Gruppo dei Ricercatori Italiani a Singapore

About Us

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.


Artificial Intelligence


Prof Erik Cambria, NTU CCDS





Asst Prof Gianmarco Mengaldo, NUS Mechanical Engineering





Botany


Dr Michele Rodda, NParks





Business


Asst Prof Martina Pocchiari, NUS School of Business





Healthcare


Prof Antonio Bertoletti, Duke-Nus Medical School





Prof Giorgia Pastorin, NUS School of Pharmacy





Information Technology


Assoc Prof Roberto Dillon, James Cook University





Materials


Assoc Prof Annalisa Bruno, NTU Materials Science





Microbiology


Assoc Prof Federico Lauro, NTU ASE





Asst Prof Andrea Pavesi, NTU LKCMedicine





Neuroscience


Dr Serenella Tolomeo, A*STAR IHPC





Quantum


Dr Alessandro Luongo, NUS CQT





Robotics


Prof Cecilia Laschi, NUS Mechanical Engineering





Prof Domenico Campolo, NTU Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering





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