Professor Biagio D'Aniello is the new president of the Italian Zoological Union (Uzi)

Biagio D'Aniello, professor of Zoology at the Department of Biology of the University of Naples Federico II, is the new president of the Italian Zoological Union (Uzi).

D'Aniello was elected to the leadership of the historic scientific society in Pavia, with one hundred and twenty telematic votes out of the one hundred and twenty-eight faculty members from various Italian universities. Before him, in the prestigious tradition of "Frederician" zoologists at the helm of Uzi, were Francesco Saverio Monticelli, among the founders and president in 1905 and 1925; Umberto Pierantoni, elected in 1938 and 1957; and Gianfranco Ghiara, who assumed the presidency in 1985, serving for six years.

Since its founding in 1900, Uzi has promoted research and the dissemination of zoological knowledge, with a focus on Italian fauna. Its main objectives include supporting studies in all disciplines of zoology, collaboration and exchange among zoologists, and the protection of zoology in research and teaching.

"Zoology," says Professor D'Aniello, "is a discipline that studies the diversity, physiology, behavior, and evolution of animals, but at the same time deals with the biodiversity crisis, deforestation, and ecological dynamics. Zoology is not just a descriptive science, but a dynamic one, endowed with civic engagement, a very important social science. It is a key science for present and future because it serves to improve the management of natural resources and human-animal conflicts.

In an age marked by misinformation and skepticism toward science, it is crucial to convey clearly how crucial animals are not only to ecosystems but also to human economic and health well-being.