Starting from 2026, the PhD Program Steering Committee has decided to establish the Emilio Riginella Travel Grants, in memory of Emilio Riginella, to support travel expenses for students enrolled in The Open University – Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (OU-SZN) PhD program to attend scientific conferences.
Emilio Riginella was a highly regarded researcher in fisheries biology at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN) since 2018.
During his career, he took part in seven Antarctic research expeditions, mainly aboard international icebreaker vessels such as the Polarstern (AWI, Germany), the Laura Bassi (Italy), and the Nathaniel B. Palmer (USA). He also carried out research activities at the Italian “Mario Zucchelli” Station.
Among his scientific contributions was the discovery of the new species Artedidraco longibarbatus (Eakin, Riginella & La Mesa, 2015), an Antarctic fish from the Weddell Sea.
Beyond his commitment to research, Emilio always nurtured a profound passion for the sea in all its forms: freediver, sailor, scuba diving instructor, fisherman, and photographer, he embodied a genuine and deep connection with the marine environment.
