Simonetta Di Pippo is Professor of Practice of Space Economy at SDA Bocconi School of Management, where she serves as Director of the Space Economy Evolution Lab (SEE Lab). She is an Italian astrophysicist, and prior to joining SDA Bocconi, she held the position of Director of UNOOSA (United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs).

She earned a degree in Astrophysics and Space Physics from "La Sapienza" University, an honorary degree in Environmental Studies, and an honorary doctorate in International Affairs.

Throughout her career, she has held prominent leadership roles in the space sector, with both national and international experience. She has authored two books, contributed to many others, and is the author or co-author of numerous international articles. She has consistently advocated for raising awareness of the benefits of space activities. Simonetta Di Pippo has been featured in more than 1,000 interviews, radio and television programs, and podcasts.

Before her tenure at UNOOSA, she served as Director of Human Spaceflight at ESA (European Space Agency), Director of the Observation of the Universe at the Italian Space Agency (ASI), and led the European Space Policy Observatory at ASI-Brussels.

She is an Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and has been a member of the World Economic Forum Global Future Council on Space since 2016, serving as its Co-Chair since 2020. Over her career, Simonetta Di Pippo has been actively engaged in reducing the gender gap in STEM fields and the aerospace sector. In 2009, she founded the networking platform Women in Aerospace Europe, and in 2017, she became a UN International Gender Champion.

In 2008, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) named asteroid 21887 "Di Pippo" in recognition of her contributions to space activities. In 2006, she was awarded the title of Knight Officer of Merit by the President of the Italian Republic, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. She was also the first woman to receive the Hubert Curien Award.