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UCL clinical pathologist awarded Italy’s highest civilian honor
12 July 2022
Congratulations to Teresa Marafioti, Professor of Haematopathology (UCL) and Consultant Histopathologist (UCLH), who received the Cavaliere of the Order of Stella d’Italia (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy) at a ceremony at the Italian Embassy in London earlier this year.
The Star of Italy is the country's highest civilian award, given to ‘Italians abroad or foreigners, who have acquired special merit in the promotion of friendly relations and cooperation between Italy and other countries and the promotion of ties with Italy.’
Improving cancer diagnosis
Teresa’s research focuses on the identification of cancer biomarkers which helped create more accurate cancer diagnosis, and on the development of tissue-based techniques that help better understand the mechanisms of immunotherapy. This has been the major therapeutic advance for cancer patients in the last two decades. Due to her work, she was recognised by the World Health Organisation which invited her to co-author a part of the latest classification on hematological malignancies.
Cultural collaboration
Teresa said: “I am truly honoured to receive this medal and I would like to thank the President of the Republic of Italy Sergio Mattarella for awarding it and Ambassador Dr Raffaele Trombetta for the endorsement. “This award is a very dear and special one, as it confirms that Italy remembers and values people like me who left the country when we were young, motivated and determined to grow professionally, to establish dialogue across cultures, and in my case to develop scientific and clinical work to help patients with cancer.
“As an emigrant, this journey was not always easy, however, the sense of mission and commitment, together with genuine passion, curiosity and vision, gave meaning to my professional life in very different and complementary ways.
Commitment to science
“I am sure this “star” – will help me renew my commitment to pursue research and new discoveries to improve the life of patients. For every doctor that is the ultimate recognition, being aware that science has no borders and that any finding and improvement in medical research will be useful for any patient around the world.”