Prof. Ornella Parolini has long-standing experience in cellular and molecular biology and immunology, and is pioneer in placental stem cells and their application in regenerative medicine. In 2009 she founded the International Placenta Stem Cell Society, of which she was also twice-elected President. She is author of over 200 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, 12 book chapters and editor of one book. She is author of 2 patents in the field of placental stem cells, and PI or Unit head of about 40 funded projects, all related to placental cells. Beyond her dedication to research, Professor Parolini is actively involved in teaching activities. In 2004 Prof. Parolini began her academic appointments becoming a visiting professor at various Italian and international universities. Since 2016, as Full Professor of Experimental Biology at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, she has been holding numerous courses in Biology within the Degree programs of Medicine, Biotechnology, and Pharmacy of the Faculty of Medicine and surgery "A. Gemelli". Additionally, she is the Coordinator of the PhD Program in "Experimental and Translational Medicine" (since 2018) and of the Master's Degree Program in "Biotecnologie per la medicina personalizzata” (Biotechnologies for personalized medicine) (since 2020). Since 2024, she coordinates the Master’s Degree "Innovations in Biotechnology Applied to Regenerative Medicine". Since January 2025, she has been appointed Scientific Director of the “Fondazione Casa del Sollievo della Sofferenza IRCCS”.