Luca Romano: Italian Physicist and Science Communicator

Italian physicist and science communicator Luca Romano, widely known by his nickname “L’Avvocato” (The Lawyer), has been appointed as a senior scientific advisor to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, effective May 1, 2026. The appointment, confirmed by the Commission on April 20, 2026, places Romano at the forefront of EU efforts to strengthen public understanding of nuclear science and support evidence-based policymaking in energy transition strategies.

Romano, born in Turin in 1988, holds a Ph.D. In nuclear physics from the Polytechnic University of Turin and has spent over a decade bridging the gap between complex scientific research and public discourse. His nickname, “L’Avvocato,” originated from his distinctive approach to explaining atomic and particle physics through legal-style arguments — presenting evidence, countering misconceptions, and advocating for scientific rigor in media appearances, podcasts, and educational outreach across Italy and Europe.

In his new role, Romano will lead the Commission’s Nuclear Literacy Initiative, a program launched in late 2025 to improve public trust in nuclear technologies as part of the EU’s Fit for 55 package and long-term decarbonization goals. The initiative includes developing multilingual educational materials, coordinating with national science museums, and advising on communication strategies for small modular reactor (SMR) projects under consideration in France, Poland, and Romania.

The appointment reflects growing concern within EU institutions about misinformation surrounding nuclear energy, particularly following renewed public debate after the 2023 energy crisis and the inclusion of nuclear power in the EU Taxonomy for sustainable activities in 2022. A 2025 Eurobarometer survey found that only 42% of EU citizens viewed nuclear energy as a safe and reliable low-carbon option, compared to 68% for wind and solar power.

Romano’s work has previously focused on demystifying radiation, explaining half-life and waste management, and contextualizing nuclear risks relative to other energy sources. His popular YouTube series, “Atomico,” which has amassed over 8 million views since 2020, uses courtroom-style formats to examine claims about nuclear safety, often inviting critics and experts to present evidence in structured debates.

European Commission spokesperson Mina Vuković confirmed the appointment, stating: “Luca Romano possesses a rare ability to communicate highly technical subjects with clarity, integrity, and intellectual honesty. His approach aligns with our goal of fostering informed public dialogue on energy options, not persuasion through simplification or omission.”

We need scientists who can stand in the arena of public discourse not as advocates for a technology, but as stewards of the evidence. Luca does that better than anyone I’ve seen in Europe.

— Mina Vuković, European Commission Spokesperson

The advisory position is a two-year renewable contract at the level of Principal Advisor, Category AD 14 in the EU civil service grading system. Romano will be based in Brussels but will maintain collaborative ties with Italian research institutions, including the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) and the Museum of Physics in Turin, where he continues to serve as a visiting lecturer.

Analysts at Bruegel, the Brussels-based economic think tank, noted that the appointment signals a strategic shift in how the EU approaches technological legitimacy in energy policy. “Instead of relying solely on regulatory approvals or industry messaging, the Commission is investing in independent scientific voices that can withstand scrutiny from all sides,” said Elina Korpi, senior fellow for energy governance at Bruegel.

Romano has emphasized that his role will not involve lobbying for specific technologies but rather ensuring that public discussions are grounded in peer-reviewed science. In a statement released through his professional website on April 21, 2026, he wrote: “My responsibility is to help citizens understand what we know, what we don’t know, and how we know it — not to tell them what to think, but to equip them to think for themselves.”

The Nuclear Literacy Initiative is expected to release its first set of educational modules in September 2026, targeting secondary school students and vocational trainees in regions hosting or considering nuclear infrastructure projects. Funding for the program comes from the EU’s Horizon Europe research framework, with an initial allocation of €12 million over three years.