I joined UCL in July 2014, and looking back, I could never have imagined that in just seven years, I would be promoted to (Full) Professor and take on multiple leadership roles within my department and faculty.

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This journey has been shaped by several factors. I come from Barra, one of the most economically disadvantaged and marginalised districts of Naples, in Southern Italy, where access to higher education was far from guaranteed. Like other eastern districts of the city, Barra faces significant social challenges, including economic hardship, organised crime, and urban neglect. Growing up in a modest-income family, financial constraints often dictated the opportunities available to me. As a first-generation university graduate and academic in my broader family, navigating the academic world has been both an opportunity and a challenge.

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After earning my MSc and PhD degrees in Italy, I moved to the USA, first to take a postdoctoral position in beautiful Orange County. That experience allowed me to expand my research skills and expertise before transitioning to industry in the Bay Area, where I worked in catastrophe risk modelling for two years. My time in industry broadened my perspective and strengthened my understanding of real-world applications of catastrophe risk analysis, where theoretical frameworks had to align with business and societal needs. Beyond technical expertise, my industry experience reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. I worked alongside professionals from various backgrounds—actuaries, geophysicists, engineers, policy experts, and data scientists—each contributing unique insights to the challenge of mitigating disaster impacts. Moreover, engaging with clients and stakeholders in the industry provided a crucial lens into the real-world uses of risk assessments, shaping my understanding of how academic research must bridge theory and application. The experience ultimately underscored the value of integrating industry knowledge into academia, ensuring that research remains impactful and responsive to the evolving landscape of disaster risk management.

However, I always felt a strong pull toward academia, where I could advance knowledge and develop solutions to address broader and even more complex societal challenges. Transitioning back was not without its uncertainties; shifting from industry to academia is rarely straightforward. But despite the risks, I took the leap, driven by the belief that academic research and education could make a lasting impact.
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The reason I stand where I am today is because of the inclusive, supportive, and collaborative environment I found at UCL and beyond. The opportunities I have been given and the incredible colleagues who have mentored and encouraged me throughout my career have been invaluable. I feel both privileged and deeply grateful for the professional path I have followed, and I am committed to giving back—to the UCL community that has invested in my growth and to the broader research network that I am fortunate to be part of.

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In pursuit of this commitment, I strongly embrace the following values:

Developing research that delivers solutions for marginalised communities. Disasters disproportionately affect the most socially vulnerable, including those with limited financial resources, unsafe housing, or restricted access to essential services. These communities often lack the ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, leading to cycles of devastation that deepen existing inequalities. My research seeks to address these disparities by developing frameworks that promote resilience and equitable recovery, ensuring that disaster risk reduction strategies are accessible to those who need them most.

Championing diversity in academia. I believe it is our collective responsibility to foster diversity as a means of addressing historical marginalisation. All genders, sexual orientations, races, nationalities, and religions should have equitable access to academic opportunities, and meaningful inclusion must be embedded at every level. As a gay man, I have experienced firsthand some of the systemic and social barriers that underrepresented groups face in society. These experiences reinforce my commitment to advocating for an environment where everyone—regardless of background—feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute.

Advancing open science and knowledge accessibility. Access to scientific research remains highly restricted and often elitist, limiting the ability of marginalised communities to benefit from innovation. I firmly believe that knowledge should be open and accessible to all, not confined within paywalls or institutions with exclusive access. Open science promotes collaboration, accelerates discoveries, and ensures that research and education can be used to drive meaningful change across society. I am committed to supporting initiatives that expand access to academic research and education, making scientific advancements more inclusive and impactful.
 

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