FVG Ambassador Program: Michele Svandrlik and Luca Giannessi awarded for FEL2022

On Wednesday, 23 September 2026, at the Giuseppe Verdi Opera House in Trieste, Michele Svandrlik, General Coordinator of Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, and Luca Giannessi, Head of the FERMI Accelerator, received an award as part of the FVG Ambassador Program – Future Vision Generators, in recognition of their contribution to organising the 40th International Free-Electron Laser Conference (FEL2022) in Trieste. The conference was held at the Trieste Convention Center (TCC) from 22 to 26 August 2022.

Also among those honoured during the evening was their colleague Claudio Allocchio, a manager at GARR and a member of the Board of Directors of the European research network GÉANT, who received the award for organising and hosting TNC22 – The Networking Conference in Trieste. TNC is Europe’s leading conference dedicated to networking and technologies for research and education, and the theme of the 2022 edition was Navigating the Unexplored.

The FVG Ambassador Program, promoted by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and PromoTurismoFVG, recognises the role of professionals, researchers, academics and representatives of the local community who, through their expertise, experience and networks, help create new opportunities for Friuli Venezia Giulia and strengthen the region’s ability to attract conferences, events, and national and international communities. The ceremony held on 23 September marked the launch of this new initiative dedicated to Future Vision Generators.

The award also highlights the role that the scientific community can play in strengthening the region’s international profile. Friuli Venezia Giulia’s research institutions and well-established collaborative networks are an important asset in attracting major international scientific conferences and meetings to the region.

At the same time, conferences and meetings are an integral part of the scientific process. Direct interaction among researchers, the exchange of ideas and expertise, and the development of new collaborations all contribute to advancing knowledge. The relationships established and strengthened on these occasions also have a value that extends beyond individual disciplines, contributing to the broader sphere of science diplomacy by fostering dialogue and cooperation among institutions and scientific communities across Europe and around the world.

For Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, contributing to the development of these networks means helping strengthen the ability of Trieste and Friuli Venezia Giulia to serve as a hub for scientific exchange, research and international collaboration.