Umberto Veronesi

Umberto Veronesi (1925–2016) was one of the most influential oncologists of the 20th century. He founded the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) in Milan and served as Italy’s Minister of Health. A pioneer in breast-conserving surgery, Veronesi dedicated his career to advancing cancer research and promoting scientific culture. He was the visionary behind The Future of Science conference series, which he conceived as a platform for dialogue between science and society. His commitment to bringing world-class researchers together in Venice created a legacy that continues to inspire the scientific community.

Veronesi’s scientific contributions extended far beyond the operating room. He led clinical trials that established breast-conserving surgery as the standard of care, replacing radical mastectomy for most early-stage breast cancers. His research on cancer prevention through diet and lifestyle influenced public health policy across Europe. As president of the Italian Senate’s committee on science, he advocated for evidence-based policymaking and scientific freedom, including stem cell research and GMO acceptance.