RNA - Genetherapys
People

The National Center offers a competent and qualified administrative team with extensive experience in managing, coordinating, and disseminating scientific, educational, and project proposals for an international audience.

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Rosario Rizzuto

President of the National Center for Gene Therapy and Drugs based on RNA Technology
Professor and Director of the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua

As President of the National Center Foundation for Gene Therapy and Drugs based on RNA Technology and former Rector of the University of Padua (2015-2021), Prof Rosario Rizzuto, Director of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Padua, continues to pursue research activities in cell biology with a focus on intracellular signaling mediated through calcium ions. With an h-index of 112 in Scopus and over 300 publications in international peer-reviewed journals such as Science, Nature, and Cell, Prof Rizzuto has received the Chiara D’Onofrio Prize, the Biotec Award, the Theodor Bucher Medal, and the Antonio Feltrinelli prize from the Accademia dei Lincei. Prof Rizzuto is a member of the Academia Europaea, as well as a member of the Accademia Nazionale del Lincei, the Galileian Academy, the Veneto Institute of Science, Letters and Arts, and the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO).

Elena Quagliato

Program Manager/Director

As the Director of the National Center for Gene Therapy and Drugs based on RNA Technology Foundation, Elena oversees the coordination and management of the research project funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). She serves as the primary liaison with network affiliates, supports governance in developing sustainability strategies, and leads the planning and organization of the Foundation’s activities and resources.
Elena holds a Master’s degree in Foreign Languages (German) from the University of Padua and a postgraduate qualification in Conference Interpretation from the International University of Rome (LUSPIO), specializing in English, French, and German. She has international professional experience, including work in Brussels for a national public administration, and completed a Master’s in Public Administration at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, along with advanced management training.
With over 15 years of experience in national and international academic environments (University of Padua and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice), Elena has led numerous EU-funded programs and developed models and tools for managing research funding. Her expertise spans research, innovation, and technology transfer.

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Alessandra Didonè

Research Manager

Alessandra earned a PhD in the Study and Conservation of Archaeological and Architectural Heritage from the University of Padua in 2015. She holds an MA in Archaeology (2008) and a Diploma of Specialization in Archaeology (2010) from the same university. Before joining the Foundation, she worked as a researcher at the universities of Padua, Udine, and Rome La Sapienza. She has coordinated several university research projects and collaborated on national-funded (PRIN) projects.
As a Research Manager, Alessandra is responsible for overseeing the project’s financial progress, maintaining open communication with the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and related funded institutions. Her main role is to supervise research expenses while supporting the expense reporting of partnering institutions. Alessandra also manages the process of submitting project reports to the Ministry of University and Research and facilitates the input of central contracting authorities directed under the Ministry of Economy and Finance that support public administrations executing PNRR initiatives.

 

Emanuela Roman

Research and Communication Manager

Emanuela earned a PhD in Human Rights from the University of Palermo, Department of Law (2017). She obtained a master’s degree in Human Rights from the University of Padua, after completing her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences at the same university. She also earned a master’s degree in Comparative Law, Economics, and Finance from the International University College of Turin. Before joining the Foundation, she worked on several EU-funded collaborative research projects at FIERI – International and European Forum for Research on Immigration (Turin). She has also collaborated as a researcher with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Collegio Carlo Alberto in Turin.
As Research and Communication Manager, Emanuela coordinates the Foundation’s institutional, scientific, and outreach activities, manages media relations through the dedicated press office, and organizes and participates in internal and external events. She manages relationships with partners, suppliers, stakeholders, memberships in European research networks, and oversees the implementation of the Placement Program. She supervises the work of the Communications Office and is responsible for drafting reports on the scientific progress of projects and Foundation activities.

Martina Corte De Checco

Data Project Manager

After earning a BA in Languages, Literature, and Cultural Mediation from the University of Padua in 2021, Martina completed an MA in Journalism and Multimedia Communication at the University of Parma in 2024. Her thesis explored personal branding strategies in modern journalism through social media.
At the Foundation, Martina handles social media communication, including creating and posting visual and written content. She develops new digital formats and assists in organizing various events, including institutional ones. Martina also manages relationships with key stakeholders in the communication sector, such as press offices, communication departments of research hospitals (IRCCS), universities, companies, and startups. Additionally, she oversees partnerships and vendors and contributes to the development of Wave, the National Center’s online community platform.

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Chiara Mariagrazia Merlo

Data Project Manager

Chiara obtained her MA in Economics and Finance at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice in 2020. Chiara gained experience at private firms and in public administration offices by operating in crowdinvesting, auditing, and European reporting before joining the Foundation.
At the Foundations, Chiara works closely with the finance and legal departments, ensuring compliance with administrative and regulatory processes. She supports the Financial Manager in daily accounting operations, budget documentation, and monitoring of administrative requirements. She also collaborates with the legal team to ensure compliance with current regulations, particularly in public procurement, privacy, and public finance provisions regarding private law entities listed in the ISTAT (Italian National Institute of Statistics) register.
Chiara also collaborates with the Foundation’s Research department in analyzing and applying procedures of European and national regulations on State Aid in the context of the launch of Open Calls.

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Viola Santi

Data Project Manager

Viola earned her Master’s degree in Contemporary History at the University of Bologna in 2014. Before joining the Foundation, she gained significant experience in project management and reporting thanks to her work with private and public entities, in Italy and internationally (South America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, North America, and Europe). She has worked in several EU-funded (Erasmus+, Horizon2020, DEAR) and nationally funded projects.
She also served as a historical researcher at Istituto Storico Parri, Bologna Metropolitana, and at Museo Storico della Liberazione in Rome.
At the Foundation, she provides technical and operational support to Spoke Leaders and affiliates in defining and planning the progression of activities, while also supporting the Hub’s reporting of costs and budget.

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Ellen Jane Corcoran

Junior Operation Manager

Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Ellen brings over 15 years of experience editing and managing scientific communications for international audiences. She specializes in English-language content, including presentations, speeches, brochures, websites, printed materials, and scientific reports.
At the Foundation, Ellen coordinates activities of the International Scientific Advisory Board and supports collaborations with international partners through clear and effective documentation.
Ellen holds a BFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California, combining a strong visual background with a passion for science communication.

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Erika Mancuso

External Consultant

An expert in legal and administrative issues, Erika obtained a PhD in Philosophy at the University of Padua, Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology. She currently works at the University of Padua as the Head of the General Affairs Office, and was the Head of the Recruitment and Careers of Teaching Staff Office for several years.
At the Foundation, Erika offers strategic external consulting in legal and administrative matters and provides support to governing bodies, such as overseeing documentation processes.

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Laura De Cantis

Junior Scientific Manager

Laura obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and then a Master’s degree in Neuroscience at La Sapienza University of Rome in 2024. In July 2024, she completed the PharmaTech Academy training program funded by the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) as part of the National Center’s educational initiatives. Before joining the Foundation, Laura gained experience within the organization through an internship offered by the Academy.
At the Foundation, Laura plays a key role in the technical and managerial coordination of PharmaTech Academy activities, while focusing on designing and supporting training programs, seminars, and conferences that foster dynamic knowledge exchange among students. She actively engages with a wide network of public and private stakeholders and collaborates daily with the University of Naples Federico II, working alongside both academic experts and corporate leaders involved in the PharmaTech program.
She has also contributed to the design and execution of high-impact science communication initiatives, such as Earth Day 2025 in Rome, helping to bring research closer to the public through accessible and engaging formats

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Andrea Panaro

Junior Innovation Manager

Andrea is a biologist specialized in human pathophysiology, with a degree from the University of Naples Federico II.
He participated in the PON “Enterprises and Competitiveness” program, actively contributing to an Industrial Research and Experimental Development project aimed at promoting technological innovation. Following this experience, he further enhanced his training by completing the PharmaTech Academy, a national initiative designed to prepare highly qualified professionals in the fields of gene therapy and RNA-based drugs.
At the Foundation, Andrea supports technology transfer activities coordinated by the Technical and Financial Committee and contributes to the development and implementation of the Quality Management System for the RNA Platform in Naples, in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).

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Marina Nati

Junior Research Manager 

With a background in pharmaceutical biotechnology, Marina earned a PhD in Immunology and Metabolic Diseases from the Technische Universität Dresden in 2020.
Before joining the Foundation, she worked in the Scientific Directorate of the IRCCS University Hospital of Bologna, focusing on project development and coordination of clinical studies. She has over ten years of research experience, including involvement in European-funded projects (ERC).
At the Foundation, she provides operational support to various network affiliates and assists in the coordination and data management activities of the research project funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), contributing to its technical and scientific progress.

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Antonio Piscitelli

Financial Manager 

Antonio obtained an M.A. in Philosophical Sciences from the University of Padua (2013) and a research M.Sc. in Cognitive Sciences from the École Normale Supérieure in Paris (2015). He also obtained a postgraduate diploma in Project Management and Innovation Management at the University of Padua (2023).
As an administrative officer at the University of Padua, Antonio has gained ten years of experience, while holding positions of responsibility in the field of university administration, monitoring, and coordinating complex national and international biomedical research projects.
As the Financial Manager at the Foundation, Antonio is responsible for planning and managing financial resources, data analysis, and preparing summary reports and budgets.

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Luca Cunial

Junior Operations Manager 

Luca obtained a Law degree from the University of Padua in 2019, and was admitted to the bar in 2022. In 2024, he earned a PhD in Private Law with a dissertation on Private Foundations.
With experience in legal consultancy, including matters related to legal entities, Luca recently served as a board member of a prominent foundation based in Padua.
As an author of several publications in the field of civil law, Luca contributed to the most recent edition of the Short Commentary on the Italian Civil Code. Participating as a speaker at various conferences, Luca has delivered lectures on Private Law Institutions and Banking Foundation Law.
Fluent in Italian, English, and German, he provides legal support to the Foundation, contributing to the effective implementation of the Research Project.

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Marco Baccanti

External Consultant
Expert in IP and technology transfer issues

As an Industrial Chemistry graduate of the University of Milan and an MBA course participant at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, Marco Baccanti is the Managing Director of the Foundation for Innovation & Technology Transfer (FITT), which oversees the technological transfer of five major Italian research hospitals (IRCCS) with more than 2500 scientists. As the former Managing Director of ENEA Tech and Biomedical Foundation, Baccanti also acted as the CEO or Managing Director for several international government life science agencies, research and tech transfer organizations, science parks and biomedical companies.

Fluent in Italian, English, and German, he provides legal support to the Foundation, contributing to the effective implementation of the Research Project.

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Francesca Baiano

RNA Platform Facility Junior Manager

Francesca obtained a master’s degree in Biology of Differentiation and Reproduction from the University of Naples Federico II and then enriched her training by completing the advanced PharmaTech Academy program, with the aim of deepening her knowledge in the development and production of RNA-based drugs and gene therapy.
She gained professional experience in a Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) in the Cell & Gene area, where she worked on the development of analytical systems for advanced therapies in compliance with cGMP. This experience enabled her to strengthen her skills in both R&D and Quality Control within the pharmaceutical sector.
At the Foundation, she serves as RNA Platform Facility Junior Manager, contributing to the development and implementation of the RNA production platform. In particular, she is responsible for defining the Quality Management System (QMS) and for system qualification processes, with the goal of ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of pharmaceutical products.

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Mariapaola Gammella

RNA Platform Facility Junior Manager

Mariapaola earned her Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology from the University of Naples Federico II. She continued her studies by attending the advanced training course PharmaTech Academy, promoted by the National Center for Gene Therapy and RNA-based Drugs, where she acquired knowledge related to the development and production of innovative medicines.
She gained professional experience working at a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the production of gene therapy drugs based on Adeno-Associated Viral vectors, developing skills in manufacturing and quality control with a particular focus on ATMPs, in accordance with cGMP guidelines.
As an RNA Platform Facility Junior Manager for the Foundation, she works on the development and implementation of the RNA Production Platform. Specifically, she is responsible for establishing the Quality Management System (QMS) and Qualification processes in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

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Andrea Baraldo

Digital Transformation Consultant Specialist

Andrea is an electronics engineer, registered with the Italian Professional Engineers’ Association, and holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Telecommunications Technology and Economics. He brings more than twenty years of experience in managing information systems and guiding digital transformation within public administration.  After serving within the Veneto Regional Health Service, in 2019 he was appointed Director of the IT and Telematics Services Area (ASIT) at the University of Padua, where he also serves as Chief Digital Transition Officer (RTD) and as the designated contact point for the Italian National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN) under the NIS2 directive.
He has led numerous high-impact digitization initiatives, including cloud migration programs, ICT infrastructure consolidation, advanced cybersecurity projects, and the management of complex procurement processes. Within the Foundation, he provides specialized expertise on compliance activities related to digital transition, contributing to the design of governance models, operational processes, and initiatives aligned with national and European regulatory frameworks.

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Fabiola Ruolo

Technical Operations Consultant 

Fabiola obtained her Master’s Degree in Biology from the University of Naples Federico II. Subsequently, driven by a growing interest in the pharmaceutical sector, she applied to the PharmaTech Academy program, an initiative promoted by the National Center aimed at training highly specialized professionals in the fields of gene therapy and RNA-based drugs. As part of the program, she carried out a three-month project at the same National Center, during which she gained skills in administration, management, and communication. This experience also allowed her to integrate a managerial and strategic vision into her scientific training, closely observing the collaboration between public and private entities and understanding the organizational and decision-making dynamics that guide complex projects. She currently provides technical and operational support and manages cost reporting for the Hub facility.

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