Maria (Marilena) Longobardi

Dr. Maria (Marilena) Longobardi is Executive Director and Head of Education of the Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) SPIN at the University of Basel, where she coordinates a national program on quantum technologies with over 30 partner institutions. A quantum physicist by training, she holds a PhD in physics and has more than ten years of research experience in quantum experiments. Alongside her scientific work, she has launched pioneering initiatives that bridge science and the arts, including QuantArt and the Bridge QuantArt Residency, fostering creative exchanges between artists and quantum researchers and co-directed the QuantumFest in the USA in 2025.

She has been elected Fellow of the American Physical Society for her contributions to physics and science diplomacy, and recognized by Inspiring Fifty (Italy 2021, UK 2023) among Europe’s most influential women in science and technology. Active internationally, she serves on boards and advisory groups shaping the future of quantum research, education, and public engagement.