Italy names Triolo a Knight of the Order of Merit

Fabio Triolo, DdR, PhD, MPhil, (right), receives the Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic insignia and certificate of honor from the Consul General of Italy

One of Italy’s highest civilian honors recognizing exceptional service and achievement has been awarded to Fabio Triolo, DdR, PhD, MPhil, professor and Clare A. Glassell Distinguished Chair in the Department of Pediatric Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

Triolo received the Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic insignia and certificate of honor from the Consul General of Italy in Houston during a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic on June 2. The honor was conferred by Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this distinction,” Triolo said. “As a native Sicilian, it is particularly meaningful to have played a role in advancing cell therapy and regenerative medicine capabilities in Southern Italy.”

The distinction recognizes Triolo’s contributions to biomedical and regenerative medicine research and his role in advancing cell therapies and tissue engineering internationally. Throughout his career, he has helped establish pioneering cell therapy infrastructure in Southern Italy and develop advanced biomanufacturing programs in the United States.

Before joining UTHealth Houston in 2011, Triolo held leadership roles at the Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies in Palermo, Italy, where he established advanced cell processing facilities and helped shape national and European standards for regenerative medicine and biobanking. He became the first individual in Sicily authorized to oversee pharmaceutical-grade cell therapy production under European regulatory standards and contributed to national and international guidelines governing cell and tissue therapies.

At UTHealth Houston, Triolo’s work has continued to advance regenerative medicine, including supporting the first implantation of a tissue-engineered esophagus in a human. His accomplishments have brought international recognition to Italian scientific excellence.

“I am profoundly grateful to UTHealth Houston for providing an environment where I have been able to grow professionally and contribute to innovative projects that have helped advance the field,” Triolo said. “I view this recognition as a reflection of the support, collaboration, and encouragement of the many individuals who have helped shape my career along the way.”