A Memorable Weekend in Florence – Leonardo da Vinci Awards 2026

President’s Report

One of the highlights of my presidential year was undoubtedly our recent visit to Florence for the 51st Leonardo da Vinci Awards, hosted by the Rotary Club of Firenze. Bringing together eleven Rotary clubs from across Europe, the awards celebrate excellence, achievement and international friendship in the city where the spirit of Leonardo da Vinci still inspires.

I was particularly delighted that the Rotary Club of London was represented by a record number of attendees this year. Our sincere thanks go to President Gabriele Canè, Secretary General Emanuela Masini and the entire Rotary Club of Firenze for their outstanding hospitality and the impeccable organisation of a truly memorable occasion.

The prestigious 2026 Leonardo da Vinci Award was presented to Piergiuseppe Liuzzi, a young bioengineer and neuroscience researcher whose groundbreaking work combines neuroscience and artificial intelligence to better understand human consciousness and improve the rehabilitation of patients with severe brain injuries and disorders of consciousness. Through the development of advanced neural network models inspired by the workings of the human brain, his research is helping clinicians gain deeper insights into recovery and cognitive function in some of medicine’s most challenging conditions. His innovative contribution to science and society made him a worthy recipient of this distinguished international honour, and it was a privilege to congratulate him on behalf of our Club.

The weekend was made even more special by the friendship and fellowship shared amongst our travelling party. We were especially delighted to celebrate the 89th birthday of our much-loved Barbara Winbourne, whose late husband served as President of the Rotary Club of London.

A very special thank you must also go to our Second Vice President-Elect, Gillian Balcombe, whose hard work and dedication in coordinating our participation helped make the trip such a success.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who joined us. Your friendship, laughter and enthusiasm created wonderful memories that I shall treasure long after my presidential year has ended. I am also delighted that the Rotary Club of London will host the Leonardo da Vinci Awards in London from 19–21 May 2028, and we look forward to welcoming our European Rotary friends to our city for what promises to be another exceptional celebration.

Anahita Harris

President

Rotary Club of London