The day of Italian research in the world is celebrated on April 15, this year in its fourth edition. The initiative stems from a collaboration between the Farnesina and the Miur. A series of initiatives organized abroad are foreseen between embassies, consulates and cultural institutes. Over 33 thousand will be the protagonists researchers and Italian academics abroad. Men and women who carry out valuable work, helping to testify to the world the value of our country's higher education.
80 events planned
April 15 is the birth date of Leonardo da Vinci (1942), genius of the Renaissance (painter, sculptor, inventor, engineer and scientist). An important day to celebrate and thank our researchers and academics, who successfully honor Italy. With them, the aim is to convey to the world the message of a nation that is the bearer of science, technology and innovation. To do this, the diplomatic-consular network abroad organized 80 events, mainly in virtual format. Since the celebrations do not end today, others will be announced in the coming weeks, delayed due to the pandemic.
The importance of our researchers abroad
On April 15, it intends to turn the spotlight on the importance of the network of Italian researchers abroad and on their work, the driving force behind the internationalization process of our companies. They are active in universities, companies and centers of excellence all over the world. Among the initiatives promoted, the transmission of short and intense ones is included promotional videos of our scientific and technological excellence, created with the collaboration of the major Italian research institutions. They aim to spread the image of Italy of innovation and research throughout the world. An Italy that, despite Covid and the consequences it has caused, looks ahead, ready to restart and relaunch development, the economy and our Italian way of life, in the name of knowledge and beauty.
The numbers
It is estimated that there are approximately 33 Italian researchers abroad. Of these, over 15 would be in the United States and 6 in the United Kingdom. France, Germany and the Iberian Peninsula would instead count 3.500 each. There are also, but fewer, in more distant countries: Australia, Norway, Japan, China, Vietnam, Korea and India. Italy is in 7th place in the world rankings for the number of scientific and research publications, and in 8th place for their quality.
The Innovitalia Platform
On April 15, the Farnesina declared that it was "a strong point of reference for all researchers abroad, to make them feel part of a team, members of a national community proud of them". In order to systematize the network of researchers and promote the competitiveness of the Italian system, the Farnesina has created the "Innovitalia Platform", a virtual meeting between researchers, Italian and international research institutes with the world of innovative companies and -up. The goal is to promote and enhance a highly competitive Italy in the key sectors of innovation.
Scientific marathon at the Rome Science Festival
Today, April 15, one of the most interesting initiatives is the Rome Science Festival. Produced by the Musica per Roma Foundation, it carries out a scientific marathon in streaming from 10:00 to 20:30. The event is organized in collaboration with the Ministry of University and Research and with the patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. 16 meetings, 55 speakers, 3 ministries and 14 scientific partners are expected. The connections will take place from all over the world: from the Arctic, from the Venice arsenal, from the Gran Sasso laboratories, to Cern, from Etna to Paris, from Boston to Florida and Chicago.
Interesting.