National Italian American Foundation Awards Fauci Scholarships at Annual Gala

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) has named this year’s class of Fauci Scholars at the foundation’s 46th anniversary gala in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, October 23. Inaugurated in 2020 in honor of Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the Fauci Scholarships are designed to give support to the postdoctoral research of promising Italian and Italian-American researchers. 

“It is an honor to be able to support the work of the next generation of Italian and Italian-American scientists with the awarding of these grants,” says Antonio Giordano, M.D., Ph.D., Founder and Director of the Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO), and NIAF Board Member who led the search for fellowship candidates.  

Italian Minister of Economic Development Giancarlo Giorgetti and the new Italian Ambassador to the United States, Mariangela Zappia were among the guests at the limited in-person event, with a livestream for virtual attendees. 

The NIAF gala also featured honorees from the world of the arts and business, including legendary singer Tony Bennett, and award-winning actor Stanley Tucci, who delighted audiences during the pandemic with his hit travel series “Searching for Italy.” The six-part first season follows Tucci as he explores his Italian roots region-by-region, charming viewers with his mastery of the Italian language, his impressive culinary skills, and his characteristically impeccable style. Fox News personality Maria Bartiromo co-hosted with former Saturday Night Live cast member Joe Piscopo, along with live musical entertainment. 

About the National Italian American Foundation

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to preserving, promoting and protecting the Italian American heritage and culture. Based in Washington, D.C., it is the major advocate for nearly 25 million Italian Americans, the nation’s fifth largest ethnic group. To learn more about the Foundation and to become a member, visit www.niaf.org.

About the Sbarro Health Research Organization

The Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO) is non-profit charity committed to funding excellence in basic genetic research to cure and diagnose cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other chronic illnesses and to foster the training of young doctors in a spirit of professionalism and humanism. To learn more about the SHRO please visit www.shro.org