"Benevolence

can change

the world"

Benevolence can change the world

The Biomedical University Foundation, in tribute to an extraordinary man — Joaquín Navarro-Valls, an unforgettable and irreplaceable presence during the long pontificate of John Paul II, and President of the Foundation’s Board of Guarantors — has established the Joaquín Navarro-Valls International Award for Leadership and Benevolence.

III° edition

Senior Awardee: Silvano Pedrollo

Senior Awardee:
Silvano Pedrollo

The third edition of the Joaquín Navarro-Valls International Award for Leadership and Benevolence conferred the Senior Category recognition to Silvano Pedrollo, an exemplary model of profoundly ethical and inclusive entrepreneurial vision.
Founder of Pedrollo S.p.A., he has always placed people at the heart of his mission, promoting tangible acts of solidarity in the spirit of authentic and generative benevolence.

Junior Awardee: Anna Fiscale

Junior Awardee:
Anna Fiscale

For the Junior Category, the recognition was awarded to Anna Fiscale, founder of the Progetto Quid initiative, who has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to unite vision, practicality, and deep social commitment.
She has dedicated her expertise to restoring dignity to vulnerable individuals, offering second chances to women who have faced marginalization — creating a model of circular economy that transforms discarded fabrics into opportunities for redemption, beauty, and hope.

Video

Photogallery

The Ceremony

June 23, 2025 – Sala della Protomoteca, Rome

Program

6.00 pm

Welcome and registration

6.30 pm

Opening Remarks
Alessandro Pernigo, President, Biomedical University Foundation

6.40 pm

Leadership and Benevolence: Hope in the Light of the Jubilee

Speakers:

His Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re — Dean of the College of Cardinals
Paolo Benanti, President, Commission on Artificial Intelligence for Information, PCM
Chiara Pertosa, CEO Sitael e Angel Holding

7.05 pm

Tenth Anniversary of the Biomedical University Foundation: Recognition for Leadership in Service to the Nation
Presented by Carlo Tosti e Giuseppe Cornetto Bourlot

7.15 pm

The Impact of the Scholarship Fund
Andrea Rossi, CEO and General Director, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome

7.25 pm

Award Ceremony
Presentazione e Presentation and Testimony of the Junior Awardee — Award presented by Nicolò Govoni
Presentation and Testimony of the Senior Awardee — Awards presented by Stefano Lucchini and Maria Bianca Farina

7.55 pm

Closing Remarks Federico Eichberg, Vice President, Biomedical University Foundation

8.00 pm

Cocktail Dinner

Conduce: Safiria Leccese, Journalist and TV Presenter

by invitation only

The Jury

The Jury is responsible for proclaiming the winners and providing the rationale for each decision. In case of a tie, the President has the right to cast a double vote.

Members:

President of the Jury Alessandro Pernigo President, Biomedical University Foundation

Paolo Arullani
President, Advisory Board, Biomedical University Foundation

Ferruccio De Bortoli
Journalist

Maria Bianca Farina
Advisory Board, Biomedical University Foundation

Gianni Letta
Advisory Board, Biomedical University Foundation

Lucia Vedani
Founder and President, CasAmica ODV

THE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

The Scientific Committee is tasked with presenting to the Jury at least three candidates for the Senior Award and three for the Junior Award.

Members:

President of the Scientific Committee
Federico Eichberg
Vice President, Biomedical University Foundation

Matteo Colaninno
Advisory Board, Biomedical University Foundation