Italian research council elects vice president

But CNR remains without a leader after shortlisted candidate is drafted into government position

The board of Italy’s research council, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), has elected sociologist Lucio d’Alessandro as its vice president.

D’Alessandro is the rector of the private institution Università degli Studi Suor Orsola Benincasa in Naples. He will act as CNR president until the long-expected nomination of a leader for the organisation, which the newly appointed research minister Cristina Messa said is her “absolute priority”.