The Team and the Origins of the Festival
Welcome to our team section, where you can meet the professionals and collaborators who make the European University Festival possible.
The festival traces its origins to 2007 with the “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 of cultural and academic exchange on a global scale.
Like the Erasmus Day, the festival is organized by the Union of European Experts Chambers (www.ucee.eu), a non-profit NGO accredited with the EU Transparency Register and the European Parliament.
Its mission is to promote Europe and a sense of European belonging among citizens both within and beyond Europe — culturally, socially, 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.
Coordinator of the Scientific Committee
Luca Mercalli
Luca Mercalli coordinates the Scientific Committee of the European University Festival. He is the President of the Italian Meteorological Society, founded in 1865, and a member of the European Meteorological Society. He directs the journal Nimbus and serves as a European Climate Pact Ambassador. With 40 years of experience as a climatologist and science communicator, he leads the festival’s scientific vision, promoting research, sustainability, and climate awareness across universities worldwide.
Beyond his current role, Luca Mercalli is widely recognized for his long career in scientific communication and climate education. Through the festival, he brings his expertise to an international audience, inspiring universities and institutions to engage actively in sustainability. His leadership ensures that the festival remains at the forefront of promoting climate awareness, innovation, dialogue, cooperation, global climate responsibility, resilience, environmental stewardship, academic empowerment.
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.
Leading global corporations have trusted Oscar’s talent in high-profile campaigns featuring Hollywood celebrities and top-tier brand ambassadors — a testament to his unmatched creative vision, international reach, and consistent ability to shape remarkable projects with extraordinary impact worldwide.
His experience, global perspective, and artistic leadership will give the Festival a truly unique, innovative, and world-class creative direction that will elevate its mission even further, inspiring audiences everywhere.
Director of the Press Office
Stefano Tamagnone
Dr. Stefano Tamagnone, Director of the Press Office of the European University Festival, brings a solid and recognized background in institutional communication. His strategic leadership strengthens cooperation between governments, institutions, and universities worldwide, enhancing the festival’s international partnerships. Through his expertise and vision, he promotes dialogue, peace, and sustainable development, advancing academic diplomacy and fostering intercultural understanding.
Director of Relations with the United Arab Emirates
Massimiliano Salvetti
Massimiliano Salvetti is Director of Relations with the United Arab Emirates for the European University Festival, where the UAE will be guest nation. With diplomatic vision and strong Middle Eastern ties, he builds partnerships that elevate the festival’s standing and foster exchange between Europe and the Gulf.
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.
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.
Business Developer
Angelica Brigido
Angelica Brigido is the Business Developer of the European University Festival, leading global partnerships and high-level negotiations. With extensive experience in international business and strategic sales, she drives the festival’s growth, fostering collaborations with leading institutions, brands, and investors worldwide.
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 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.