The Team | European University Festival

The Team and the Institutional Framework of the Festival

The European University Festival is promoted by the Union of European Experts Chambers (UCEE), a non-profit NGO accredited with the EU Transparency Register and operating in alignment with the institutional framework of the European Parliament.

The Festival traces its origins to the 2007 “Erasmus Day,” created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Erasmus Programme and held annually until 2014. Today, the European University Festival carries forward that legacy, evolving into a structured European platform dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and global cooperation.

The Festival operates under principles of:

Institutional transparency
Non-profit governance
Structured financial accountability
Public-interest mission

All activities are conducted in compliance with European regulatory standards applicable to accredited non-profit organizations.

Its mission is to promote Europe as a global space for research, innovation and responsible leadership, strengthening academic cooperation and supporting solutions to major global challenges — culturally, socially, environmentally and economically.

Founder & Director of Operations

Pierangelo Saba

Pierangelo Saba is the Founder and Director of Operations of the European University Festival, where he oversees global strategy, logistics, and institutional partnerships. With extensive experience in project management, international relations, and finance, he ensures the festival’s continued growth and success. His leadership promotes international collaboration in research, sustainability, and education, uniting universities and organizations worldwide in a shared vision for the future of knowledge.

Pierangelo is also the co-founder of the first Erasmus Day (2007–2014). The event, created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Erasmus Programme, became the first major European university festival and welcomed dozens of university delegations from Europe, China, India, and the United States each year. This pioneering experience laid the foundation for today’s European University Festival, preserving its international spirit and original mission.

Artistic Director

Oscar Generale

It is a great pleasure to announce that Oscar Generale has been appointed Artistic Director of the European University Festival.

A renowned Hollywood producer based in Beverly Hills, Oscar has collaborated with global icons such as John Travolta, Morgan Freeman, Gerard Butler, and many other legends of international cinema, contributing to projects of international relevance and visibility.

Leading global corporations have entrusted him with high-profile campaigns featuring Hollywood celebrities and top-tier brand ambassadors, a clear testament to his exceptional creative vision, international reach, and consistent ability to shape ambitious projects with extraordinary global impact.

His experience, global perspective, and artistic leadership will bring a distinctive, innovative, and world-class creative direction to the Festival, further strengthening its mission and inspiring audiences across Europe and beyond.

Director of the Press Office

Stefano Tamagnone

Dr. Stefano Tamagnone, Director of the Press Office of the European University Festival, brings a solid and well-recognized background in institutional communication at the international level.

Through his strategic leadership, he strengthens cooperation between governments, public institutions, and universities worldwide, contributing to the growth of the Festival’s international partnerships and visibility.

His expertise and vision support dialogue, peace, and sustainable development, reinforcing academic diplomacy and fostering intercultural understanding at the core of the Festival’s mission.

Emotional Climate Facilitator

Ilaria Iseppato

It is a pleasure to announce that Ilaria Iseppato has joined the European University Festival as Emotional Climate Facilitator on Climate Change.

Partnership Director for Six Seconds Europe & Italy, she is a sociologist with a PhD, a PCC–ICF certified coach, and an internationally recognized expert in emotional intelligence applied to education, leadership, and social change.

Her experience and facilitation expertise will add a strong human-centered dimension to the Festival, fostering meaningful dialogue on climate change and supporting conscious, collaborative action.

Climate Transition & Executive Coaching Facilitator

Alessandro Elia

Alessandro Elia is Climate Transition & Executive Coaching Facilitator at the European University Festival. As a coach and strategic facilitator, he supports leaders and institutions in navigating the climate transition, combining sustainability expertise with executive coaching to transform European strategies into concrete action and lasting impact.

Director of Partnerships & Brand Strategy

Marco Chiricosta

Marco Chiricosta is the Director of Partnerships & Brand Strategy at the European University Festival, with a strong international strategic focus.

He oversees partnerships and brand integration, strengthening the Festival’s global visibility and value for sponsors and audiences through his extensive experience in marketing and international events.

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 across multiple international platforms. She is responsible for ensuring coherent, strategic, and impactful communication, strengthening the festival’s visibility, stakeholder engagement, institutional positioning, and long-term international resonance.

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 across diverse European networks. He ensures seamless collaboration, efficient event execution, and strong organizational synergy, enhancing the festival’s structure, impact, and international institutional and strategic presence worldwide.

Head of Digital Strategy

Dario Martinetti

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

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.