Geoscience Educator of the Month (GEM): Elena Bonaccorsi

Celebrating Geoscience Educator of the Month (GEM): Elena Bonaccorsi from Italy

We are honored to introduce Professor Elena Bonaccorsi, a distinguished mineralogist at the University of Pisa and the Director of the University Natural History Museum. Elena’s career is evidence to the power of bridging academic research with public engagement and scientific education.

With a specialization in structural crystallography and crystal chemistry, Elena has long been a champion for geoscience outreach. Starting from 2008 her leadership at the GEOLAB (the Department’s Earth Science didactic laboratory) and her extensive collaboration with the “Ludoteca Scientifica” have brought the wonders of geology to countless schools and students across Italy. From curating didactic scientific exhibitions in Pisa, Florence, and Genoa to leading teacher-training workshops for the “Pianeta Galileo” initiative, she is dedicated to making science accessible, inclusive, and fun.

As Director, Elena envisions a museum that acts as a bridge between the university and the community. By curating permanent exhibitions—like the new “Human Evolution Hall” and the new display of the mineral collection—and innovative temporary displays, she continues to inspire curiosity about nature and the Earth’s history.
We celebrate Elena for her tireless work in fostering a science-literate society and for her commitment to ensuring that the museum remains a vibrant, welcoming space for learners of all ages.

We celebrate Dr Bonaccorsi as a true GEM—bridging research, public engagement and educational innovation to advance geoscience in Italy and beyond.

Explore the stories of geoscience educators making a global impact and nominate a colleague for future recognition: https://iugscoge.org/eop-geoscience-educator-of-the-month-gem/. We look forward to celebrating more outstanding educators from around the world.

#GEM #IUGS #COGE #GeoscienceEducation #GeoEducation #EarthScience #STEMEducation #ScienceOutreach #MuseumEducation #Mineralogy #Italy