Immunologist Mantovani receives Lombardy is Research 2024 award

(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - The International Prize Lombardy is Research 2024 has been awarded to immunologist Alberto Mantovani for "his fundamental discoveries on the role of innate immunity and inflammation in cancer". Awarded as part of the seventh edition of the 'Research Day', conceived by the Lombardy Region and realised in collaboration with Fondazione Umberto Veronesi Ets, the prize, amounting to €1 million, is to be used 70% for study and analysis activities to be conducted in Lombardy. The prize was presented in a ceremony at La Scala Theatre in Milan by the President of the Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana, and the Regional Councillor for University, Research and Innovation, Alessandro Fermi, in the presence of the Minister for Universities and Research, Anna Maria Bernini. The choice was made by a jury of 14 internationally renowned scientists, chaired by Patrizia Caraveo, director of the Space Astrophysics Institute in Milan.

"This prize shows how a reversal of the 'brain drain' is possible. It is in fact an opportunity to encourage the 'return' of brains to Italy. The winner, immunologist Alberto Mantovani from Lombardy, graduated in Milan and specialised in oncology in Pavia. He then worked in England and the United States, then returned to Italy where he is scientific director of Irccs Humanitas. However, he maintained his position as a lecturer at Queen Mary University of London,' said President Fontana, emphasising that Mantovani's is 'a virtuous example of how experience and skills acquired in other countries become valuable elements when returning to Italy'.

Mantovani was chosen from 35 valid nominations received from researchers all over the world. The jury that indicated him as the winner is made up of scientists identified through the Scopus system (one of the world's largest and most consolidated databases in the bibliographic sector) from among the members with the highest h-index in the thematic areas (Biomedical Research, Clinical Medicine, Biology, Chemistry, ICT, Engineering, Physics & Astronomy, Earth & Environmental Sciences) consistent with the 2024 'Life Sciences' theme. They were joined by Professor Carl June as the winner of the 2023 award.

"This year we wanted to refer to innovation but also to roots. These are two words, which at first might seem antithetical, one anchored in the past and one projected into the future. In reality, nothing can be born and develop without roots. Indeed, this is an event that every year allows us to recognise and celebrate the achievements of science and innovation. It also allows us to reflect on the indispensable value of research for the well-being and progress of our society,' added Councillor Fermi.

On the same occasion, the 'Lombardy is Research' award for students was also presented, with the first place going to the team from the Majorana high school in Rho, consisting of a student and a student, accompanied by their teachers. For them 15,000 euros from the Lombardy Region. The proposed project consists of a physical device controlled by an advanced algorithm for the creation of personalised probiotic therapies specific to each individual patient. The idea is to design, from probiotic selections, a therapeutic proposal exclusively with strains useful for the treatment and prevention of diseases, disorders and symptoms. Prizes were also awarded for the second (€10,000) and third place winners (€5,000), with a further €5,000 going to each of the winners' home institutes: the sums are earmarked for the improvement of materials and tools that aid educational activities. In second place was the Locatelli institute of Bergamo and in third place the Castelli institute of Brescia.