Prof. Stefano Nava, MD is a Full-time Professor of Respiratory and Critical Care at the University of Bologna and Director of the Fellowship Program. He also serves as Chief of the Respiratory and Critical Care Unit at Sant’ Orsola Malpighi Hospital in Bologna, Italy. 

With expertise in Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Prof. Nava has held academic positions at Pavia, Catania, and Bologna Universities. He has been a key figure in international respiratory societies, serving as Chairman of the Intensive Care Assembly at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) (2007-2010), Director of ERS Post-Graduate Courses (2011-2015), and Chairman of the International Program Committee of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) (2008-2009). 

Prof. Nava has contributed extensively to scientific literature, with over 330 publications in peer-reviewed journals and an H-index of 72. He has played a pioneering role in mechanical ventilation, weaning, respiratory muscle function, and ethics, particularly advancing the use of non-invasive mechanical ventilation as a weaning technique. 

His editorial contributions include roles as Associate Editor for Breathe, Respiratory Care, Pulmonology, and the European Respiratory Review, and past positions on the editorial boards of Intensive Care Medicine and Thorax. 

He has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Gaza Award from the AARC (2011), Honorary Membership of the Hungarian Respiratory Society (2012), ERS Educational Award (2017), and ERS President Award (2021). 

Beyond his medical career, Prof. Nava enjoys movies, reading, traveling, and cheese tasting. He is an avid skier and a former soccer player.