Between science and imagination

Nicola Sarandria is not easily defined. A medical doctor, author, businessman and explorer of the human condition, his life’s journey moves across disciplines, cultures, and convictions. Born in Padua into a family of doctors, writers, and intellectuals, he grew up surrounded by books, ideas, and a strong sense of moral responsibility, a foundation that would shape his character and vision. On his mother's side he descends from a noble branch (cadet branch of the Princes Pignatelli-Folch de Cardona of the Noia branch).

His international education and early travels forged a multicultural identity and awakened a lifelong curiosity. From medical research to fantasy novels, from stoic philosophy to ethical battles in science, his work is driven by an unwavering pursuit of knowledge and justice. Merging the rational world of science with the evocative power of literature, he crafts a path that is both deeply personal and profoundly universal, always guided by the belief that truth, no matter how uncomfortable, is the most powerful force we can choose.

Academic excellence and interdisciplinary vision

Nicola’s academic path is a mosaic of prestigious institutions and bold choices. After earning the International Baccalaureate from English-speaking schools, he studied Bioinformatics in Texas on a scholarship, and later enrolled in three top medical universities in Italy, choosing Humanitas University in Milan, where he graduated with honors and completed the Excellence in Research Track in Immuno-Oncology.
He holds a PhD in Management from Switzerland, a healthcare MBA from the UK, and post-graduate diploma in immuno-oncology e cancer genomics from Harvard Medical School. His scientific work explores cancer genomics and medical statistics, always driven by a desire to challenge conventional norms.

Key Experiences

Childhood & Family Roots

Born in Padua, Italy, into a family of doctors, professors, and writers. Grew up surrounded by books, intellectual debates, and strong ethical values. On his mother's side he descends from a noble branch (cadet branch of the Princes Pignatelli-Folch de Cardona of the Noia branch).

First literary love

Discovered The Count of Monte Cristo and developed a passion for classic literature and storytelling — a turning point during a difficult period in his life.

International education & travel

Attended international schools; traveled extensively across Europe, Asia, North Africa, and the Americas, cultivating a multicultural perspective.

Academic milestones

Studied Bioinformatics in Texas (USA) on a scholarship. Passed the IMAT with the highest score of the year. Chose Humanitas University in Milan for medical school; graduated with honors and completed the Excellence in Research Track.

Medical research & PhD

Focused on Immuno-Oncology and cancer statistics. Completed a PhD in Management and an MBA in Healthcare. Earned certification from Harvard Medical School in precision oncology and cancer genomics.

Scientific advocacy

Fought for transparency and fairness in scientific publishing. Published a personal essay discussing key points and importance of open-access science in the research world.

Literary debut

Published A Prayer for the Necromancer in 2017 — the first volume of a dark fantasy trilogy that gained international recognition.

Leadership in healthcare

He has held various roles, most recently serving as medical director at the Olimpia Medical Center and scientific director at a private healthcare company

Awards & memberships

He is currently working also on projects in South Korea.

Philosophical journey

Joined the International High IQ Society. Received multiple literary awards (including the 5-stars readers favorite seal). Became a fellow of global scientific communities. Became a member of Sigma XI society.

Science, knowledge and ethical rebellion

Nicola Sarandria’s academic path is a mosaic of prestigious institutions and bold decisions. From studying Bioinformatics in Texas to graduating with honors in Medicine at Humanitas University in Milan, where he also completed the Excellence in Research Track in Immuno-Oncology, his scientific journey has been driven by both excellence and purpose. He holds a PhD in Management, an MBA in Healthcare, and certifications from Harvard Medical School, specializing in cancer genomics and medical statistics.

In 2026, the OR1 (Olimpia Research One) was born from the will and effort of Dr Nicola Sarandria MD, MBA, ERT, PhD to aid the research community and most importantly the patients in the fight against colorectal cancer, one of the most common malignant cancers in the world. Over one year of research and development, a strong collaboration with private research services company, Labtoo, which aided in the coordination with the regional tumor bank of Franche-Comté (University Hospital of Besançon, France) and their technical support in the sourcing of tumor samples. An in depth analysis yielded groundbreaking discoveries, a new scientific theory (the Sarandria Theory) which translated into 1 international conference presentation, 2 scientific papers and a scientific textbook with all the new results from the study.

Yet Nicola’s relationship with science goes beyond credentials. Having witnessed the darker side of the research world, he has fought for transparency, fairness, and the rights of young researchers. His essay a young medical doctor’s thoughts on life denounces a system he calls corrupted and reaffirms his belief that scientific truth, like all truth, must remain untamed, uncomfortable and fiercely independent.

Imagination, identity and inner strength

For Nicola, literature is more than a passion, it is a form of salvation and rebellion. As a teenager, reading The Count of Monte Cristo opened the door to the power of stories to heal, provoke and elevate. Since then, his writing, spanning from 19th-century classics to dark fantasy, has become a personal and metaphysical exploration of morality, sacrifice, and identity. His debut novel A Prayer for the Necromancer became an Amazon bestseller and marked the beginning of a literary journey praised for its depth and symbolism.

Beyond science and fiction, Nicola seeks meaning. A proud member of the International High IQ Society, a Catholic Christian who studies other faiths, a manga enthusiast and classical music lover, he lives in the space between contradictions. His forum and magazine are built to welcome minds like his: curious, critical, and unafraid to question the world in pursuit of truth.

Genealogy and Family History: Branch of the Pignatelli Folch de Cardona, Princes of Noia Family

The family of Dr Nicola Sarandria, from his mother side, comes from the ancient branches of the Princes of Noia Pignatelli and Folch de Cardona family (South Italian - Spanish Princes, of the Sacred Roman Empire). In Latin, a description of the lineage would be: Principes heredes stirpis rami Lucani et Hispanici folch de Cardona et Pignatelli Cortes Aragonenses de Noia. Principes de Noia, Principes Sacri Romani Imperii et Principes Coronac Aragonensis.
Per ulteriori informazioni sulla famiglia Folch de Cardona:
Wikipedia Famiglia Cardona
Per ulteriori informazioni sulla famiglia Pignatelli, ramo dei Principi di Noia:
Wikipedia famiglia Pignatelli