Ilaria Cinelli, PhD, FAsMA, FAsHFA, is a biomedical engineer and expert in human space exploration, space medicine, human factors, and international cooperation. For more than a decade, she has worked across research, innovation, institutions, and industry, contributing to the development of programmes and capabilities supporting both human and robotic space exploration. She holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Pisa, a PhD in Neural Engineering from the University of Galway, and completed postdoctoral research at Tufts University. She also attended the Space Studies Program of the International Space University. She currently works in the European space sector on institutional strategy, programme development, and cooperation with space agencies, governments, and international partners. She also holds scientific and academic roles at the intersection of space and global health, including Vice-Chair of an international task force coordinated by the University of Geneva. She is a former President of the Aerospace Human Factors Association and a Fellow of both the Aerospace Medical Association and the Aerospace Human Factors Association. Author and editor of more than 50 scientific publications, she has received numerous international awards and recognitions. Asteroid 108952 Ilariacinelli was named in her honour by the International Astronomical Union.