Publishing date: 4 November 2026 Immagine notizia Immagine Paragrafo Two of the University of Insubria’s best-known and most respected professors, Massimo Agosti and Paolo Grossi, are retiring but will remain associated with the University as Senior Professors. They will be succeeded by new faculty members heading the university-affiliated departments at ASST Sette Laghi.As of November 1, Emanuele Nicastro has taken over as Director of Paediatrics, succeeding Agosti, while Daniela Dalla Gasperina succeeds Grossi as Head of Infectious Diseases. A third change concerns Microbiology and Virology: since November 2, the department has been headed by Andreina Baj, who succeeds Nicasio Mancini, who has moved to another institution.The new appointments were formally approved by ASST Sette Laghi through resolutions Nos. 842, 843 and 844, dated October 30, 2026. They confirm the close collaboration between the University and the local healthcare system, as well as the integration of clinical care, teaching and scientific research. Immagine Emanuele Nicastro – PaediatricsAssociate Professor of General and Specialist Paediatrics in the Department of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Insubria, Nicastro is a paediatrician with advanced expertise in paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and transplant medicine. His research focuses primarily on paediatric liver and gastrointestinal diseases and transplantation. He is Vice-President of the Italian Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP). Immagine Daniela Dalla Gasperina – Infectious and Tropical DiseasesAssociate Professor of Infectious Diseases in the Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, Dalla Gasperina combines her clinical work with a longstanding commitment to teaching and research. Her main areas of expertise include infections in immunocompromised and vulnerable patients, antimicrobial resistance, healthcare-associated infections and emerging infectious diseases.She has also gained experience in developing diagnostic and therapeutic pathways in various areas of infectious diseases and managing complex clinical activities. Her previous roles include Clinical Coordinator of the high-intensity Covid Hub and Head of the Simple Structure within the Multidisciplinary Area – Short-Stay Unit. She is also the Rector's Delegate for Teaching and Education. Immagine Andreina Baj – Microbiology and VirologyAssociate Professor of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology in the Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation at the University of Insubria, Baj is also a physician at the Microbiology and Virology Laboratory of ASST Sette Laghi in Varese. She graduated in Medicine and Surgery, specialising in Microbiology and Virology, and obtained a PhD in Internal Medicine and Medical Therapy.For more than twenty years, she has combined clinical and diagnostic work with university teaching and scientific research. Her research focuses primarily on clinical and molecular virology, with particular interest in persistent viral infections, virus–immune system interactions, SARS-CoV-2, and the role of the microbiota and virome in human health and disease. She has authored numerous publications in international scientific journals and is also involved in editorial activities in the field of virology.Since 2023, she has been Director of the University of Insubria's School of Specialisation in Microbiology and Virology and has actively contributed to the University's institutional and educational activities.Her professional career brings together patient care, teaching and research, with a particular focus on diagnostic innovation, infection surveillance and the transfer of scientific knowledge into clinical practice. Immagine A tribute to the professors concluding their serviceThe University extends its heartfelt thanks to professors Massimo Agosti and Paolo Grossi, who retired on November 1, 2026, and have been appointed Senior Professors until 2028. This recognition celebrates their academic and professional careers and their contribution over the years to education, research and clinical practice in collaboration with the hospital. The title allows them to maintain their connection with the University and continue their ongoing research activities, while also contributing to teaching and academic life where appropriate.Massimo Agosti will continue teaching Paediatrics in the Medicine degree programme and collaborating with the School of Specialisation in Paediatrics. Together with the School, he is conducting innovative metabolomics studies in collaboration with the University of Cagliari and the Insubria School of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He will also continue a research project on communication skills for paediatric residents and medical students. He remains President of the Italian Society of Neonatology and is involved in several collaborations with maternal and child health institutes. Immagine Paolo Grossi will continue teaching in the Medicine degree programme, serving as the national infectious diseases second-opinion consultant for the National Transplant Centre and providing infectious diseases consultancy for ISMETT in Palermo. He has also recently signed a consultancy agreement on infectious diseases in transplantation with the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome (IRCCS), in addition to his involvement in numerous local projects.The University also wishes to thank Professor Nicasio Mancini, who is leaving his position as Director of Microbiology and Virology at ASST Sette Laghi to move to another university, where he will continue his professional and scientific career.The University of Insubria wishes Nicastro, Dalla Gasperina and Baj every success in their new roles and thanks Agosti, Grossi and Mancini for their contribution to the University and to healthcare activities.