From Open Access to Circular Health: Ilaria Capua's Journey through Science and Politics

This paper highlights the career of an exceptional woman virologist, Dr. Ilaria Capua. It recollects her major achievements, awards and noteworthy events that have shaped her scientific and political career. It retraces Dr. Capua's major contributions to the study of viral zoonoses, in particular influenza virus, and her strong commitment to an open, more ethical science at the service of society in its broadest sense. It describes how she became the long-term champion of Open Access and Data Sharing for virus genetic sequences and introduces her new concept of Circular Health, where health becomes a circular system that represents a central and vital connection hub between humans and nature. This paper features Dr. Capua's value as a role model for young women scientists and their empowerment.

Automated summary

This paper focuses on the career of Dr. Ilaria Capua, an exceptional woman virologist. It highlights her major achievements, awards, and significant events that have shaped her scientific and political career. The paper discusses her contributions to the study of viral zoonoses, particularly the influenza virus, as well as her commitment to open access and data sharing. It introduces her concept of Circular Health and emphasizes her role as a role model for young women scientists and their empowerment.