Ruggero holds a BA in international relations from the University of Palermo (Italy), an MA in human rights from the University of Vienna, and an Executive Master in Strategic Communication and Lobbying from the Italian UN Association (SIOI) in Rome.

Ruggero joined the GI as an Associate in November 2019 and is currently working as Analyst conducting research on the Western Balkans, and on Italian mafia-related issues.

His main areas of interests are the nexus between corruption and human rights, and the illicit activities of organized crime groups from South Europe and the Balkans, with a specific focus on Cosa Nostra, the ‘Ndrangheta, and their ties with other groups across the Mediterranean Sea.

With over 10 years of professional sailing, he is a true lover of the Mediterranean Sea and actively advocates for its restorations as a safe and legitimate place for social and cultural cohesion. Ruggero speaks English and Italian fluently, has a working proficiency in Spanish, and speaks a bit of Maltese.

Recent publications:

• Parallel contagion (co-authored in GI-TOC)
• Headless Cosa Nostra seeks new capo (in GI-TOC)
• UNCAC in a nutshell (U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre)
• Connecting corruption and migration (in IACAlumnus Magazine)
• Defining Whistleblowing ( in IACA selected Research Publications)
• Promoting A Human Rights-based Approach to the fight against corruption (in IACAlumnus Magazine)