Emanuela Marinelli got a degree in Natural Sciences and a degree in Geological Sciences at La Sapienza University in Rome. She has been studying the Shroud since 1977 and was a member of Centro Romano di Sindonologia from 1977 to 1985.
She has been among the promoters of the movement Collegamento pro Sindone in Rome and of the homonymous periodical since its foundation (1985).
Marinelli lectured in many countries, wrote many books, actively participated in many international Shroud conferences and in radio and news interviews relating to the scientific authenticity of the Shroud.
She was the Coordinator of the Organizing Committee of the Worldwide Congress “Sindone 2000”, held in Orvieto. She has been awarded the Gold Medal of Merit of the Catholic Culture and the honour of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.