Giuseppe Fiamingo

Giuseppe Fiamingo’s journey into the world of education is a testament to resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Born into a humble family in Calabria, Italy, Giuseppe’s early years were spent balancing academic aspirations with hands-on experience in his family’s restaurant-pizzeria-residence business. Encouraged by teachers who recognized his aptitude for mathematics and science, he pursued a degree in Mathematics while continuing to work to support his education. His trajectory took a decisive turn when he left the family business to dedicate himself entirely to teaching and research, traing at CERN and INFN—a decision driven by his deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education. 

Giuseppe’s teaching career began as a substitute teacher in northern Italy, eventually bringing him back to his roots in Calabria to address the educational disparities in the region. He has since become a beacon of inspiration, blending innovative pedagogical practices with a strong sense of community engagement. His philosophy is rooted in inclusivity and collaboration, drawing from Galileo’s experimental methods and the teamwork approach prevalent in research centres. Giuseppe’s classroom is a dynamic space where theoretical and practical knowledge converge, ensuring every student—regardless of background or abilities—feels empowered to succeed. 

One of Giuseppe’s hallmark achievements is the internationally recognized MoCRiL (Measurement of Cosmic Rays in Lake) project. This groundbreaking initiative involved students, universities, and research centres studying the extraterrestrial origin of ionizing radiation. Students participated in experimental phases, including creating an underwater laboratory and conducting in lakes and at high-altitude measurements. The project not only fostered scientific curiosity but also honed students’ problem-solving, teamwork, and technical skills. MoCRiL has earned numerous accolades, including international recognition at the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition, where Giuseppe’s students clinched first prize for two consecutive years. Furthermore, the project was selected as a best practice by ESERO (European Space Education Resource Office). On this occasion, Giuseppe also met and was awarded by Samantha Cristoforetti. 

In addition to classroom innovations, Giuseppe champions environmental awareness and global citizenship through various initiatives. He has integrated climate change education into the curriculum, leading projects such as the “Climate Spectra Analyzer,” which explores the detection of microplastics under the sea surface. His participation in the European AstroPi Challenge saw his students' climate-related experiment performed aboard the International Space Station, earning them a certificate of merit from astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti. 

Giuseppe’s efforts extend to being an active member of his community, organizing seminars, scientific meetings, and cultural events through the municipal library and local organizations. His contributions to civic education, including raising awareness of democratic values through Erasmus programs and international exchanges, have helped shape his students into responsible global citizens. Giuseppe also shares his expertise with colleagues by organizing workshops, promoting lifelong learning, and disseminating his projects on national platforms. 

He received the Atlante Prize as Best Italian Teacher in 2024, in recognition of his enduring impact on students, colleagues, and the broader educational community. This reflects the culmination of years of sacrifice, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to his mission: to inspire the next generation of critical thinkers and global citizens. 

Through his dedication to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and collaborative learning environment, Giuseppe Fiamingo has redefined the role of an educator, leaving an indelible mark on his students and the global teaching profession.