Guidoboni inducted into European Academy of Sciences and Arts
Giovanna Guidoboni, dean of the Maine College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC), was officially inaugurated as a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (EASA), Class VI. Guidoboni, elected to the academy in 2022, marked her formal recognition at the inauguration ceremony held in Salzburg, Austria on March 8.
“As a member of the mathematics community, I deeply appreciate the significance of this achievement and the dedication it represents. This is a tremendous milestone for our university and a testament to the strength of our research community. Congratulations to Dean Guidoboni on this remarkable accomplishment — it reflects the ingenuity, innovation and collaboration that define the University of Maine,” said UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy.
Guidoboni’s election was based on her body of work and contributions to the fields of engineering and computing. Her multidisciplinary research combines principles of mathematics, physics, engineering and physiology to improve precision health care, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of complex conditions, such as glaucoma.
“Mathematics allows us to translate physics and physiology into computable equations that make it possible to understand why individuals with low blood pressure and high intraocular pressure are nearly four times more likely to develop glaucoma. This knowledge, particularly the clarification of the role of ocular veins, has transformed how the disease is understood and managed,” said Guidoboni. “It has opened new pathways for more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment.”
She has collaborated with researchers across the U.S. and globe to advance care for cardiovascular disease, dysfunction of the lower urinary tract and other health challenges affecting aging populations.
In addition to her research, Guidoboni co-founded “Modeling and Artificial Intelligence in Ophthalmology,” a new international peer-reviewed journal by Kugler Publications, and co-edited “Ocular Fluid Dynamics,” the first comprehensive book on ocular fluid dynamics. She serves on the editorial boards of “Scientific Reports,” bySpringer Nature and “Mathematical Biosciences and Engineering” from AIMSPress Her innovative, interdisciplinary work continues to shape the future of healthcare and medical research worldwide.
Dean Guidoboni brings her enthusiastic, collaborative spirit to the MCEC, where she strives to help every student find their passion. Along with colleagues at UMaine and the University of Southern Maine, Guidoboni has introduced a new research learning experience titled “CharisMATHic,” where first year students in the college have the opportunity to experience the charisma of math through its limitless and countless applications in engineering, computing and physiology. She leads the Laboratory for Computational and Mathematical modeling in Medicine Engineering and Technology (CoMET Lab), an interdisciplinary research group that promotes mathematical and computational methods as virtual laboratories to address problems in medicine, engineering and technology. The group includes four doctoral students, one undergraduate student and a high school student and is currently funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
“Dean Guidoboni’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and her unwavering commitment to advancing science and education capture and inspire all who find themselves in her orbit. Her work is a shining monument to her brilliance as a scientist, but what truly distinguishes her is her ability to stay authentic and true to herself while constantly shattering boundaries.” said Rajat Rai, a doctoral researcher in the Dean’s research group at the CoMET Lab. “Working with her has undeniably sparked my growth as a researcher, but her mentorship transcends textbooks and labs, as it has guided me to a deeper understanding of not just the world around me, but also of myself.”
EASA brings together leaders in medicine, technical and environmental sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, law, economics, arts and humanities. With approximately 2,000 members, including 35 Nobel Prize winners and several heads of state, the academy is based in the historic St. Peter’s Abbey in Salzburg. It recognizes outstanding contributions across disciplines that foster collaboration and innovation.
Guidoboni’s induction reflects her global impact and leadership at UMaine, where she has advanced research, education and collaborative opportunities within the MCEC. She shared this special moment with her family, including her parents and aunt, who attended the event in celebration of her achievement. A notable highlight of the ceremony was her meeting with EASA President Klaus Mainzer.
Contact: Taylor Ward, taylor.ward@maine.edu