Donatella Sciuto

About Donatella Sciuto

Donatella Sciuto is a senior academic leader and a recognized expert in computer engineering and system architectures. She is currently Rector of Politecnico di Milano, one of Italy’s leading technical universities, a role she was elected to for the 2023–2028 term. In this position, she represents a governance style focused on innovation, scientific excellence, and stronger ties between research, industry, and talent development. Her profile combines academic credibility with institutional leadership experience, making her an influential figure in engineering and digital transformation ecosystems. She earned her degree in Electronic Engineering from Politecnico di Milano, completed a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder, and later obtained an MBA from Bocconi University. This blend of technical and managerial training has shaped her career. As a Full Professor at the Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, she has built deep expertise in embedded systems, multiprocessor systems on chip, reconfigurable systems, hardware/software co-design, and fault tolerance. Her research also addresses performance, power, and security metrics, topics that are highly relevant to the electronics and digital industries. Before becoming Rector, Donatella Sciuto held major institutional responsibilities, including Executive Vice Rector of Politecnico di Milano and delegate for Research and Diversity. She also served as Deputy Director of Education at CEFRIEL, strengthening her connection with corporate education and executive training needs. Her scientific contribution is substantial, with more than 300 publications, and her international standing is reflected in her IEEE Fellow status. She also served as President of the IEEE Council of Electronic Design Automation and held editorial and leadership roles in major conferences, underscoring her influence in the global EDA and embedded systems community. Her career is also notable for a strong commitment to STEM, inclusion, and responsible innovation. She was named among the 2021 IBM Women Leaders in AI, recognized by InspiringFifty Italy in 2018, and elected to Academia Europaea in 2022. She also serves on several high-level public and scientific bodies, including the Bank of Italy board, the Italian Institute of Technology, and the technical-scientific committee of Italy’s National Cybersecurity Agency. In a context where AI, cybersecurity, and complex systems are strategically important, Donatella Sciuto stands out as a leader who combines academic vision, governance expertise, and industrial impact.