DMV Activities
The DMV Chapter activities are organized around three main pillars:
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Flagship Events, creating opportunities for networking, visibility, and cross‑disciplinary exchange
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The DMV Ambassadors Program, a network of local representatives that strengthens engagement within major institutions and provides tailored support to early‑career researchers
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Science Diplomacy, a natural focus for a chapter based in the Washington, D.C. area, where we actively participate in events and meetings within Italy’s diplomatic and scientific network
Read the ISSNAF DMV Chapter 2025 Annual Report & 2026 Strategic Plan.
Events
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The Woman of the Atomic Bomb (Feb 17): A theatrical monologue by Gabriella Greison, hosted by the Embassy of Italy on the International Day of Women in Science, in partnership with the DMV Chapter and with the participation of member Valentina Angelici Avincola, Ph.D.
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U.S. Immigration and Employment Options for Italian Scientists & Scholars (Apr 9): A webinar to demystify immigration and employment pathways for Italian scientists and scholars building their careers in the United States.
A core strength of the year was the diversity and frequency of chapter-events, which served as vital platforms for networking, mentorship, and professional visibility.
The 2025 calendar included:
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Meet your Woman in Science (Feb 13): A speed-mentoring event organized by the Embassy of Italy to inspire the next generation of researchers
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Johns Hopkins Science Diplomacy Summit (Apr 14-15): A high-level meeting where the chapter led discussions on Space Diplomacy and Italy's leadership in global policy
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ISSNAF DMV Chapter @ Opera (May 31): A cultural gathering at the Kennedy Center for Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, featuring a private thematic discussion.
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We Are All Stardust (Jun 1): A public outreach event in partnership with the Italian Cultural Society exploring astrophysics and the origins of the cosmos.
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Get to Know the Italian Professionals in the DMV (Sep 25): A networking aperitivo at a rooftop bar featuring stories from six diverse Italian professionals.
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Unlock Your Research Potential (Dec 2): Transatlantic webinar with EURAXESS North America highlighting EU-funded mobility and career opportunities.
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ISSNAF DMV Annual Chapter Meeting (Dec 13): A final gathering at Gallaudet University to reflect on the year’s achievements and present the 2026 strategy
Ambassadors Program
In 2025, the Chapter launched the DMV Ambassadors Program, establishing representatives at major research institutions to strengthen connections and provide targeted support to early‑career researchers.
The Ambassadors of the Chapter play a central role in strengthening local engagement across the DMV region. Their responsibilities include:
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Increasing visibility and awareness of ISSNAF within their institutions by reaching out to researchers, students, and visiting scholars
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Fostering community-building through localized initiatives, such as lunches, happy hours, and informal mentoring sessions
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Supporting early‑career researchers with peer‑to‑peer guidance and practical insights on navigating U.S. academic, federal, and research systems
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Serving as the on‑the‑ground reference point for members in their hub, ensuring consistent communication and engagement opportunities throughout the year
Ambassador Hubs
The program operates through six dedicated Ambassadors focused on the following key institutional hubs:
National Institutes of Health (NIH):
Paola Ruffo
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA):
Sara Faggi
Johns Hopkins University (JHU):
Luca Reali
George Mason University (GMU):
Massimiliano Albanese
DC Downtown Institutions (including Georgetown University, GWU, American University, Howard University, Catholic University, and more):
Ilaria Berteletti
These hubs organized nearly 10 localized events in 2025, ranging from informal lunches to targeted webinars.
Are you interested in joining a local hub or serving as an Ambassador for your institution? Contact the Chapter!
