On June 7^th, 2017 Giulio Superti-Furga was awarded the title of Commendatore (Commander) dell'Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana (Order of Merit of the Italian Republic) by HE Giorgio Marrapodi, Ambassador of Italy.

The order was given by decree of the President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella, who had visited CeMM together with Austria´s former President Heinz Fischer during his first official states visit to Austria in 2015. The Order of Merit is the highest-ranking honor system of the Italian Republic and is awarded for "merit acquired by the nation" in the fields of literature, the arts, economy, public service, and social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities and for long and conspicuous service in civilian and military careers. In his moving speech Ambassador Marrapodi emphasized the long lasting positive impression of the CeMM visit on the Italian president, the importance of science in general and the impact of the leadership and scientific achievements of Giulio Superti-Furga. The ceremony took place at the Italian Embassy in Palais Metternich under the presence of colleagues, companions, family and friends. We are very proud and congratulate Giulio Superti-Furga to this well-deserved recognition!