Niccolò Pagliarani, researcher at the BioRobotics Institute of Sant’Anna School, wins the Italy Giovane Under 35 Award
Niccolò Pagliarani, a researcher at the BioRobotics Institute of the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, is among the winners of the 12th edition of the Premio Italia Giovane, where he was recognized as an Under 35 Excellence. He also received the Special AI Mention, awarded through a selection process based on advanced artificial intelligence systems, in recognition of his commitment to personal and professional growth and for his exemplary contribution to the field of biorobotics.
The award ceremony took place on 25 November in the historic setting of Villa Blanc, the prestigious headquarters of the LUISS Business School in Rome—an ideal venue to celebrate young talents who excel in their scientific and professional fields.
The Premio Italia Giovane, which has received the Medal of Representation from the President of the Republic, aims to highlight under-35 excellence that contributes to the social and cultural progress of the country, rewarding career paths marked by dedication, commitment and vision. The 2025 edition selected young individuals capable of responsibly addressing contemporary challenges, transforming skills and innovative ideas into concrete projects. The initiative is also sponsored by the Chamber of Deputies, the Senate of the Republic and the Italian Youth Agency.
Among the awardees, Niccolò Pagliarani stands out as one of the most significant figures in the Italian robotics landscape. At 28, after studying Biomedical Engineering and Bionics between the University of Bologna and the Sant’Anna School, he directed his work toward soft robotics, a discipline that employs flexible materials for the delicate and safe manipulation of fragile objects. His career includes research experiences in the United States, at Harvard—also in collaboration with NASA—and in Switzerland, at EPFL, environments that allowed him to engage with interdisciplinary and international approaches.
The recognition awarded by the Premio Italia Giovane confirms the impact of his trajectory, which combines advanced research, technological innovation and a strong focus on real societal needs. His experience demonstrates how Italy can foster excellence in robotics and artificial intelligence, even within a context in which supporting and valuing young researchers remains a crucial challenge.
