ELI Appoints Dr Leonida Antonio Gizzi as Director of Science

The Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) in the Czech Republic, the recently selected site for the EuPRAXIA laser-driven plasma accelerator pillar, has announced the appointment of Dr Leonida (Leo) Antonio Gizzi from the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) in Pisa, as its new Director of Science. 

Dr Gizzi giving a presentation at ELI's Summer School ELISS. (Credit: ELI)

In this key position, Dr Gizzi will steer ELI’s integrated scientific user programme, working closely with colleagues in management and scientific leadership in order to shape research strategies and to prioritize user access. As a renowned expert in laser–plasma interactions, he brings considerable knowledge in high-intensity lasers, compact particle accelerators, and advanced photon sources  

At CNR's Istituto Nazionale di Ottica (INO) in Pisa, Dr Gizzi directs the Intense Laser Irradiation Laboratory (ILIL), advancing plasma-driven radiation sources and ultrafast phenomena. His work brings together fundamental physics with real-world applications across medicine, energy, and materials science. 

Dr Gizzi has been a key member of the EuPRAXIA collaboration since its inception, leading the work package on laser design and optimization for the design study project, and subsequently the laser technology and liaison to industry work package for the preparatory phase. He has also contributed to training events for EuPRAXIA doctoral fellows, giving lectures and seminars about high-power lasers and lasers development roadmaps. 

A long-time contributor to ELI, Dr Gizzi has influenced key European laser science projects since ELI’s inception. He has championed strategic advancements in laser-driven particle acceleration, X-ray and gamma-ray sources, and novel plasma diagnostics  

In his new capacity, as well as coordinating scientific priorities and nurturing multi-disciplinary research across ELI's network, he will serve as ELI’s ambassador to international partners and stakeholders to promote this research and to ensure the infrastructure’s visibility on an international scale.  

Dr Gizzi shared his vision: 

“We are entering a new era for laser science, and ELI is uniquely positioned to lead it.  This role is both an honour and an opportunity, to guide a scientific programme that is as ambitious as it is essential. My goal is to help ensure ELI delivers not just breakthroughs, but lasting value for science, industry, and society.” 

He emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary research, with a focus on health, energy, and the environment, and plans to guide ELI toward delivering both fundamental insights and tangible societal benefits. 

Allen Weeks, Director General of ELI, said that “Leonida brings a clear vision.  He understands that for ELI to reach its full potential, we must accelerate our contributions to challenges with global significance, particularly in areas like radiobiology and fusion… He’s the right person to help ELI bridge that gap and make the societal relevance of our work explicit.”  

The selection of such an influential figure in European laser science once again reinforces Europe’s leading position in advanced accelerator technologies. Dr Gizzi will begin transitioning into the role in September, with his full appointment taking effect in December.