Francesco Pagnini Keynote Speaker

A globally recognized expert in mind-body research, mindfulness, and space psychology
Extensive research experience at Harvard University (USA)
Youngest Professor of Clinical Psychology in Italy

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Francesco Pagnini's Biography

Francesco Pagnini, Psy.D., Ph.D., is the youngest Professor of Clinical Psychology in Italy, currently at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.

A globally recognized expert in mind-body research, mindfulness, and space psychology, Dr. Pagnini’s innovative work bridges psychology, neuroscience, and health sciences.

He has an extensive research background, having spent a decade at Harvard University in collaboration with Dr. Ellen Langer, a pioneer in the field of mindfulness. Dr. Pagnini has also been a Visiting Professor at prestigious institutions such as the Karolinska Institutet (Sweden) and the University of Cambridge (UK).

His research primarily explores the profound effects of mindset, expectations, and emotions on health and well-being. By studying the mind-body connection, Dr. Pagnini investigates how personal beliefs can influence physical, psychological, and even biochemical changes. His work highlights how changing one’s mindset can transform medical outcomes, professional performance, and overall life satisfaction, providing new insights into how self-fulfilling prophecies can be harnessed for personal growth and health improvements.

In addition to his groundbreaking contributions in the fields of health and business, Dr. Pagnini collaborates with NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Italian Space Agency on pioneering projects in human space exploration. His research centers on developing psychological strategies to counteract stress and improve mental resilience in extreme environments, such as deep space missions and isolated Antarctic outposts. For example, by integrating mindfulness practices into these hostile settings, Dr. Pagnini is helping to prepare humanity for the psychological challenges of future endeavors, including Mars exploration.

With over 140 international scientific publications, Dr. Pagnini’s work is recognized worldwide and has received support from numerous prestigious institutions, including the European Commission, the BIAL Foundation, and NASA. He actively collaborates with experts across more than 30 countries, spanning the USA, India, China, South Africa, and multiple EU nations.

Beyond science, Dr. Pagnini is a passionate ultrarunner, long-distance triathlete, and adventurer. He has completed numerous Ironman races and ultratrails, participating in ground, water, air, and combat sports, ranging from running and climbing to scuba diving, kite surfing, skydiving, and fencing.

Mind Over Matter: Harnessing Mindset for Health and Performance

How do our mindsets and expectations shape both psychological and physical outcomes? How can we harness the placebo/nocebo effects? Since we don't perceive the world as it truly is, but rather as we expect it to be, we can manipulate our perceptions to create better outcomes, both in health and business.

The Science of Mindfulness: Transforming Mindsets for Business and Health

What is mindfulness, and how can we cultivate it? Mindfulness is often mistakenly associated only with meditation, which is effective but not the sole path. There are multiple ways to quickly and simply enhance mindfulness, including social games and cognitive challenges that offer practical, accessible techniques for everyone.

Beyond Earth: Psychological Resilience for Space and Extreme Environments

How can humans adapt to extreme environments? What lessons from space exploration can be applied to improve business performance? Drawing from research in space and other extreme settings, this talk offers valuable insights into how individuals can thrive under pressure, whether in the workplace or in some of the most challenging environments humanity has faced.

The Power of Expectations: How to Change Your Life by Changing Your Mind

How can we challenge limiting beliefs, shift perspectives, and ultimately change the trajectory of our lives? Drawing on years of research, Dr. Pagnini explores how self-fulfilling prophecies shape our careers, health, and personal growth, offering strategies to unlock one’s full potential.

Psychological Countermeasures: Building Mental Strength in High-Pressure Careers

How do we thrive and succeed in high-pressure environments? Mental resilience in high-stress professions, from corporate executives to space explorers, can be further developed. Dr. Pagnini shares cutting-edge psychological tools, including mindfulness and mindset shifts, to help individuals manage stress, prevent burnout, and excel under pressure, based on his extensive research and experience.

Mindfulness for the Future of Space Exploration: The Human Element in Deep Space

In this forward-thinking keynote, Dr. Pagnini addresses the psychological challenges of future space exploration, focusing on the role of mindfulness and psychological countermeasures. Discover how these practices are being developed for astronauts and how they can be applied to everyday challenges, from managing stress to maintaining focus under pressure.