Cinzia Zuffada, President of ISSNAF, proudly introduces Professor Federico Capasso, the recipient of the ISSNAF Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 Annual Event. This Award celebrates Professor Capasso's remarkable contributions to solid-state physics and quantum electrodynamics, particularly his groundbreaking invention of the quantum cascade laser and advancements in optical metasurfaces and flat optics. As a leading figure in applied physics at Harvard, Capasso has significantly influenced how light interacts with materials, impacting diverse fields, from medical technology to climate science.  Prof. Capasso’s extensive accolades reflect his esteemed reputation, and he remains closely connected to Italy through collaborations with Italian institutions and mentorship of students. In his acceptance speech, delivered via video due to personal circumstances, he elaborated on his research in engineered materials and their innovative applications, emphasizing the commercial potential of his work in industries such as telecommunications and automotive.   Prof. Capasso  is an ISSNAF Founder and a member of the ISSNAF Honorary Board.