On October 23, 2025, at Sapienza University of Rome, Giovanna Lattanzi, Senior Researcher and Head of the Bologna Branch of the IGM-CNR, was awarded the De Sanctis Prize for Research, established by the De Sanctis Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of University and Research. The prize celebrates Italian scientific excellence and this year recognized eight distinguished researchers. Dr. Lattanzi was honored for her pivotal contributions to the study of laminopathies, a group of rare genetic diseases linked to mutations in nuclear membrane proteins. Her work has significantly advanced the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying conditions such as progeria, Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, and familial partial lipodystrophy, opening new avenues in precision medicine.

During the ceremony, a posthumous award was also presented to Sammy Basso, biologist and science communicator, for transforming his illness into a universal message of strength and love for science. Sammy, who passed away in 2024, was a key figure in the scientific community and a close collaborator of IGM in progeria research. His determination inspired the development of innovative technologies such as SAMMY-seq, created at IGM by Dr. Francesco Ferrari, for studying DNA alterations in laminopathies.

In addition to Giovanna Lattanzi and Sammy Basso, other prominent figures were recognized during the event, including Silvio Garattini (Lifetime Achievement Award), Roberto Burioni, Maria Leptin, Domenica Lorusso, Maurizio D’Incalci, and the PTA Lab research group from the University of Bologna.

Established in 2009 by the De Sanctis Foundation, the De Sanctis Prize is an internationally prestigious award celebrating excellence across various fields of knowledge, including literature, human rights, economic sciences, social health, Europe, sustainability, cinema and audiovisual arts, and—starting in 2025—scientific research. Named after literary critic and historian Francesco De Sanctis, the prize is promoted under the patronage of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and with the endorsement of the President of the Republic.