Trieste, March 3, 2025 – A prestigious recognition has been awarded to Professor Francesca Matteucci, from the University of Trieste, who has received the 2025 Matteucci Medal, one of the oldest and most prestigious scientific prizes in Italy, conferred by the National Academy of Sciences, known as the XL. The prize, established by Royal Decree in 1870, is awarded to Italian and foreign physicists and astrophysicists who have made significant contributions to the advancement of science.
The unanimous decision was made by the judging commission – composed of Riccardo Zecchina (President), Marco Tavani (Secretary), and Carlo Doglioni (member) – which met remotely on March 3, 2025.
In the official citation, it reads:
“For fundamental contributions to the chemistry of galaxies.”
Professor Matteucci is internationally recognized as one of the leading pioneers in the development of the theory of chemical evolution of galaxies, a field of research that combines spectroscopic observations, stellar evolution, and nucleosynthesis to understand how the universe becomes enriched with complex chemical elements over time.
Over more than 40 years of scientific activity, she has published more than 400 specialized articles, developing theoretical models capable of explaining the observed chemical abundances in galaxies – from the Milky Way to the earliest galaxies in the universe – taking into account processes such as supernova explosions, gas inflows and outflows, and the evolution of stellar populations.
In addition to the excellence of her research, Professor Matteucci has built a true scientific school, training a new generation of astrophysicists, and has held key leadership roles in national scientific institutions such as the Astronomical Observatory of Trieste, INAF (National Institute for Astrophysics), and the Italian Space Agency.
In the Commission's report, there is also a note expressing the hope that the candidacy of Professor Angelo Vulpiani(Sapienza University of Rome), a finalist and author of fundamental contributions to statistical and nonlinear physics, will remain active and be considered highly deserving for the 2026 edition.
With this award, the Academy of the XL confirms its commitment to promoting and recognizing Italian scientific excellence, acknowledging in Francesca Matteucci a key figure in contemporary astrophysics.
