, and oversees research, development, demonstration, and commercialization programs for critical energy technologies. TEDx licensee and organizer. Holds a Ph.D. in Physics from University of Catania and is an alumnus of the Scuola Superiore di Catania.

Dr. Gioia Rau is an astrophysicist and recognized leader in research, management, and strategic development. As Program Director at the NSF Division of Astronomical Sciences, she drives innovation in Stellar Astrophysics and the integration of AI in astrophysical research, overseeing a portfolio of high-impact projects. Dr. Rau plays a key role in shaping the future of space exploration through her leadership of several NASA mission concepts. She is also dedicated to mentoring the next generation of scientists, advancing strategic initiatives, and engaging the public sharing the wonders of the cosmos through impactful science outreach.

Giuliana Zanoni, originally from the province of Varese, earned a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Communication from the University of Eastern Piedmont "Amedeo Avogadro", a Master's in Performance from the "Guido Cantelli" Conservatory in Novara, a Master of Arts in Performance from the Conservatory of Italian Switzerland, and a Master's in Performing Arts Management from the Polimi Business School and the Academy of La Scala Theatre.
After a highly formative experience as assistant to the General Manager and Artistic Director Dominique Meyer at Teatro alla Scala in Milan, she moved to the United States, where she continued her career in the performing arts by working at the Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as Senior Manager of Artistic Planning and Operations.
Her arrival in the United States sparked a particular interest in organizing and promoting social and networking events among Italians in the DMV area, eventually leading her to become the first Ambassador for Italian Women USA in Washington, D.C.

Stefano Lami is currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at the Superconducting Quantum Materials & Systems (SQMS) Center, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
A former Science Counselor at the Embassy of Italy in Washington D.C. (2013-21), Dr. Lami’s interests are focused on facilitating international scientific and innovative research collaboration, increasing researcher mobility, and developing research coordination mechanism.
A particle physicist by training, and with decades of experience in science diplomacy and policy, and project management in international organizations, Dr. Lami has participated in numbers of international collaborative projects, including Fermilab, as has served as co-spokesperson at the LHC (Large Hadron Collider) at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. He authored and co-authored 600+ scientific publications in peer-reviewed international journals and has been a member of several international scientific committees.

Luca Reali is a PhD candidate in Physics at Johns Hopkins University specializing in gravitational-wave astronomy, a fast-evolving field transforming our understanding of the Universe. His research lies at the intersection of data analysis and astrophysics, where he develops innovative methods to explore astrophysical phenomena using gravitational-wave signals. Luca plays a key role in planning next-generation gravitational-wave observatories, which will shape the field’s trajectory for years to come. He holds a BSc and MSc in Physics from the University of Milan, and collaborates with international teams across the US and Europe.