Simonetta Di Pippo is an Italian astrophysicist and the current Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs(UNOOSA). She holds a Master’s Degree in Astrophysics and Space Physics from University "La Sapienza", an Honoris Causa Degree in Environmental Studies, and an Honoris Causa Degree of Doctor in International Affairs. In 2008, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) named asteroid 21887 "dipippo" in honour of her contribution to space activities and in 2006, she was knighted by the President of the Italian Republic Carlo Azeglio Ciampi as Cavaliere Ufficiale. She is an Academician of IAA and a member of the World Economic Forum Global Future Council on space technology since 2016. In her career, Simonetta Di Pippo has been active in bridging the gender gap in STEM and the space sector. In 2009, she co-founded Women in Aerospace Europe and in 2017, she became a UN International Gender Champion. Prior to joining UNOOSA, she served as Director of Human Spaceflight at ESA, Director of the Observation of the Universe at the Italian Space Agency and led the European Space Policy Observatory at ASI-Brussels. She wrote two books and contributed to many more.
