The appointment, signed by Italian Minister of Universities and Research Anna Maria Bernini, strengthens Italy’s role in the European landscape of innovation and scientific research.
Luigi Nicolais, a respected member of the International Advsory Board of Miami Scientific Itaian Community , an expert in innovation and advanced materials, has been appointed by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) to represent Italy in the European Innovation Council (EIC) and European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) bodies of the Horizon Europe program.
Luigi Nicolais is president and co-founder of Materias, an incubator of startups based on innovative materials. A chemical engineer, full professor of “Technologies of Polymers” at the University “Federico II” and author of more than 350 scientific publications, Nicolais was founder and director of the Institute for Composite Materials Technology of the National Research Council (CNR), minister for Reforms and Innovations in Public Administration, and councillor for University, Scientific Research and Technological Innovation and New Economy at the Campania Region.
Former president and founder of IMAST (technological district on polymeric materials engineering and structures), Nicolais has also led the Campania Digital Innovation Hub, Città della Scienza and ARTI (regional agency for technology and innovation in Puglia).
The role of the EIC and IEEs:
The European Innovation Council (EIC) is the EU’s main instrument for funding disruptive technologies and innovations, supporting projects from initial research to support for startups and SMEs.
The European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) work in synergy with the EIC, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and other EU programs, promoting collaboration between businesses, universities and public institutions to strengthen European competitiveness.
Luigi Nicolais commented on the appointment with these words:
“I thank the minister for the trust she is showing me. This is a very delicate position within European bodies that promote innovation and technological transformation with important spin-offs for the entire country system. Innovation is an essential asset for economic growth in the long term and is a key factor in addressing the major challenges facing society in the near future. I am honored to be able to put my experience at the service of these challenges.”
With his experience, Nicolais will help strengthen Italy’s presence in the European innovation landscape, fostering new opportunities for research and technological development.
