Luigi Nicolais, Federico II professor emeritus, former minister and former president of the CNR, has died
Luigi Nicolais, Federico II professor emeritus, former minister and former president of the CNR, has died
An internationally renowned chemical engineer, he has trained generations of professionals. Leading figure in the dialogue between research, innovation and policy
The Athenaeum mourns the passing of Luigi "Gino" Nicolais, professor emeritus of the Federico II. A chemical engineer, born in 1942, university lecturer and leading figure in the institutional life of the country, he was a reference figure in the dialogue between research, innovation and politics.
Born with a strong vocation for science and innovation, he taught for many years at the University Federico II, training generations of students and researchers and establishing himself as one of the leading experts in the field of composite materials. His academic commitment has always gone hand in hand with intense public activity.
Over the course of his career he has held a number of leading positions: he was a councilor in the Campania regional government led by Antonio Bassolino from 2000 to 2005, minister for Reforms and Innovation in Public Administration in the Prodi II government, an MP from 2008 to 2012, and president of the National Research Council from 2012 to 2016. In the latter role, he worked to strengthen the competitiveness of Italian research and enhance its international profile.
Known by many as the "professor of public works," Nicolais always advocated the need to reduce the distance between the world of scientific research and that of industrial production, convinced that technological innovation was a key lever for Italy's economic and social development.
Of him are remembered not only his scientific authority and institutional rigor, but also his humanity and civic passion. What remains is the profound mark of his commitment, his scientific publications and the legacy of a vision that put knowledge, innovation and public service at the center of progress.
The entire Frederick community gathers movedly around his family, close friends, colleagues and students.
The funeral chamber will be set up at the Athenaeum, in the Aula Pessina (Corso Umberto I, 40,) from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. today, Jan. 12, and tomorrow morning from 8 a.m. until the casket is transferred to the Church of St. Clare for the funeral rites to be held at 4 p.m.