Ilaria Capua

Dr. Ilaria Capua is an internationally-renowned virologist and Director of the Center of Excellence in One Health Research. She has made significant contributions to understanding influenza.

In 2006, she achieved international notoriety after defying what was previously common practice, by posting the genetic sequence of avian flu on an open source database. Since this bold move, it is now common for groups to share genetic information on pathogens, in order to combat potential pandemics more effectively.

Capua has acted as Vice President of the Culture, Science and Education Commission for the Italian Chamber of Deputies and has published over 200 papers in prestigious international journals along with two textbooks for her field.