Bologna celebrates its intellectual capital: new Bologna Ambassadors awarded

The eighth edition of the Bologna Ambassador Awards took place April 21, in the evocative setting of the Cappella Farnese. Promoted by the Municipality of Bologna and Fondazione Bologna Welcome through the Bologna Convention Bureau, the initiative honors local professionals who, through their work and dedication, support the city’s bids for major international events, enhancing its visibility and driving economic growth.

New Leaders Driving the City’s Growth

This year, 14 new Ambassadors were presented with the award, bringing the total number of professionals recognized since 2018 to 114.Thanks in part to their contribution, Bologna now consistently ranks among the Top 30 European cities and on the national podium in the latest ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) Rankings.

The project is part of a broader initiative to enhance intellectual capital, supported by Italian Knowledge Leaders, which engages and supports the Italian academic and scientific community.

In addition to scientific, medical, and academic events, the 2026 edition honored the entrepreneurial vision of Carlo Gherardi, Founder and CEO of CRIF, for an internationalization strategy that has projected the Bologna brand onto global markets.

Institutional Remarks

The ceremony was attended by authorities and institutional representatives, highlighting the destination's strong expansion: Mattia Santori, President of the Bologna-Modena Tourist Territory; Maria Letizia Guerra, Delegate for Public Engagement at the University of Bologna; Daniele Ravaglia, President of Fondazione Bologna Welcome. The session concluded with contributions from Marinella Maggiori and Mariagrazia Baroni, promoters of the 18th World Congress of Music Therapy (WCMT), scheduled to take place in Bologna this July..

The 14 New Bologna Ambassadors 2026

Following the speeches, the awards were presented to the individual professionals. Here are this year’s newly appointed Ambassadors:

1. Susanna Esposito
Full Professor of Pediatrics, University of Parma
Director of the Pediatric Clinic at Pietro Barilla Hospital, University Hospital of Parma

→ for the 44th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases - ESPID

2. Marinella Maggiori
Professor of Applied Music Therapy at the B. Maderna - G. Lettimi Conservatory of Cesena Rimini
President of AIM Italian Association of Music Therapy Professionals
President of the APS Tuning Fork Association of Musical Projects
Music therapist Therapeutic Center of Antoniano (Bo)

→ for 18th World Congress of Music Therapy – WCMT

3. Mariagrazia Baroni
Professor of Music Therapy, A. Vivaldi Conservatory of Alessandria
DIN Supervisor, Music Therapy and Neuroscience, A. Steffani Conservatory of Castelfranco Veneto
Music therapist, Hospice Casa Madonna dell'Uliveto (RE)

→ for 18th World Congress of Music Therapy – WCMT

4. Nicola Barban
Full Professor of Demography, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna

→ for European Population Conference 2026 - EPC 2026

5. Roberto Tuberosa
Full Professor of Agricultural Biotechnology and Agricultural Genetics, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna

→ for 4th International Wheat Congress – IWC

6. Silvia Romagnoli
Full Professor of Quantitative Finance, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna
Coordinator of the Master's Degree in Greening Energy Market and Finance

→ for 13th Bachelier World Congress of the Bachelier Finance Society

7. Paul Guasoni
Full Professor of Financial Mathematics, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna

→ for 13th Bachelier World Congress of the Bachelier Finance Society

8. Renato Seracchioli
Full Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna
Director of the UO Gynecology and Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS University Hospital of Bologna

→ for European Endometriosis Congress - EEC 2026

9. Antonio Nanetti
First researcher, CREA Research Centre Agriculture and Environment

→ for EurBee 11 – 11th European Conference of Apidology

10. Chiara Berteotti
Associate Professor of Physiology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna

→ for ISAN2026 - 14th Congress of the International Society for Autonomic Neuroscience

11. Davide Martelli
Associate Professor of Physiology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna
Honorary Associate Professor, The Florey Institute, Parkville, Australia

→ for ISAN2026 - 14th Congress of the International Society for Autonomic Neuroscience

12. Chiara Faenza
Chief sustainability officer, Coop Italia

→ for Agraya Summit 2026

13. Andrea Bartolini
Associate Professor of Computer Architecture, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna

→ for RISC-V Summit Europe 2026

14. Carlo Gherardi
Founder and CEO of CRIF
Entrepreneur

→ for CRIF's internationalization strategy and global positioning

The event concluded with a cocktail reception in Sala Tassinari, located on the ground floor of Palazzo d’Accursio.

The Bologna Ambassador Awards not only celebrate the city’s intellectual capital, but also foster collaboration with institutions and industry stakeholders each year, contributing to the development of the destination as a leading congress hub.