Professor Annamaria Colao stands as a preeminent leader in the field of endocrinology with a distinguished career at the University of Naples Federico II. She currently serves as Full Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases within the Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery while also directing the Complex Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases at the Federico II University Hospital. Appointed to her full professorship in 2008, she has steadily ascended to positions of significant influence including her current role as Chairholder of the UNESCO Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development since 2019. Professor Colao also holds the prestigious position of Vice President of the Italian Supreme Health Council reflecting her national impact on health policy and medical practice. Born in Naples on September 4, 1958 she has remained deeply connected to her academic home institution throughout her illustrious career.
Professor Colao's research has fundamentally advanced the understanding and treatment of endocrine disorders with an impressive scholarly record exceeding 800 original publications in leading international journals. Her work has garnered exceptional recognition with an h-index of 152 and over 96,000 citations placing her among the top echelons of Italian scientists and as a leading woman scientist in the country. Her specialized expertise encompasses neuroendocrinology pituitary diseases obesity women's endocrinology menopause osteoporosis thyroid conditions and neuroendocrine tumors with particular emphasis on translational applications to clinical practice. She has coordinated numerous national and international research projects establishing herself as a driving force in endocrine research networks across Europe. Her scientific leadership has been instrumental in developing comprehensive approaches to complex endocrine conditions that have improved patient outcomes worldwide.
Beyond her research contributions Professor Colao has demonstrated exceptional leadership as President of the European Society of Neuroendocrinology from 2016 to 2018 and as President-elect of the Italian Society of Endocrinology for 2021-2023 marking a historic milestone as the first woman in the society's history to hold this position. She serves as the Italian coordinator for the ENDO-ERN European Reference Network for rare endocrine diseases in adults and leads the European ENETS excellence center for neuroendocrine tumors at Federico II. Professor Colao founded Campus Salute Onlus a nonprofit organization dedicated to health promotion through field hospitals across Italy and internationally demonstrating her commitment to preventive healthcare. Her most recent recognition includes the prestigious International Gaetano Salvatore Prize in 2023 for scientific excellence and career achievement. As UNESCO Chairholder she continues to pioneer initiatives promoting sustainable health education models globally with particular focus on adapting Mediterranean dietary principles to diverse cultural contexts.
