Doctor Federica Brandizzi during the award ceremony in Rome. Credit: Accademia Nazionale de Lincei.
An Italian Academy that once counted the trailblazing astronomer Galileo Galilei amongst its ranks has recognized a Michigan State University researcher whose ambitions extend beyond Earth's orbit.
Michigan State University Distinguished Professor Federica Brandizzi was awarded the Professor Luigi Tartufari Prize by the Accademia Nazionale Dei Lincei in November. The ceremony was held in Rome, Italy at the historic Palazzo Corsini on Nov. 7.
“As a scholar of Italian heritage, the Academy’s legacy has always been a source of pride and inspiration,” Brandizzi said. “This award is an incredible bridge between my professional pursuits and a cultural institution that symbolizes excellence in science and the arts.”
Professor Luigi Tartufari awards are given to researchers who have made significant impacts in their field. Eligible disciplines span from astronomy and geophysics to philosophy and literature. Brandizzi received the 2024 award in molecular, cellular and evolutionary biology.
The four awards given in 2024 were each accompanied by a prize of €25,000.
“I’m pleased to see one of MSU’s most productive and innovative researchers being presented with an award by a renowned international institution,” College of Natural Science Dean Eric Hegg said. “MSU’s work doesn’t only take place in East Lansing. Working with partners across the globe is a critical part of impactful projects that provide solutions to worldwide problems. International awards like Federica’s play an important role in forging meaningful and productive international collaborations and raising the global reputation of MSU.”
Brandizzi, who holds a joint appointment in the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory and the Department of Plant Biology, first joined MSU in 2006. Over the past two decades, she and her lab have led the charge to several frontiers in plant science, including organelle biology, biofuel research and space biology.
“This prestigious award to recognize Federica's outstanding research program is richly deserved,” noted Andrea Case, a fellow plant biologist and chair of the department of Plant Biology. “She has trained and mentored literally hundreds of research personnel during her time at MSU, including some of our most engaged students in the Plant Biology doctoral program. We celebrate this award with her and are fortunate to have her in the plant science research community."