Scientific Committee
The Scientific Committee of the European University Festival 2026 represents the academic and cultural core of the initiative.
Composed of leading figures from the international scientific, artistic, and gastronomic communities, the Committee ensures methodological rigor, independence in evaluation, and excellence in the selection of projects.
The Festival promotes an interdisciplinary vision for the future of Europe and the climate.
Guest of Honour
Professor Micheal Oppheneimer
Professor Michael Oppenheimer, Professor of Geosciences and International Affairs at Princeton University, is a globally recognized climate scientist and expert on climate change impacts and adaptation policy. He contributed to several IPCC Assessment Reports and was part of the Nobel Peace Prize–winning IPCC. His decades of research on climate risk and policy have significantly influenced international climate action.
Science & Marine Impact
Professor Filippo Giorgi
Professor Filippo Giorgi, climatologist and Professor Emeritus at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in regional climate modeling and climate change research. He authored 400 publications, contributed to the five IPCC Reports, and served as Vice-Chair of IPCC Working Group I from 2002 to 2008, sharing in the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.
Professor Katinka Bellomo
Professor Katinka Bellomo, Associate Professor at the University of Padova and Lead Author of the upcoming IPCC AR7 Report, is a climatologist focused on climate dynamics, variability, extreme events, tipping points, and ocean–atmosphere interactions. Her expertise further reinforces the Festival’s scientific profile and its mission to connect research, institutions, and society for climate resilience and sustainable adaptation.
Dr. Virna Meccia
Dr. Meccia is a researcher at the Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate of the Italian National Research Council (ISAC-CNR). Her work examines climate system dynamics and variability, with particular focus on ocean–climate interactions through advanced modelling.
She has authored numerous international publications in climatology and physical oceanography and serves as a Lead Author of the forthcoming IPCC Assessment Report.
Climate Economics, Finance & Risk
Professor Carlo Carraro
Professor Carlo Carraro is an internationally recognized climate scientist and contributor to the Nobel Prize–winning IPCC. His work has advanced global climate science and policy.
His research focuses on climate modeling, regional change, and climate variability, with particular attention to the Mediterranean region, contributing to a deeper understanding of climate dynamics and informed policy development.
Dr. Gianluca Spinelli
Gianluca Spinetti is Global Head of Analytics at Sustainable Fitch, leading global sustainability research, ESG ratings, Second Party Opinions, and transition assessments, as well as product development.
He joined Fitch Ratings in 2018 after over thirteen years in capital markets, including sustainable finance. He is active in sustainable finance working groups and a speaker at industry and academic events.
Leadership & Human Capital
Mr. Joshua Freedman
Mr. Joshua Freedman is a Member of the Scientific Committee of the European University Festival and CEO and co-founder of Six Seconds, a global emotional intelligence network active in over 150 countries.
A recognized expert, best-selling author, and Master Certified Coach (ICF), he has developed widely adopted research models and assessment tools. His expertise supports the Festival’s interdisciplinary mission, linking science, education, and the human dimension in addressing climate change.
Sport & Environmental Impact
Dr. Giorgio Chiellini
Dr. Giorgio Chiellini, Head of Football Institutional Relations at Juventus, contributing to the evaluation of sports-related projects from universities across Europe.
Former Juventus captain and UEFA Euro 2020 winner with Italy, he won nine Serie A titles. After retiring in 2023, he assumed an executive role at Juventus. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Turin, highlighting the link between sport and education.
Arts & Cultural Innovation
Professor Salvatore Bitonti
Professor Salvatore Bitonti, Director of the Accademia Albertina di Belle Arti di Torino, is a Member of the Scientific Committee of the European University Festival – Climate Change. He contributes to the evaluation of artistic projects from European academies and universities, promoting dialogue between art, sustainability, and cultural innovation, and reinforcing the role of creativity in addressing global challenges.
Professor Sara Taglialagamba
Professor Sara Taglialagamba, Leonardo da Vinci scholar and Professor at the University of Urbino, is a Member of the Scientific Committee of the European University Festival – Climate Change. She contributes to the selection of artistic projects from academies, encouraging dialogue between tradition and innovation. Her vision highlights art as a tool for addressing future challenges alongside the Festival’s disciplines.
Sustainable Food Systems
Chef Igles Corelli
Chef Igles Corelli, pioneer of Circular Cuisine and leading figure in the international gastronomic scene, is a Member of the Scientific Committee of the European University Festival – Climate Change.
Through his expertise and commitment to sustainability, he contributes to the selection of leading projects from European culinary schools and academies, strengthening the link between science, gastronomy, and sustainable innovation in addressing climate change.
Institutional Scientific Collaboration
Plastic Free Odv
Plastic Free ODV collaborates with the European University Festival – Climate Change within the framework of Institutional Scientific Collaboration, contributing its expertise in environmental protection and plastic pollution prevention.
Through awareness initiatives, field actions, and educational programs, Plastic Free ODV supports the scientific and civic dimension of the Festival, fostering responsible practices and concrete solutions for environmental sustainability.
Phoresta ETS
A Memorandum of Understanding between the European University Festival and Phoresta ETS establishes a strategic partnership to promote culture and environmental sustainability.
It includes collaboration on the Festival’s organization, carbon footprint offsetting through certified forest credits, and joint environmental initiatives.
Valid for three years, it confirms a shared commitment to sustainable development aligned with recognized international standards.