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PERSONAL DETAILS
Name: Patera Vincenzo
Researcher unique identifier(s): Scopus ID: 7004947754,
ORCID ID: 0000-0003-1999-8424
Nationality: Italy
Date of birth: 10/6/1962
Url for web site: https://vincenzopatera.site.uniroma1.it/
Citation report: 54 h-index, 400 papers (20 as first/last author), 10500 citations (Scopus)
POSITION(s)
2018 - Full Professor at SBAI (Base and Applied Science for
Engineering) Department - Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
2010 - 2018 Associate Professor at SBAI Department - Sapienza University
of Rome, Italy
1999 - 2010 Associate Professor at Energetics Department - Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
1992 - 1999 Permanent Researcher at Energetics Department - Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
1990 - 1992 Permanent Researcher - Istituto Nazionale Fisica Nucleare, Italy
1992 Visiting Researcher at California Institute of Technology, California, USA
1987 - 1989 Research grant of Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare - Frascati National Lab., Itay
EDUCATION
1987 Master Degree in Elementary Particle Physics: 110/110 cum laude Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS
I began my career in fundamental particle physics, working on the MACRO underground experiment and the KLOE experiment at the DAPHNE electron-positron collider.
In 2012, I founded the Applied Radiation Physics Group (ARPG), focused on physics applied to medicine in general, and on particle therapy (PT) in particular.
As my first effort in this field, I led research on therapeutic beam fragmentation in particle therapy to enhance simulation and treatment planning models. This work built crucial expertise for optimizing monitoring detectors and measuring secondary particles. I also developed nuclear physics Monte Carlo (MC) models specific to particle therapy energies and coordinated key measurement campaigns and data analysis [1,2].
Quite soon I realised the need for advanced monitoring in PT, and I led the design of a dual-mode detector using PET photons and secondary charged particles, developed within the INSIDE project. Extensive ion beam data on PMMA targets guided the optimization of online treatment monitoring parameters [3]. INSIDE is currently installed at CNAO, where it is being used in the second phase of the first clinical trial for inter-fractional monitoring in proton and carbon ion cancer therapy [4].
Since 2014, my group has started developing a neutron tracking detector for PT centres exploiting scintillating fibres and a dedicated SPAD based electronics. The first MONDO collaboration paper outlines the technical challenges in achieving high efficiency and precise backtracking for this application [5].
After serving as spokesperson for the FIRST experiment, in 2016 I proposed and coordinated the FOOT experiment to study proton Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE) and fragmentation cross sections relevant to PT and space radiation. I coordinated the design of the apparatus and then data-taking (GSI, CNAO) with various ion beams [6,7].
Alongside experimental work, I have led the development of Monte Carlo codes for particle therapy, including co-authoring FLUKA and directing the creation of the fast MC code FRED [8,9].
Since 2020, I have led research on Ultra High Dose Rate (UHDR) radiotherapy. These studies are driven by the potential breakthrough in cancer therapy following the discovery of the Flash effect. The activities I have coordinated include both in silico studies, such as treatment planning system (TPS) development for electrons, and R&D on innovative detectors. The results produced under my supervision assesed the performance achievable with high-energy electron beams (VHEE) and low-energy external radiotherapy (IORT), both delivered in UHDR mode [10].
My most recent effort in this field was the SAFEST project (SApienza Flash Electron Source for radio-Therapy), focused on the design and construction of a UHDR electron LINAC for VHEE treatment compatible with the clinical environment.
After 15 years of research in physics applied to medicine, inlcuding development of innovative detectors, advancement of cutting-edge computational tools, and innovation in the field of radiotherapy accelerators, I am confident to have the needed background to deeply innnovate the concept of precision PT.
10 key publications in the last 15 years:
Year
Authors et al. [bold first or last]
DOI
Journal
2014
L. Piersanti et al.
Open Access 10.1088/00319155/59/7/1857
Phys. Med. Biol. IF 3.3 cit. 67
2017
M. Marafini, V.Patera
Open Access 10.1088/1361-6560/aa5307
Phys. Med. Biol. IF 3.3 cit. 24
2017
G. Traini, V. Patera
10.1016/j.ejmp.2017.01.004
Phys. Med. Biol. IF 3.3 cit.27
2020
M. Fischetti et al.
10.1038/s41598-020-77843-z
Sci. Rep. IF 3.8 cit.22
2017
M. Marafini et al.
10.1088/1361-6560/aa623a
Phys. Med. Biol. IF 3.3 cit.32
2021
G. Battistoni, V.Patera et al.
10.3389/fphy.2020.568242
Fr. Phys IF 1.9 cit.10
2020
V. Patera, Y. Prezado, M. Durante
10.3389/fphy.2020.00380
Fr. Phys IF 1.9 cit.10
2017
A. Schiavi, V. Patera, et al.
10.1088/1361-6560/aa8134
Phys. Med. Biol. IF 3.3 cit.75
2021
J. Gajewski et al.
10.3389/fphy.2020.567300
Fr. Phys IF 1.9 cit. 31
2021
A.Sarti, V.Patera et al
Open Access 10.3389/fonc.2021.777852
Fr. Oncol. IF 3.5 cit. 32
SCIENTIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
2025 - Scientific advisor for INFN in FAIR RRB (review research board di FAIR)
2023 - Responsible for INFN bilateral agreement INFN-CNEA (comision National de Energia Atomica Argentina) on BNCT and PT research
2021 - PI of the SAFEST (SApienza Flash Electron Source for radio-Therapy) project: Heal Italia; WP 3, Task 4.1 - Sapienza University of Rome.
2019 - Spokesperson of the International Biophysics Collaboration at GSI >200 researchers, >20 Countries (https://www.gsi.de/en/work/research/biophysics/biophysics_collaboration)
2022 - 2026 Sapienza Coordinator of the MIUR (Italian Ministry Research) PRIN project “Monitor for flash therapy (MORSE)”
2018 - 2020 PI of the Flagship Project (Progetto Premiale) of the MIUR (Italian Ministry Research) “SPARE: Space Radiation Shielding” - CREF-ASI-INFN
2016 - 2021 Spokesperson of the FOOT (FragmentatiOn Of Target) experiment
2016 - 2020 Coordinator of the WP5 “Charged detector for Imaging in Particle Therapy” of the European Nuclear Science and Applications Research (ENSAR-2) -MediNet project.
2014 - 2016 PI of the NCS@HIT experiment at Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT) funded by the Union of Light Ion Centers in Europe (ULICE)
2012 - 2015 PI of the Flagship Project (Progetto Premiale) of the MIUR (Italian Ministry Research) “Multiple sources, real-time Imaging for Hadrontherapy” - CREF
2013 - 2015 Sapienza coordinator of the PRIN project (Research Project of National Relevance) INSIDE: “Innovative Solution of Imaging and Dosimetry in Hadrontherapy” - Sapienza University of Rome
2012 - 2016 Local coordinator of the INFN experiments RDH (R&D in Hadrontherapy) and IRPT (Innovation in Radio and Particle Therapy)
2012 - 2020 PI of “Innovative non-invasive imaging of dose release in hadrontherapy” - Centro Enrico Fermi
2010 - 2015 Spokesperson of the FIRST-S361 (Fragmentation of Ions Relevant for Space and Therapy) international collaboration at GSI laboratory (Darmstadt, Germany)
KEY FUNDINGS IN THE LAST 15 YEARS
Project
Institution
Duration
Euro
SAFEST (SApienza Flash Electron Source for Radio-Therapy)
MIUR (Ministry Research Italy) - Sapienza University - PE_6
2023-2026
1.515.000
MORSE (Monitor for flash therapy)
MIUR - Sapienza University - PRIN
2023-2026
103.993
FOOT (Fragmentation of Target)
INFN - National INstitute of Nuclear Physics
2016-2022
2.200.000
SPARE (Space Radiation Shielding)
INFN-ASI-Centro Fermi
2016-2018
178.000
Innovative non invasive imaging of dose release in hadrontherapy
Centro Fermi -MIUR
2014-2018
286.000
INSIDE (Innovative Solutions for In-beam Dosimetry in Particle Therapy)
MIUR - Sapienza University - PRIN
2013-2015
148.600
Multiple source, real-time Imaging for Hadrontherapy
Centro Fermi -MIUR
2012-2014
103.000
TEACHING ACTIVITIES
2022 - Director of the Specialty School of Medical Physics, Sapienza University of Rome
2019 - 2022 Deputy Director of the Specialty School of Medical Physics, Sapienza University of Rome
2023 - Board and founder of Master of Radioprotection, Sapienza University of Rome
2013 - Board of Ph.D. School in Accelerator Physics, Sapienza University of Rome
All the following activities teaching was provided at Sapienza University of Rome:
2022 - Medical Application of Physics
2023 - Radioprotection at Master of Radioprotection
2019 - Advanced Radiotherapy techniques at Specialty School in Medical Physics
2000 - General Physics II (Electromagnetism)
2018 - 2024 Radiation Physics applied to Medicine
1995 - 1999 General Physics I (Mechanics and Thermodynamics)
SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS AND POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS
My academic and research career has been dedicated to building a scientifically solid, interdisciplinary, and dynamic research group, deeply committed to continuous innovation in the global medical and clinical landscape. Particular attention has been given to mentoring young researchers and facilitating their integration into career paths closely connected to clinical practice.
2025 - 2 Ph.D. students ongoing at Sapienza Università di Roma
2020 - 2025 6 Ph.D. students in Accelerator Physics, Sapienza Università di Roma
2014 - 2025 2 Ph.D. students in Engineering, SBAI Departement Sapienza Università di Roma
1 Permanent Technologist at Laboratori Nazionali Frascati, INFN
2009 - 2025 4 Ph.D. students in Physics, Sapienza, Roma Tre and Roma Tor Vergata Universities 2 Researchers INFN, 1 Associate Professor at Sapienza, 1 Senior Researcher at Beamline
2022 - 2025 3 Specialty of Medical Physics students at Policlinico Umberto I Sapienza
Supervisor of ~ 40 Master Thesis in the faculties of Engineering and Physics at Sapienza and 15 post-Doc and grant researchers for Sapienza Università di Roma, CREF and INFN
Many of my young students (Post-Doc, Medical Physics and master students) work now in medical/technology public and private realities, among others SIT - Sordina IORT Technologies S.p.A., Radiology and Radio-Therapy Marrelli Health, National Cancer Institute of Milan, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Napoli, University Campus Bio-medico of Rome, Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Taranto, CNAO – Centro Nazionale Adroterapia Oncologica, IBA Trento, INFN – Istituto Nazionale Fisica Nucleare, ISS – Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Extreme Light Infrastructure Beamlines.
COMMUNICATION, EXPLOITATION and DISSEMINATION
Patent:
2021 National, (2024) European and USA Patent P3080IT00. Development of a new class of plastic scintillators for the realisation of fast timing detectors. Shared ownership SBAI and CREF.
2014 National Patent PCT/IT2014/00002: “Intraoperative detection of tumour residues using beta- radiation and corresponding probes” WO 2014118815 A2 Shared ownership INFN, SBAI, CREF.
20XX National Patent PCT/IT:”DISPOSITIVO PER IL TRATTAMENTO RADIOTERAPICO”, request number 102021000021740 Shared ownership
Startup:
2024 CEO and cofounder DARTS s.r.l, Diagnostic and Applications for Radiotherapy Technology and Simulations - Unniversity StartUP.
Recent activities:
2025 Among the authors of “Radioactivity in Life Sciences”, ISBN 9789815129670
2025 Pint of Science, “Seminario” Frascati.
COMMISSIONS OF TRUST
Evaluator of 10 Ph.D. in different countries (France, Italy, Germany, Spain)
Commission of trust for 5 Full and Associate professor positions and 15 researcher positions in Universities, several Ph.D. boards, 10 post-Doc and 10 technical positions.
COMMITMENTS:
2020 - Chair of the Bio-PAC selection Panel of the GSI
2019 - 2024 Chair of the User selection Panel of the Beam Test Facility (BTF) of LNF
2024 - Member of the Gantry-Less Radiotherapy ESTRO working group.
2023 - Member of NuPECC Health Working Group
2023 - Member of “Tavolo tematico sulle Radiazioni” dell’ASI
2022 - Member of the Technical Scientific Committee for the research in “Health in Space, Biotechnology and Microgravity” of Italia Space Agency
2017 Member of Committee for the assignment of the INFN post-doc fellowships for foreigners 2012-2014 Member of Users Committee of Laboratori Nazionali del Sud (LNS)
2010 - 2014 Member of the Scientific Committee of FLUKA (CERN-INFN) international collaboration
Editor:
2024 Editor Focus Point on “Advances in Radiation Therapy” di EPJ
2021 Editor Research Topic “Applied Nuclear Physics at Accelerators” in Frontiers in Physics
Reviewer
Scientific Reports, Physics in Medicine and Biology, Physica Medica, Medical Physics, Journal of Radiation Research, Nuclear Instruments and Methods, Translational Cancer Research, Frontiers in Oncology, Journal of Radiation Oncology, Advances in Physics, Transaction of Nuclear Science, IEEE Transactions on Radiation and Plasma Medical Sciences
Referee
MIUR (Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research): VQR (Research Evaluation) 2004-2010, VQR 2011-2014, PRIN and FIRB (Futuro In Ricerca) research project, CIVR (Comitato di Indirizzo per la Valutazione della Ricerca), FARE (Framework per l’Attrazione e il Rafforzamento della Ricerca) research projects of MIUR.
2017 Referee for DFG (German Research Foundation), KWF (Dutch Cancer Society)
Seminars and Conference Talks (selection) in the last ten years 2015-2025
I am widely acknowledged as a leading global expert in particle therapy, for innovative detector, MC developer and group leader. I have been frequently invited to deliver plenary talks at major specialized conferences as well as at prominent general physics meetings.
2025 Seminar: “The evolving role of electron beams in modern radiotherapy ” Santiago University, Spain
2025 Seminar: “Innovative Particle Beams for FLASH Radiotherapy” TRIUMF Laboratory, Canada
2024 FRPT 2024: “Turning Up the Heat:Exploring the features of available FLASH beams”, Plenary Talk Rome
2022 FRPT2022: “The SAFEST project”, Barcellona, Spain
2022 ESTRO “FlashDC project: development of a beam monitor for FLASH therapy” Copenhagen, Danmark
2022 Lectures “Radiotherapy, FLASH effect and laser-driven beam” ELI-NP Autumn School, Magurele, Romania
2019 Invited talk: “Nuclear Physics Application in cancer therapy with light ion beams”, Israel-Italy Scientific Workshop in particle accelerator: development and Uses in Medical Application, Tel Aviv
2019 Seminar: “Measuring the fragmentation cross section with the FOOT experiment”, Imperial College, London
2019 Invited talk: “FOOT: a nuclear physics experiment focused on Particle therapy and Radioprotection in Space”, 3rd Jagellonian Symposium on Fundamental and Applied Subatomic Physics, Krakow
2019 Invited talk “Nuclear fragmentation and Particle Therapy”, SPES Workshop, Ferrara
2018 Seminar: “Nuclear Interaction and Particle Therapy”, Trento University, Trento
2018 Invited talk “Vision for: beam tracking with prompt secondary ions”, 3rd Heidelberg Symposium on Novel Techniques in Ion Beam Radiotherapy, Heidelberg
2018 Seminar: “The FOOT (FragmentatiOn Of Target) experiment”, GSI Laboratory, Darmstadt
2017 Seminar: “FOOT FragmentatiOn Of Target experiment” at PRESS: PRoton thErapy research SeminarS, Krakow
2016 Talk: “Foot, an experiment for the measurement of the nuclear fragmentation in Particle Therapy”, International Nuclear Physics Conference Adelaide
2016 Invited talk: “Novel developments in imaging and dosimetry for Hadrontherapy”, 54th Int. Winter Meeting on Nuclear Physics Bormio
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