The ISSNAF DMV Chapter is an incredible vibrant community — now nearly 290 members strong — with a lot of activities and plans.

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In 2025, the ISSNAF DMV Chapter executed a robust and multifaceted program of activities designed to connect, empower, and celebrate the Italian scientific diaspora across the Washington-Baltimore-Northern Virginia corridor. The year was strategically organized around three main pillars: flagship chapter-wide events, hyper-local activities driven by the newly launched DMV Chapter Ambassadors Program, and a dedicated focus on Science Diplomacy. 

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Events 

A core strength of the year was the diversity and frequency of chapter-wide events, which served as vital platforms for networking, mentorship, and professional visibility. These flagship programs allowed members to showcase their successes and build connections across disciplines. The 2025 calendar included: 

• Meet your Woman in Science (Feb 13): A speed-mentoring event held at the Embassy of Italy to inspire the next generation of researchers 

• 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 

• ISSNAF DMV Chapter @ Opera (May 31): A cultural gathering at the Kennedy Center for Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, featuring a private thematic discussion. 

• 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 

• 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. 

• Unlock Your Research Potential (Dec 2): A transatlantic webinar with EURAXESS North America highlighting EU-funded mobility and career opportunities. 

• 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 

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Parallel to these flagship events, the chapter successfully launched the DMV Chapter Ambassadors Program to address geographic sprawl. By activating liaisons at hubs like the NIH, Johns Hopkins, George Mason, and DC Downtown Institutions, the chapter facilitated nearly 10 hyper-local events, including informal lunches and targeted webinars. Finally, the chapter's Science Diplomacy program mobilized members to interface with high-level Italian visitors, including the Italian Secretary of State, university rectors, and representatives of research institutions, solidifying ISSNAF’s role as a critical bridge between Italy and the United States. 

 

Plans 

Building on this momentum, the Chapter’s 2026 Strategic Plan focuses on five core pillars: 

• Expand and Diversify: Actively targeting Italian professionals in the private sector and more DC-based global institutions. 

• Formalize the Ambassador Program: Scaling our local hub model to include new institutions. 

• Enhance Communications: Launching a "DMV Member Spotlight" series to actively celebrate your individual research and professional achievements. 

• Maintain Core Partnerships: Strengthening our unique role as a bridge between the Italian scientific diaspora and the Italian and European representations in the DC area. 

• Secure Strategic Funding: Pursuing external funding to fuel high-impact chapter programs.