Giulia Pusceddu, a young postdoctoral researcher at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT- the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia), is currently in Davos-Klosters (Switzerland) attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting (19–23 January 2026), as a Global Shaper selected by the WEF
She will take part in the event as an observer, attending seminars held by world leaders where the most pressing and disruptive issues of today are discussed.
At IIT, Giulia Pusceddu works in the CONTACT – Cognitive Architecture for Collaborative Technologies research unit, coordinated by Principal Investigator Alessandra Sciutti, where she has specific expertise in human–robot interaction and cognitive robotics. In particular, Pusceddu focuses on the sensory and motor mechanisms underlying mutual understanding in human interaction, with the technological goal of designing robots capable of interacting naturally with humans.
“It is an honor to be able to participate in the Annual Meeting, to listen to and engage with leading figures on topics that are very important to me, such as the future of artificial intelligence, responsible robotics, and Europe’s role in the technological race. I will proudly bring the voice of young people to show that we are competent, passionate, and that it is important to be involved in opportunities like this, where our future is being discussed,” commented Giulia Pusceddu, researcher at the Italian Institute of Technology and Global Shaper.
During the WEF Annual Meeting, Pusceddu will take part as an audience member in working sessions and closed-door meetings dedicated to issues of strategic relevance, including artificial intelligence, advanced robotics, and Europe’s role in technological innovation processes. She will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with other participants, contributing the perspective of a young Italian researcher working in robotics. She will share her expertise in technologies aimed at enabling collaboration between humans and robotic systems, while highlighting the experience gained at the Italian Institute of Technology and the activities carried out within the Global Shapers Community.
Alongside her scientific activity, Pusceddu is actively involved in science communication. She has recently participated in the international FameLab contest and in the Focus Junior Academy, as well as in volunteer initiatives and active citizenship projects with the Ligurian Club of Information Technologies (CTI) and the Global Shapers Community.
Giulia Pusceddu was selected as one of the 40 Global Shapers under the age of 30 from hubs around the world. Thanks to her commitment within the Genoa Hub, her profile was chosen from over 600 applications as a member of the Global Shapers Community youth delegation, making her the only Italian representative and one of six Europeans.
The Global Shapers Community is an initiative of the World Economic Forum that brings together young people committed to promoting high-impact activities in their communities through volunteering, social innovation, and civic engagement.
More information about the WEF and the Global Shapers Community: https://www.weforum.org/
