by InTrieste
Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, one of Europe’s leading scientific research facilities, has appointed physicist Giovanni Comelli as president of its board of directors, as the institution advances a major modernization project expected to reshape its research capabilities in the coming years.
The appointment was approved by the shareholders’ assembly on May 26. Comelli succeeds the previous leadership at a pivotal moment for the Trieste-based research center, which is in the midst of the Elettra 2.0 project, an extensive upgrade of its synchrotron light source. The revamped facility is expected to resume operations in 2027 and introduce new experimental beamlines for researchers from around the world.
Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste operates advanced research infrastructure that uses synchrotron light and free-electron lasers to investigate the structure and properties of materials, biomaterials and pharmaceuticals, as well as chemical and biochemical processes. The nonprofit organization serves scientists from Italy and abroad and is considered a cornerstone of Trieste’s internationally recognized scientific community.
Comelli, a professor of experimental condensed matter physics at the University of Trieste, was nominated to the board by Italy’s Ministry of Universities and Research. In announcing the appointment, the ministry extended its congratulations and best wishes for his new role.
A longtime figure within the institution, Comelli brings decades of experience in both scientific research and governance. He has authored more than 250 scientific publications and has participated in numerous national and European research initiatives. His previous involvement with Elettra includes serving on its board from 2005 to 2014, including eight years as vice president, and again from 2023 to 2026.
Throughout his career, Comelli has held several leadership positions within Italy’s scientific community, including serving as director of the physics department at the University of Trieste. He has also participated in scientific evaluation and advisory bodies at both the national and European levels.
The newly appointed board reflects a combination of continuity and renewal. Alongside Comelli, the board includes Anna Gregorio of the University of Trieste, Caterina Vozzi of the National Research Council of Italy, Giorgio Rossi of the University of Milan, and Paolo Valente, director of the Rome section of the National Institute for Nuclear Physics.
Shareholders also appointed a new board of statutory auditors, led by Gianpaolo Graberi, with Francesco Battaglia, Sara Rossi, Gabriella Magurano and Pietro Coluzzi serving as standing auditors. Vittorio Pella and Paola Rodighiero were named alternate auditors.
Institution officials said the composition of both governing bodies preserves significant continuity with previous administrations while introducing new members with scientific, academic and professional expertise, as the organization prepares for the next phase of its development.
