Prada group and Gianni Bonadonna fellowship supports young physician-scientists

Fondazione Gianni Bonadonna has announced the recipients of the 2026 Gianni Bonadonna Fellowship, an annual initiative supporting early-career medical researchers in oncology. The announcement coincides with World Cancer Day and is made with the support of the Prada Group and in collaboration with the European School of Oncology (ESO).

The three fellowship recipients — Leonardo Brunetti, Matteo Maria Naldini and Francesco Romano — will each undertake a year-long research placement at leading international oncology institutions. Their projects focus on areas including lung cancer immunotherapy, triple-negative breast cancer, and advanced CAR-T cell therapies for acute myeloid leukemia.

Brunetti will conduct research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, examining mechanisms of resistance in non–small cell lung cancer. Naldini’s project, based at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, will investigate immune interactions within breast cancer tumors using advanced spatial proteomics. Romano will continue research at Dana-Farber and Harvard Medical School, focusing on gene-editing strategies to improve the safety and effectiveness of CAR-T therapies.

According to Fondazione Gianni Bonadonna President Luca Gianni, the fellowship reflects continued confidence in young physician-scientists and the role of research in advancing patient care. The foundation also confirmed plans to launch the sixth edition of the fellowship later in 2026.

Established to honor the legacy of oncologist Gianni Bonadonna, the fellowship supports international research training and contributes to the development of new therapeutic approaches in cancer treatment.