Luca Polizzi, UNU-CRIS Visiting Research Fellow, Participates to the Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI) Annual Meeting in San Antonio, USA

The SRAI International Annual Meeting, taking place October 19–23, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas, will bring together research management professionals and thought leaders from around the world to exchange ideas, build capacity, and explore emerging trends shaping the future of research administration. There will be a strong representation of universities and research organisations from across the globe as part of the International Section of SRAI, emphasising the growing importance of global collaboration and knowledge exchange.
During the event, Luca Polizzi will serve in multiple roles that reflect his commitment to bridging research administration, science policy, and international cooperation through the lens of science diplomacy. As co-chair of the Annual Meeting, he has contributed to shaping a programme that highlights the international dimension of research management—fostering dialogue across borders, disciplines, and institutions. He will also have the honor of delivering the SRAI Awards, celebrating excellence and leadership in advancing research administration as a profession that connects science, policy, and global engagement.
In addition, he will lead two workshops focused on institutional strategy and international funding. On October 20, he will present “Beyond the Numbers: Rethinking KPIs for University Impact,” (M203) exploring how universities can move beyond traditional performance indicators to better capture their societal, innovation, and diplomatic contributions. On October 21, he will deliver “Navigating Funding Turbulences: Exploring New Routes & Understanding Horizon Europe,” (T312) highlighting how transnational research frameworks such as Horizon Europe can act as tools of science diplomacy—strengthening cooperation, trust, and resilience across regions.