Anna Grassellino, senior scientist at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the director of the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center, was awarded the prestigious Marisa Bellisario Award on June 18, 2024.
Anna Grassellino receives the Marisa Bellisario Award, “Women who make the difference,” from Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani. Credit: Marisa Bellisario Foundation
Grassellino, originally from Marsala, Italy, has made significant contributions to the field of superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) technology, a critical technology in modern particle accelerators and quantum information science. She has led groundbreaking work in increasing the efficiency of SRF cavities and their use in several novel experiments, ranging from quantum computing to searching for new particles, which is at the core of the SQMS Center mission.
“I’m so honored to be recognized with this award among extraordinary women who have distinguished themselves and have made important contributions in many fields from science to economy to entrepreneurship to sports and so much more,” said Grassellino. “I hope to serve as a role model for young women who aspire to have a career in STEM.”
The 10 award recipients met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Bellisario Foundation President Lella Golfo at Palazzo Quirinale. Later that evening, a formal ceremony was held in Rome’s historic Colosseum where Grassellino received the award from Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani.
The recipients of the Marisa Bellisario Award gather for a photo at a meeting at Palazzo Quirinale with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Credit: Marisa Bellisario Foundation
The Bellisario award recognized Grassellino’s outstanding achievements and her influence as a role model for women in science and technology. The award citation read by Minister Tajani stated: “Anna Grassellino receives the Bellisario Award for the extraordinary talent, determination and courage that have earned her the international leadership in research, in technologies that will open new scientific horizons. She is an ambassador of the Italian genius in the world and source of inspiration for all girls who aspire to have a STEM career.”
The Marisa Bellisario Award is one of Italy’s most prestigious honors dedicated to women who have excelled in various professional, social, cultural and scientific fields. The award was established in 1989 in memory of Marisa Bellisario, one of Italy’s first successful female managers. It celebrates female excellence and promotes the role of women in the workplace and society.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella congratulates Anna Grassellino for receiving the international award from the Marisa Bellisario Foundation. Credit: Marisa Bellisario Foundation
“This is an impressive award and I extend my most sincere congratulations to Anna for receiving this recognition,” said Lia Merminga, Fermilab Director. “Anna is a wonderful ambassador for the mission of Fermilab. The lab community and I are very proud of her.”
More information about the Marisa Bellisario Foundation and its mission can be found here.