FRANCO BERNELLI ZAZZERA AWARDED THE 2026 FRANK J. MALINA ASTRONAUTICS MEDAL

The award recognises outstanding contributions to space education and to the promotion of astronautics and space sciences. Presented annually by the IAF, it honours an educator who has distinguished themselves through excellence in promoting the study of these disciplines.

Established in 1986 in memory of Frank J. Malina, aeronautical engineer, rocket propulsion pioneer and co-founder of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the medal highlights the fundamental role of education in the development of astronautics and space sciences.

Commenting on the award in an interview with la Repubblica, Professor Bernelli Zazzera said:

Professor Bernelli Zazzera has developed his academic career at Politecnico di Milano, where he obtained his PhD in Aerospace Engineering in 1990. He became Associate Professor in 1992 and Full Professor in 2001. His teaching and research activities focus on space flight mechanics and aerospace control systems.

Throughout his career, he has combined these scientific and educational activities with a long-standing commitment to the development and internationalisation of aerospace education. At Politecnico di Milano, he has held several academic leadership roles, including Erasmus Coordinator for Aerospace Engineering, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Director of Aerospace Engineering Studies and Director of the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology.

His engagement has also extended well beyond Politecnico di Milano. Professor Bernelli Zazzera served as President of PEGASUS, the European network of aerospace universities, and of the Council of European Aerospace Societies (CEAS). He also coordinated PERSEUS, a Horizon 2020 project aimed at identifying measures to improve the quality of aerospace graduate education in Europe.

He currently serves as Rector’s Delegate for International Relations at the School of Industrial and Information Engineering of Politecnico di Milano.

The Frank J. Malina Astronautics Medal recognises a career dedicated to teaching, research and international cooperation. For the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology, this recognition is also a source of pride and highlights the fundamental role that education, international collaboration and the ability to inspire new generations play in shaping the future of the space sector.

The Department congratulates Professor Bernelli Zazzera on this important achievement.

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