Italian Research Consortiums Plan National Conference on Science Engagement

A national conference titled "Scuola e Ricerca. Il public engagement per la cultura scientifica del futuro" is scheduled to convene in Ischia from May 11 to May 13, 2026, with registration currently open for participants. This event is organized by a consortium of Italy's principal research institutions: the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), and the National Research Council (CNR).

The conference agenda focuses on exchanging advanced methodologies and best practices to expand scientific culture, specifically emphasizing STEAM disciplines—Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Pierluigi Paolucci of INFN noted the increasing necessity of establishing robust connections between active scientific research and the educational sector within a society increasingly reliant on knowledge and technological development. This initiative aligns with the Italian National Research Plan (PNR) 2021–2027, which emphasizes collaboration between research bodies and industry to drive innovation.

A concrete objective articulated by Maddalena De Lucia of INGV is the creation of a permanent collaborative network directly linking research institutes with educational facilities. This network is intended to result in a national protocol governing school-research partnerships. Caterina Boccato of INAF stressed the essential need to bridge the experiential gap between research laboratories and classrooms to cultivate future scientists effectively.

The event, hosted at the Hotel Continental Terme in Ischia, anticipates drawing over one hundred attendees, including researchers, educators, and Ministry of Education representatives. The gathering seeks to address national indicators showing a misalignment between STEM supply and demand, where only one quarter of Italian graduates aged 25 to 34 studied STEM subjects, according to ISTAT data. Sessions will cover practical applications such as interactive methods, gamification, and citizen science projects for primary and secondary levels, including specific focus on May 12, 2026, dedicated to research laboratory access and citizen science initiatives.

Furthermore, the conference will address teacher professional development, covering training tools and field activities in geophysics and environmental studies, reflecting INGV's work in areas like seismic monitoring. The overarching aim is to enhance national competitiveness by addressing the skills challenge through coordinated action involving schools, universities, and cultural institutions.