GRIS (Gruppo Ricercatori Italiani a Singapore) is a group of individuals involved in academic and commercial research in Singapore, which promotes the concept of brain exchange and circulation, as opposed to the concept of brain drain, between the Little Red Dot and Italy.
Besides Italian researchers living in Singapore, GRIS welcomes citizens from all countries who have worked in Italy in the fields of science and technology, and Italian scientists who are interested in moving to Singapore or in collaborating with Singaporean research institutions.
GRIS was established by Gianfranco Matteucci in 2008 and was led by Guglielmo Vastola from 2009 to 2011. Erik Cambria took over in 2012 and remained in charge until 2024, during which time GRIS also gained some local media attention. Since 2025, Serenella Tolomeo has been the new group coordinator, ensuring that GRIS remains a key reference for international organizations fostering collaboration between Italy and Singapore, while also supporting the families of Italian researchers in the Lion City.
Below, you can find a selection of representative GRIS members (affectionately known as GRISsini), grouped according to ten major research areas. Each category highlights key researchers who contribute significantly to their respective fields, reflecting the diverse expertise within the GRIS community.