Organisational Structure

Governed by the community it serves.

We are structured to be transparent, accountable and genuinely member-driven operating through four governing levels and six permanent committees. Not because complexity is a virtue, but because a community of this ambition deserves a foundation strong enough to support it.

What We Stand For

These are not policies. They are the convictions that govern every decision SINAPSE makes - about how the network is run, who it serves, and what it stands for.

• Non-profit, Always Every resource SINAPSE receives - membership fees, sponsorships, grants - is invested entirely in the community. There is no commercial agenda, and there never will be.

• Members Set The Direction The Annual General Meeting gives every member a voice in how the association develops, what priorities it pursues, and how it governs itself. Strategy is not handed down - it is built together.

• Genuinely Bilateral SINAPSE is not a diaspora organisation. It is a bilateral platform. Our leadership reflects both Italian and Swedish perspectives equally, and every major initiative is designed to serve both communities - not one more than the other.

• Open Across All Disciplines And Careers SINAPSE welcomes professionals, researchers, and academics of all disciplines and career stages - from PhD students to full professors, from clinicians to engineers — as long as they share a genuine connection to the Italy-Sweden space.

• Transparent by Design We publish our statutes, annual reports, and financial statements. Members can see exactly how SINAPSE is run, how resources are allocated, and how decisions are made. Accountability is not an afterthought - it is built into the structure.

Governance : Mandate 2026-2029

Board of Directors

Board Chair

Leads the association and represents SINAPSE externally. Sets the strategic agenda in collaboration with the Board, ensures the network delivers on its founding mission and holds ultimate accountability for the direction, integrity and governance of the association. This role reports to: The General Assembly. This role works closely with: The full Board of Directors.

Daniela Esposito(MD, PhD) is a Senior Consultant in Endocrinology at the Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital and the Institute of Medicine at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. An expert in rare endocrine disorders, she focuses her research and clinical practice on improving the understanding and management of complex pituitary diseases, including tumor‑related dysfunction and metabolic complications. Dr. Esposito’s work spans epidemiology, endocrinological outcomes, and endocrine oncology, contributing to evidence‑based care for uncommon hormonal conditions. She also serves as Deputy Co‑Lead of European Women in Endocrinology (EUWIN), advocating for gender equity and scientific excellence in endocrinology.

Board Vice Chair

Vice President: Supports the President in the day-to-day leadership of the association and steps in as acting President when required. Serves as the primary point of contact for the early-career researcher community within the Board. This role reports to: The Board Chair. This role works closely with: The Board Chair, the Young Scientists Committee Chair and the Mentoring & Education Committee.

Emanuele Bobbio (MD, PhD Candidate) is a cardiovascular scientist and clinician researcher affiliated with the Institute of Medicine at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. His research portfolio encompasses heart failure, myocarditis, cardiomyopathies, sarcoidosis, heart transplantation, and mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Widely published and active in clinical research, Dr. Bobbio’s work contributes to improved diagnostic strategies and outcomes in complex inflammatory and structural heart diseases, combining rigorous scientific investigation with translational clinical insight.

Treasurer: Soon To be Appointed

Owns the financial management of SINAPSE and ensures the association's resources are managed transparently, responsibly, and in full accordance with its non-profit mandate. Provides financial oversight and reporting to the Board of Directors and the Annual General Meeting, ensuring every member can trust that SINAPSE's resources are invested entirely in the community they are meant to serve. This role reports to: The Board Chair This role works closely with: The Board Chair, the Secretary and the Board Director for Strategic Development & Partnerships.

Secretary

Owns the formal administrative and legal functions of the association. Ensures SINAPSE operates in full accordance with Swedish law and its own statutes, advises the Board on all legal matters relating to the network's operations across Italy and Sweden, and maintains the institutional records, minutes, and filings that underpin the association's transparency and accountability. This role reports to: The Board Chair. This role works closely with: The full Board of Directors.

Katri Gelati (Lawyer) is a Milano‑based attorney and Head of the Swedish Desk at the law firm Morri Rossetti & Franzosi. Fluent in Swedish and experienced in cross‑border legal practice, she provides specialized counsel to Swedish clients on Italian real estate investment, business establishment and corporate management matters, blending deep legal expertise with practical guidance for international entrepreneurship and compliance.

Board Director, Strategic Development & Partnerships

Owns the strategic development of SINAPSE, from organisational structure and governance framework to institutional identity and partnership strategy. Oversees the relationships and resources that sustain the network's activities, ensuring SINAPSE has the foundations it needs to deliver on its long-term ambitions. This role reports to: The Board Chair. This role works closely with: The full Board of Directors and all Permanent Committee Chairs.

Veronica Lattanzi (PhD), is an impact-driven scientist with over a decade of experience in European Research Infrastructures, specializing in biophysical chemistry applied to biological systems involved in neurodegenerative disorders, as well as in the translation of advanced technologies into real-world applications across academia and diverse industrial sectors. She currently leads EU project initiatives on Research Infrastructures at Lund University and serves as an Independent Advisor and Board Member. With international experience spanning Europe, Switzerland and the USA, Veronica is recognized for fostering collaboration between scientific communities, industry and policy, supporting innovation and impact across European Research Ecosystems.

Board Liaison

Scientific Counselor (Sweden–Italy). Advises the Board on strategic alignment with Italian and Swedish national research priorities and maintains relationships with key institutional stakeholders in both countries. This role reports to: The Board Chair. This role works closely with: The Board Chair, the Board Director for Strategic Partnerships and institutional partners at the Italian Embassy in Stockholm and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Augusto Marcelli since 2025 is full professor at Camerino University and associated to the research activities at the National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN) unit of Turin. Since early 80’s he worked at the Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati of the INFN involved in synchrotron radiation (SR) research. He contributed to the construction of SR beamlines at ADONE, DAFNE and ESRF. His research cover correlation phenomena in x-ray absorption spectroscopy, circular magnetic x-ray dichroism investigations, x-ray absorption in elements of geophysical interest, dust and aerosol characterization and ultra-trace detection for indoor and outdoor environmental research, FTIR micro-spectroscopy and imaging, time resolved concurrent experiments and R&D of instrumentation. In four decades of activity, he has been responsible of several experimental programs in different research infrastructures all around the world in China, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, UK and USA. From 2018 he worked as scientific expert on bilateral policies and activities for the internationalization of scientific and technological research at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in September 2022 he was appointed as Scientific Counselor at the Embassy of Italy in Stockholm.

Board Liaison

Scientific Counselor (Sweden–USA). Advises the Board on opportunities to position SINAPSE within the wider international Italian research community and supports the development of collaborative initiatives beyond the bilateral Italy-Sweden framework into the broader European and international research ecosystem. This role reports to: The Board Chair. This role works closely with: The Board Chair, the Board Director for Strategic Partnerships, the Board Liaison for Scientific Excellence and the Italian Consulate network in the USA.

Eduardo Bossone (MD, PhD, FCCP, FESC, FACC) is an Italian cardiologist, clinician‑scientist, and Full Professor of Medicine at the University of Naples “Federico II.” He graduated cum laude in Medicine and Surgery and trained in cardiology, respiratory medicine, and cardiovascular sciences, with clinical and research fellowships in Canada, the UK, the USA, and Germany. He has held leadership roles in clinical cardiology divisions in Italy and directed cardiovascular research programs. Bossone is a fellow of the European Society of Cardiology, the American College of Chest Physicians, and the American College of Cardiology, and his research spans cardiovascular imaging and heart disease diagnostics. He currently serves as Scientific Attaché (Consular Scientific Counselor) at the Italian Consulate General in Houston, USA.

Board Liaison

Scientific Excellence (Italy–Sweden). Advises on the selection and framing of academic scientific initiatives, ensures the network's programmes meet the standards expected by leading academic institutions in both countries, and represents SINAPSE's commitment to research excellence in its external relationships. This role reports to: The Board Chair. This role works closely with: The Board, all Scientific Macro Area Chairs and leading academic institutions and scientific societies in Italy and Sweden.

Giuseppe Limongelli (MD, PhD, FESC) is a cardiologist and professor of cardiology at the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” in Naples, Italy, where he directs the Rare and Hereditary Cardiovascular Diseases Unit at Ospedale Monaldi and serves as Director of the Regional Rare Diseases Coordination Center for Campania. He leads multidisciplinary clinical and research programs focused on the etiology, natural history, and management of rare and inherited cardiomyopathies and other complex heart diseases, contributing to improved risk stratification and treatment pathways. He also serves as Scientific Director of the NeMO Clinical Center in Naples and is actively involved in national rare disease governance and international research networks.

Executive Board

Chair, Scientific Macro Areas Permanent Committee

Leads and coordinates the five Scientific Macro Areas as a unified committee — ensuring coherence, strategic alignment, and active collaboration across the Health & Life Sciences, Energy & Environment, Digital Innovation, Physical Sciences, and Culture & Society areas. This role reports to: The Board of Directors; Vice President, Partnerships. This role works closely with: All five Macro Area Chairs.

Gianluigi Savarese (MD, PhD), is an Italian/Swedish cardiologist, currently Professor of Cardiology at Karolinska Institutet (Department of Clinical Science and Education) where he is head of the Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia. He is also Senior Consultant for Heart Failure at the Southern Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Major focus of his research is heart failure, with a particular interest in implementing use of guidelines recommended treatments, and phenotyping heart failure for improving clinical trial design. He is heavily involved in registry studies (and clinical trials, and he is expert in big data analysis. He is Secretary of the Heart Failure Association and he has served as board member and secretary of the Working Group on Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy of the European Society of Cardiology. He is involved in the editorial board of several journals in the field.

Co-Chair, Scientific Macro Areas Permanent Committee

Supports the Chair of the Scientific Macro Areas Permanent Committee in coordinating the five macro areas as a unified scientific body — and steps in as acting Chair when required. While the Chair focuses on strategic coherence and Board-level representation, the Co-Chair focuses on operational momentum - ensuring that each macro area is active, that chairs are supported and that the committee's agenda moves forward between formal meetings.

Donatella Puglisi (PhD, Docent), is an Associate Professor in Applied Physics at Linköping University, Sweden. Her research focuses on developing innovative sensor-based technologies, including electronic noses and gas sensors, with applications in environmental monitoring, food quality, and early disease diagnostics. She has led and collaborated on national and international projects, fostering translation of advanced technologies into real-world applications. Dr. Puglisi is actively engaged in industry partnerships and interdisciplinary research networks, promoting innovation and collaboration across academia and industry. She also contributes to initiatives supporting diversity and leadership in science.

Chair, Young Scientists Permanent Committee

Leads and coordinates SINAPSE's engagement with early-career researchers and PhD students - ensuring that the next generation of Italian-Swedish scientists has structured access to mentorship, visibility, mobility opportunities and cross-border professional development from the very beginning of their careers. This role reports to: The Board of Directors. This role works closely with: The Mentoring & Education Committee, all Scientific Macro Area Chairs and the Board Vice President

Angelo Milioto (MD, PhD Candidate) is a doctoral researcher at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg. His academic work focuses on pituitary tumors and their metabolic and clinical impact, combining clinical insight with translational research methods. Dr. Milioto contributes to advancing understanding of endocrine neoplasms and their systemic effects by engaging in multidisciplinary collaborations and evidence‑based investigations. His research seeks to improve diagnostic strategies and patient outcomes in complex endocrine disorders.

Chair, Mentoring & Education Permanent Committee

Advice SINAPSE's mentoring programmes and educational initiatives, ensuring that the network's commitment to career development is built on the same rigour as its scientific activities.

Laura Fratiglioni (MD) is a neurologist and epidemiologist, serving as Professor at Karolinska Institutet and former Director of the Aging Research Center (ARC). A leading figure in aging and dementia research, she has played a central role in establishing large population-based studies such as the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care (SNAC-K) and the Kungsholmen Project. She has supervised numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers and founded a National Graduate School for Aging Research, contributing significantly to multidisciplinary education in the field. Her work bridges clinical, epidemiological, and public health perspectives, with a strong focus on dementia prevention, multimorbidity, and healthy aging across the lifespan.

Co-Chair, Mentoring & Education Permanent Committee

Co-leads the design and delivery of SINAPSE's mentoring programmes and educational initiatives, building the structured pathways, international connections, and long-term relationships that allow early-career researchers to develop careers that span both Italy and Sweden. This role reports to: The Board of Directors. This role works closely with: The Young Scientists Committee Chair, all Scientific Macro Area Chairs.

Davide Liborio Vetrano (MD, PhD) is a geriatrician, epidemiologist and Associate Professor of Geriatric Research at the Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet. He leads a multidisciplinary research group focused on understanding the determinants, progression and consequences of geriatric syndromes, with a special emphasis on multimorbidity, frailty and dementia. Dr. Vetrano combines clinical insight with advanced epidemiological methods to improve risk stratification, prevention, and care for older adults. He supervises PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, contributes to international collaborations, and plays a key role in shaping research and policy initiatives in aging and geriatric care. His work bridges science, clinical practice and public health to foster healthier aging populations.

Chair, Communication Permanent Committee

Coordinate SINAPSE's communication strategy across all channels - managing the network's digital presence, newsletter, social media and press relations and ensuring that the work of SINAPSE and its members reaches the widest possible audience in both Italy and Sweden with clarity, consistency and credibility. This role reports to: The Board of Directors; Vice President, Partnerships. This role works closely with: All Permanent Committee Chairs, the Board of Directors.

Dario Salvi (PhD, Docent) is an Associate Professor in Computer Science at Malmö University, specializing in digital health and eHealth systems. His research focuses on developing inclusive digital solutions that support healthcare delivery and wellbeing, particularly for individuals with special needs. He combines expertise in software engineering, sensor-based health technologies and interaction design to create practical, evidence-based tools for clinical and everyday settings. Dr. Salvi collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, supervises emerging researchers and contributes to the evaluation and deployment of trustworthy digital health solutions.

Honorary Members

SINAPSE designates as Honorary Members the highest-ranking representatives of Italy in Sweden, including the Italian Ambassador in Sweden and the Scientific Attaché in Sweden. This recognition is temporary and linked to the duration of the mandate of the invited honorary members, acknowledging their role in promoting bilateral collaboration and supporting SINAPSE’s mission.