Luigi Nicolais (born 9 February 1942) is an Italian politician and academic, member of the Democratic Party and President of the National Research Council from 2012 to 2016.

In 2012 he was appointed president of the National Research Council, replacing the new Minister of Education, University and Research of the Monti Cabinet Francesco Profumo and held the office for four years.

[2] On 17 May 2006, Nicolais joined the second Prodi government as Minister for Reforms and Administrative Innovations and held the office for the whole 15th legislature.

During the 16th legislature, Nicolais was a member and Vice-President of the 7th Commission for Culture, Science and Education of the Chamber of Deputies.

[1] Formerly close to the positions of former President of Campania Antonio Bassolino, he was regional councilor with delegations to the University, scientific research and technological innovation to the Campania region from 2000 to 2005.