She will define the Foundation’s scientific strategy to further advance rare genetic disease research and support the next generation of scientists.
Fondazione Telethon announces the appointment of Graciana Diez-Roux as its new Scientific Director. With extensive experience in biomedical research management, the development of international scientific programs and the coordination of high-impact collaborative projects, Diez-Roux will lead the Foundation’s scientific activities with the goal of further strengthening its role as a leading organization in rare genetic disease research.
In her new position, she will define the organization’s research investment priorities, oversee the quality and integrity of scientific evaluation processes, and guide the strategic integration between intramural and extramural research, in order to maximize the impact of funded activities for people living with rare genetic diseases.
Particular attention will be given to supporting young researchers: “Investing in the next generation of scientists is essential,” said Diez-Roux. “Fondazione Telethon must continue to create new training and career opportunities for young talent and foster an open, collaborative and impact-oriented research environment. The organization must increasingly become a partner and a resource for researchers, in a spirit of collaboration and service toward the scientific community.”
Diez-Roux has a deep understanding of Fondazione Telethon and the Italian research system. Since 2003, she has held positions of increasing responsibility at the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM) in Pozzuoli, where she contributed to the development of the institute’s scientific strategy and to the establishment of its Scientific Office.
During her career, she has coordinated numerous European projects with a total value of approximately €70 million, promoting international consortia dedicated to the development of new therapies for rare diseases, including lysosomal and retinal disorders. She has also managed major strategic industrial alliances with biotech and pharmaceutical companies, helping strengthen the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical applications.
With an international background spanning the University of Buenos Aires and New York University, she has developed a vision of research strongly focused on the integration of scientific excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration and the creation of ecosystems that foster innovation: “Fondazione Telethon represents a unique model in the biomedical research landscape because of its ability to support excellent research while always keeping patients’ needs at the center. In this new role, I hope to further strengthen dialogue and collaboration within the scientific community, enhance the expertise distributed across the Foundation’s network and create the best possible conditions for innovative, high-impact research.”
