Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), which is mandated to enhance international cooperation in space activities to promote their use for humanity. Prior to joining UNOOSA in 2014, Head of the European Space Policy Observatory at Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI) in Brussels. Also served as Director of Human Spaceflight of the European Space Agency from 2008 to 2011 and Director of the Observation of the Universe at ASI from 2002 to 2008, where started career in 1986. Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) since 2013; since 2016, Member of the IAA Board of Trustees. Master’s in Astrophysics and Space Physics from University La Sapienza in Rome and an Honoris Causa Degree in Environmental Studies from the St. John University in Vinovo. Knighted by the President of the Italian Republic in 2006. In 2008, the International Astronomical Union named asteroid 21887 “Dipippo” in honour of her contribution to space exploration.