(April 19, 2011) Italy is celebrating its 150th year marking Il Risorgimento, or the Resurgence – the period in which city-states and regions ruled by religious or monarchical leaders united to form one nation – with a year-long festival of sporting and cultural events, parades, fairs and exhibits, including one prominently featuring DRI Scientific Director Dr. Camillo Ricordi.
Dr. Ricordi is featured in a “Best of Italy” 3D holographic display of cutting-edge innovators who are shaping the future in such areas as chemistry, environment, communications, work and health.
A member of one of Italy’s most distinguished musical families, Dr. Ricordi was selected to represent the field of health/research, for his pioneering work in diabetes and his endeavors to develop research across borders. His hologram is part of the Stazione Futuro, or Future Station, an exhibit on display in the restored Officine Grande Riparazione in Turin, Italy.
“I am proud of the recognition,” said Dr. Ricordi, who joined Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and other dignitaries for the March 17 opening gala. “This celebration marks an important milestone for Italy, and I am honored to have been selected among a group of people who are being recognized as visionaries.”
The recognition also lauded Ricordi for his critical role in developing the telescience platform technology that now allows scientists in the global DRI Federation and Cure Focus Research Alliance to collaborate across geographic boundaries, enabling international teams to work as if they are in the same physical space.
The unification celebration also marked the second time Italy has recognized Dr. Ricordi’s achievements. In 2009, he was knighted in the Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana (the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic), the highest recognition conferred by Italy’s president for accomplishments in science, literature, arts, or other fields.
Stazione Futuro is on display in Turin through November 20.
(Reprinted from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine website.)