Paola Mercogliano is Principal Scientist at the CMCC Foundation, where she leads the Division of Regional Models and Geo-Hydrological Impacts. With over 25 years of experience in atmospheric and climate modelling, she specializes in the development and application of high-resolution numerical models and data-driven tools for weather forecasting and climate scenario simulations at local and urban scales. Her work focuses on extreme events and geo-hydrological hazards, significantly contributing to the assessment and understanding of climate-related risks.

She has authored more than 80 scientific publications and coordinates national and international research projects, including the European Adaptation AGORA project under the EU Mission on Climate Adaptation. As the scientific leader of Dataclime, she oversees the development of this interactive climate service platform, designed to analyze and visualize high-resolution climate data and information. The platform supports a wide range of users—including researchers, public authorities, and private stakeholders—in planning and implementing effective climate adaptation strategies.

Paola Mercogliano actively collaborates with institutions at both national and international levels, contributing to the design of climate risk assessments and adaptation strategies. Her work emphasizes the integration of climate science into policy and territorial planning processes, starting from the analysis of climate hazards. Deeply committed to scientific outreach and education, she regularly engages in educational programs aimed at raising awareness of climate change, partnering with universities and organizations to advance climate literacy. She is President of the Italian Society of Climatology (SISC) for the 2025–2026 term.