
Meet The Team

Founder & Director of Operations
Pierangelo Saba
Pierangelo Saba is the Founder and Director of Operations of the European University Festival, overseeing strategy, logistics, and partnerships. With expertise in project management and finance, he ensures the festival’s success, fostering global collaboration in research, sustainability, and education.

Artistic Director
Luca Carniato
Luca Carniato is the Artistic Director of the European University Festival, responsible for curating the festival’s vision and programming. He oversees artistic direction, event design, and multimedia experiences, ensuring an engaging and inspiring atmosphere that connects innovation, research, and sustainability through art.

Chief Financial Officer
Alessandro Rossotto
Alessandro Rossotto is the Chief Financial Officer of the European University Festival. He oversees financial planning, resource management, and sustainability strategies. His role is essential in ensuring the festival’s financial stability, operational efficiency, and strategic growth. He brings a strong international background, having held key positions in global companies such as FCA.

Director of Institutional Relations and Public Affairs
Diego Sarno
Diego Sarno, Director of Institutional Relations and Public Affairs of the European University Festival, manages institutional, academic, and strategic partnerships. With public sector experience, he strengthens collaborations, promoting the festival as a hub for research, sustainability, and innovation.

Director of Institutional Relations – China
Maria Moreni
Dr. Maria Moreni is the Director of Institutional Relations for China at the European University Festival. As President of Italy-China Link Association and Co-President of the Belt and Road Local Cooperation (BRLC), she fosters diplomatic, cultural, and educational exchanges between Europe and China. With deep expertise in international cooperation and youth engagement, she strengthens strategic partnerships with Chinese institutions and supports the festival’s global mission.

Director of Communications
Elisabetta Viola
​​Elisabetta Viola is the Director of Communications for the European University Festival, where she leads media strategy, public relations, and digital outreach. She is responsible for ensuring coherent and impactful communication, strengthening the festival’s visibility, engagement, and international resonance.

Head of Digital Strategy
Dario Martinetti
Dario Martinetti leads the digital strategy of the European University Festival, managing the website, SEO, and digital platforms to enhance global visibility. Working closely with the communication team, he drives technical and strategic innovation to strengthen engagement with universities, researchers, and the public.

Coordinator of Organizational Relations
Davide Ruga
Davide Ruga is the Coordinator of Organizational Relations for the European University Festival, managing coordination between institutions, partners, and key stakeholders. He ensures seamless collaboration, efficient event execution, and strong organizational synergy, enhancing the festival’s structure, impact, and international presence.

Head of Food & Gastronomy
Valentina Laudonia
Valentina Laudionia oversees the food sector of the European University Festival, managing chef selection, culinary experiences, and sustainability initiatives. With experience in major events like the G7, she brings a strategic vision to the intersection of gastronomy, culture, and innovation, fostering dialogue between tradition, research, and the future of food.

Head of the Art Academies Section
Sara Taglialagamba
Sara Taglialagamba, Head of the Art Academies Section at the European University Festival, is a leading Leonardo da Vinci scholar and professor at the University of Urbino. She curates international art academy projects, fostering dialogue between tradition and innovation. Through her vision, art becomes a key tool for interpreting future challenges, working in synergy with the festival’s other disciplines.