"Antonio Feltrinelli Giovani" award from the Accademia dei Lincei to Emanuele Andreano

Emanuele Andreano, Head of Serology and Immunilogy at Fondazione Biotecnopolo di Siena, awarded the International "Antonio Feltrinelli Giovani" Prize for "fundamental contributions in the understanding and treatment of zoonotic virus infections such as SARS-CoV-2" presented June 13 in Rome in the Presence of the President of the Accademia dei Lincei, Prof. Roberto Antonelli, the VicePresident of the Accademia dei Lincei, Prof. Carlo Doglioni, together with members of the Presidential Council and in the presence of the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella.

The Feltrinelli Prize is one of the most prestigious Italian prizes, established by entrepreneur and artist Antonio Feltrinelli and awarded by the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei. The awards were presented at the Accademia dei Lincei at the closing ceremony of the Academic Year 2024-2025 of Europe's most prestigious scientific institution. In particular, this year's awards celebrate excellence in various fields of knowledge, from their contributions to the advancement of knowledge to social engagement. Prominent international names and young Italian talents stand out, all recognized for their significant impact and for pushing the boundaries of knowledge and humanitarian action.

Emanuele Andreano, Head of Serology and Immunilogy at Fondazione Biotecnopolo di Siena, has made significant achievements in the area of studies of zoonotic virus infections, such as SARS-CoV-2. One of these was the demonstration that a single mutated amino acid was the cause for the global spread of the JN1 variant of the virus. Dr. Andreano developed and characterized a series of human monoclonal antibodies for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infections. These studies have also elucidated some of the dynamics of B lymphocyte evolution and antibody production during SARS-COV2 infections. In addition, in vitro experiments predicted the emergence of viral variants under pressure from sera of infected individuals, variants that later appeared in vivo. The data that emerged from his research have great significance for paving the way for controlling infections by zoonotic pathogens against which we do not yet have effective defenses. The importance of these findings, some of which have been the subject of specific patents, is demonstrated by publications in top-tier journals as first or corresponding author. 

Dr. Andreano accepted the Prize accompanied by representatives of the Biotecnopolo Foundation of Siena and in the presence of the Minister of Health, Orazio Schillaci.

“It is a great honor for me to have received the ”Antonio Feltrinelli Giovani“ Prize awarded by the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, as well as a source of deep pride and responsibility,” says Emanuele Andreano, Head of Serology and Immunilogy at Fondazione Biotecnopolo di Siena. "I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Scientific Director Rino Rappuoli, President Marco Montorsi and General Manager Gianluca Polifrone for their constant support. Special thanks go to my entire team: without their commitment, dedication and passion, the results achieved in my research activity would not have been possible. This recognition also goes to all of them."

Universally recognized as the "Italian Nobels," the Feltrinelli Prizes are among the most internationally coveted for their high scientific, cultural and economic value. Established in 1942 thanks to a bequest from entrepreneur and artist Antonio Feltrinelli, these awards aim to honor personalities in Italy and around the world who have excelled in the sciences and the arts. There are five disciplinary areas covered-historical and moral sciences; physical, mathematical and natural sciences; humanities; arts; and medicine-with an annual rotation for awarding the prizes. Past winners include distinguished names in Italian and international scientific and humanistic culture, including De Filippo, Manzù, Praz, Salvemini, De Felice, Gadda, Montale, Calvino, Primo Levi, Bassani, Visconti, Antonioni, Miró, Olmi, Levi Montalcini, Parisi, Sahin, and Türeci.