Massimo Altarelli, born in Rome, is a distinguished physicist known for his significant contributions to theoretical solid-state physics and the development of major European research facilities. He earned his physics degree from the University of Rome in 1969. Altarelli's career includes academic positions in the United States, notably at the University of Illinois from 1973 to 1979. He later joined the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart in 1980. From 1987 to 1993, he served as Scientific Director at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, overseeing its construction and commissioning. Between 1999 and 2006, he was the Chief Executive Officer and Scientific Director of the ELETTRA Synchrotron Light Laboratory in Trieste. In 2009, Altarelli became the first Managing Director of the European X-ray Free-Electron Laser (XFEL) in Hamburg, leading its development until his retirement in December 2016. Post-retirement, he continues to contribute to the scientific community as a Senior Staff Scientist in the Theory Department at the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter in Hamburg. Throughout his career, Altarelli has been recognized for his leadership in large-scale research infrastructures and his advancements in X-ray science.