Miriam Serena Vitiello, Research Director at Cnr Nano, has been elected a Full Member of ITATEC (Italian Academy of Engineering and Technology), the national academy that brings together experts from academia and industry to promote technological innovation and provide scientific advice on strategic issues.

The appointment recognizes Vitiello’s scientific contributions to the development of advanced photonic and optoelectronic technologies based on nanostructured materials, two-dimensional materials and quantum systems, with a particular focus on the terahertz (THz) frequency range.

At Cnr Nano, Vitiello leads the Terahertz Photonics Research Group at the NEST Laboratory, a joint laboratory of Cnr Nano and the Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa. Her research aims at exploring new approaches for controlling light–matter interactions at the nanoscale and developing innovative photonic devices for emerging applications in quantum technologies, spectroscopy and optoelectronics.

Her scientific career has been marked by major international recognitions, including five grants from the European Research Council (ERC): an ERC Consolidator Grant, three ERC Proof of Concept Grants and, in 2025, an ERC Advanced Grant for the NODE project. The project aims to develop a new generation of compact laser sources by integrating two-dimensional quantum materials with semiconductor heterostructures, opening new perspectives for advanced photonic technologies.

Founded in 2022 on the initiative of the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, ITATEC is Italy’s academy for engineering, technology and applied sciences. The Academy brings together leading experts from different fields to contribute independent scientific and technological expertise on issues of strategic relevance, fostering dialogue between research, innovation and industry. ITATEC represents Italy within Euro-CASE, the European network of academies of engineering, technology and applied sciences.

As a Full Member of ITATEC, Vitiello will contribute her expertise in advanced photonics, two-dimensional materials and quantum technologies to the Academy’s interdisciplinary activities, supporting discussions on emerging technological challenges and opportunities for innovation.