Ilaria Capua is Full Professor and Director of the One Health Center of Excellence at the University of Florida (United States). She is a virologist, known the world over for her ground-breaking research on influenza viruses, particularly avian influenza and for pioneering the open access concept in Science. She also was a Member of the Italian Parliament for over three years (2013–2016). She has authored over 220 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and has published scientific books on Avian Influenza and Newcastle disease as well as four books for the general public. She has obtained several awards including the Penn Vet World Leadership in Animal Health Award. She is active in the field of science communication and in promoting female leadership in the scientific arena. She regularly contributes columns and editorials to mainstream Italian press. Her research interests are related to the study of new approaches in infection disease in animals and humans.