by Nina Vaclavikova
Interviews: Maurizio De Blasio, Trieste councilor for education; Donata Vianelli, rector of the University of Trieste; Maria Vittoria, student volunteer
The Trieste Next Science Festival officially opened on Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Piazza Unità d’Italia, where groups of onlookers and schoolchildren explored the stands set up across the square.
The city’s education commissioner, Maurizio De Blasio, offered the opening remarks, followed by Donata Vianelli, rector of the University of Trieste, who thanked the academic community for its contributions to the event. She highlighted in particular the work of 200 student volunteers and doctoral candidates supporting the festival.
Vianelli also announced that a minute of silence will be observed during the program featuring Nobel Prize–winning chemist Brian Kobilka, in memory of Marta Giannelli, a university student who was killed earlier this year by a sport utility vehicle while crossing a street.
Andrea Romanino, director of the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), praised the high level of engagement from both the city and its younger residents. Nicola Casagli, president of the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS), emphasized the role of science in fostering peace and in addressing pressing global challenges, including climate change and hunger.
Francesca Iannelli, speaking on behalf of Caterina Petrillo, president of Area Science Park, underscored the importance of cultivating a scientifically literate citizenry.
The festival brings together a wide network of partners from across academia, research institutions, and the private sector, reflecting Trieste’s longstanding reputation as a hub for international science and innovation.
