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A dynamic sector, ready to face the challenges of innovation and diversification. These are the findings of Comet’s report on the Friuli Venezia Giulia Metalworking Industry Observatory presented on 27 November in Valvasone Arzene, at the TreZero Winery. The meeting was divided into two round tables: in the first one, moderated by Cluster Comet director Saverio Maisto, the report was illustrated by Enrico Longato (Area Science Park), Anna Maria Moressa (Intesa Sanpaolo), Maria Chiarvesio (University of Udine), Guido Bortoluzzi (University of Trieste); the second round table, moderated by Michele Valerio (Eupragma), gave voice to businesses, with Stefano Picinich (Airworks Srl), Matteo Querini (Eurolls SpA), Elisa Quattrin (Meccanica Hi-Tech Srl), Alessandro Sist (Siom Srl SB). The event was organised in partnership with Area Science Park, University of Trieste, University of Udine, Intesa Sanpaolo. The meeting highlighted three main topics: – An international vocation The metalworking sector accounts for 46% of regional manufacturing, with an electro-mechanical specialisation (94% of metalworking sector). As of November 2024, the industry ‘held up’ better than predicted in the June flash report, with 5,114 businesses (-0.3% compared to November 2023, instead of -0.7%), while the rest of the manufacturing sector performed in line with expectations. The province of Udine accounts for 45% of the regional companies, the area that has recorded the most significant decrease since 2021 (-2.3%). The province of Pordenone remains stable, with 32% of the companies. The tendency towards internationalisation remains strong (41% of companies); exports are prevalent among medium and large companies, which are often innovative and certified. – Diversification and economic performance Intesa Sanpaolo’s internal survey regarding its commercial network shows that businesses in Friuli Venezia Giulia are increasing the geographical diversification of their outlet and supply markets, exceeding the Italian average. In 2023, revenue growth at current prices was 22.5%, with an improvement in profit margins (+2 points compared to 2019), driven by foreign operations (25.9% growth) and participation in the construction industry. – Business diversification strategies In a rapidly evolving market, businesses in Friuli Venezia Giulia interviewed by the Universities of Udine and Trieste are experimenting with new strategies: some focus on geographical or sectoral diversification to grow or to avoid crises, while others are strengthening their presence in current markets. However, diversification requires transversal skills and the ability to adapt to the rules of the new markets, which not all companies possess. ‘Over the years, the metalworking industry in Friuli Venezia Giulia has managed to acquire a role of excellence at the international level, thanks to its solid tradition of craftsmanship skills and technological innovation,’ commented COMET Cluster Director, Saverio Maisto. ‘However, today we face an even greater challenge: the world is changing at an exponential speed, global scenarios are complex, and what has made us strong so far may no longer be sufficient to guarantee continuing success. This is how we have always worked; it is no longer a security, quite the contrary. The ability to adapt and anticipate the future is crucial. We have to look beyond the boundaries of the traditional and historical sectors in which we have been, and perhaps still are, leaders, exploring new markets that, while initially presenting themselves as challenges, may turn out to be extraordinary opportunities. This is why it becomes essential to diversify, not only strategically but also in the immediate future. ‘Only by embracing new sectors and markets, continuing to collaborate with the territory, innovating and consolidating our skills, businesses in Friuli Venezia Giulia can continue to play a leading role in our history. “The future of the Friuli Venezia Giulia metalworking sector will depend on its ability to combine tradition and innovation, diversifying markets and sectors and integrating emerging technologies. The cooperation and support of COMET will be central to ensuring competitiveness and resilience in global markets,’ concluded Comet President, Sergio Barel. He emphasized how the Friuli Venezia Giulia metalworking sector is facing the challenges of a complex economic and geopolitical context through geographical and sectoral diversification. This key strategy reduces dependence on traditional markets, such as the German one, and opens up new opportunities in areas of higher growth (Northern Europe, Asia, the United States) thanks to niche technical skills and high-quality production), and regulated sectors (aerospace, medical, defence). As for artificial intelligence, which is transforming the sector by improving quality, supply chain and innovation, ‘it, requires investment in training and infrastructure’. The president closed his speech by inviting companies, industrial clusters, universities and institutions to build networks.

For the first time, direct evidence of the use of psychoactive substances during rituals in the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Ancient Egypt has been provided. The discovery, published in the journal Scientific Reports, is based on the analysis of a ritual vase over 2,000 years old, which revealed traces of psychoactive plants used in religious and spiritual practices. The vase is adorned with the head of the Egyptian god Bes, a grotesque but benevolent deity often used as a protective amulet for the home. The research, coordinated by Professor Enrico Greco from the University of Trieste, in collaboration with the Tampa Museum of Art, the University of South Florida and the University of Milan, was made possible thanks to the crucial support provided by Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, which contributed with advanced techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (SR µ-FTIR) coupled with synchrotron radiation. Chiaramaria Stani, CERIC-ERIC researcher at Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste’s SISSI beamline, explained: “These analyses made it possible to identify the ceremonial content of the vase, although the residual traces were minimal, but well preserved in the porosity of the pottery”. This technology made it possible to analyse the residual traces inside the vase, revealing the presence of plants such as Peganum harmala (Syrian rue), Nymphaea nouchali (blue lotus) and species of the Cleome genus, all known for their psychoactive properties. The analysis also indicated that the vase was used in rituals involving the achievement of altered states of consciousness, probably a means for communicating with the divine and facilitating mystical-ritual experiences. The research not only confirms previous hypotheses based on texts and iconography but it also provides solid physical evidence of the sophisticated use of natural substances by the Egyptians. The multidisciplinary approach, combining science, history and culture, was essential for solving this ancient mystery, confirming the importance of collaboration between research institutes like Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste and the universities involved.

Scientific collaboration between Italy and Serbia is being strengthened. The Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, and the Serbian Minister of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation, Jelena Begović, inaugurated the second Italy-Serbia Scientific Forum in Trieste at Area Science Park, with the participation of over 100 researchers from both countries. Following a bilateral meeting, the ministers signed a joint declaration confirming the importance of cooperation in research and innovation, based on the MoU signed in Belgrade in 2023, as well as the promotion of researcher mobility, support for joint research programs, and bilateral scientific events. The document also highlighted the great success of the first call for joint research projects focused on the following areas: High Performance Computing and Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Agri-food Technologies, and Sustainable Economy. Over 80 applications were received and are currently under evaluation. The selected projects will be co-financed by both countries (for a total of 2 million euros) at the beginning of 2025. Today’s event continues the path started in March 2023 in Belgrade when Area Science Park participated in the first edition of the Science Forum. In December 2023, during the Innovation Forum, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the capital between Area Science Park and the science and technology parks of Belgrade, Niš, Čačak, and Novi Sad. This memorandum further develops a longstanding cooperation with Serbia that began in 2015, focusing on technical assistance in the fields of technology transfer and economic development. The goal is to pool scientific and technological capacities, such as those generated by research infrastructures and technological platforms, for example, on topics like life sciences, energy transition, and innovative materials. “The Italy-Serbia scientific forum represents, for Area Science Park and for the entire Scientific and Innovation System of Friuli Venezia Giulia, an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the two countries and create new opportunities for the exchange and sharing of knowledge and best practices,” said Caterina Petrillo, President of Area Science Park. “In particular, for the institution I lead, hosting, and especially participating in the forum, means expanding the areas of exchange and dialogue with research centers, universities, and science and technology parks, with which we have previously developed innovation projects. Today, our attention is focused on research and technological infrastructures, where Area has been investing in recent years, which by their nature are places for aggregation and sharing of knowledge.”

A robotic device that uses ultrasound technology to treat liver cancer, one of the world’s leading causes of death, with over 900,000 cases every year. The Pisa-based startup Soundsafe Care has won first prize in the 2024 Startup Marathon. The startup competition, promoted by Area Science Park, UniCredit and Fondazione Comunica, ended on Tuesday, 26 November, with an event hosted at the UniCredit headquarters in Milan. Ten finalists were selected by a jury of entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts, from a pool of over 60 startups and innovative SMEs, enrolled in the competition by incubators, accelerators, research centres and universities all over Italy. Awards for Startups Operating in the artificial intelligence, innovative materials, nutraceutical, agritech, healthcare, gaming, electric mobility and medical innovation sectors, the ten startups competed for access to the UniCredit Start Lab acceleration programme. The overall winner, Soundsafe Care, is a company supported by the Navacchio Technology Hub. Using focused ultrasound, the device developed by the startup provides a non-invasive and drug-free alternative for the treatment of liver cancer, reducing complications and hospital costs. Thanks to advanced imaging and automation technology, the device improves treatment precision and reduces intervention times. Soundsafe Care also received the award for the best predominantly female startup, guaranteeing participation in the BoostHerUp internationalisation programme, promoted by Area Science Park. In second place was another med-tech startup, Impavid from Turin, nominated for the contest by G-Factor, the Fondazione Golinelli business incubator. Impavid develops an innovative biodegradable cardiac patch to combat post-ischaemic heart failure. This biomimetic and bioresorbable patch recreates the structure of myocardial tissue, promoting cell recovery and adapting to the heart’s rhythm. Initially designed for bypass procedures, it offers a safer and less invasive solution to improve patients’ quality of life. With strong potential in the US and European markets, the product responds to the growing demand for advanced cardiology technologies. Ranked third, the Lecce-based BeadRoots – supported by Eatable Adventures – develops a natural and biodegradable hydrogel derived from algae. This hydrogel efficiently retains and releases water to improve agricultural productivity and reduce water wastage, especially in areas affected by drought. Unlike synthetic products, the gel is eco-friendly and supports soil microorganisms without negative impacts. The startups on the podium will have the opportunity to enjoy privileged access to the pre-selection stage for the national mission at CES in Las Vegas. Awards for support organisations The top three business support organisations that nominated startups for the event were also rewarded. Points were assigned based on the ranking of the startups, with a bonus for the placement of predominantly female startups. The first prize went to the Polo Tecnologico di Navacchio, followed by G-Factor in second place and Eatable Adventures in third place. All three were granted privileged access to the Executive MBA in Business Innovation created by the MIB Trieste School of Management. This same recognition was awarded individually to all 10 finalist startups. The 2024 edition also introduced the Open Innovation B2B competition, which challenged startups and innovative SMEs to respond to specific innovation needs indicated by corporate partners of the initiative. “We are very pleased with this fifth edition of Startup Marathon”, said Roberto Pillon, head of the Business Generation Office at Area Science Park. “The startups selected for the finals operate in very diverse sectors, showing how innovation is a cross-cutting element in every market and how initiatives like this can support its development. Today, the transformative capabilities of technology, with the even greater potential of the deep-tech sector, have an enormous impact on every industry: a scenario that can be expressed in full through close collaboration between producers of innovation and businesses capable of leveraging it.” Renzo Chervatin, head of Territorial Development for UniCredit North Est, stated: “There are many reasons to feel satisfied with the 2024 edition of Startup Marathon, particularly the creation of a virtuous ecosystem made up of corporate companies, investors and numerous accelerators and incubators at the national level. As UniCredit, we have made available the know-how gained in over a decade as pioneers and leaders supporting the world of Italian startups, with the intent of reaffirming, in practice, our commitment to work alongside those who want to invest in innovation, by proposing growth opportunities to businesses and jobs to young people.” Gianni Potti, President of Fondazione Comunica and founder of DIGITALmeet, added: “This is a brilliant demonstration of digital literacy, one of the biggest challenges for the country. In addition to this, there are also innovation and entrepreneurial skills, requirements that the Jury used for the 2024 edition of Startup Marathon: as of September, there were 16,500 innovative startups in Italy; at the same time, there were nearly 200 thousand in Europe, concentrated in the technology, sustainability, digital health and artificial intelligence sectors. Startups are a fundamental driving force for the future, thanks to their ability to innovate, adapt and transform entire sectors.” “This is yet another demonstration of an idea that turned out to be spot on”, commented Antonio Bassi and Maurizio Caradonna, founders of Startup Marathon, “The Startup Marathon final, attended by a high-profile audience, showcased entrepreneurial ventures with great opportunities for development and teams with high-level skills and technological knowledge, supported by organisations that aim to create high-potential businesses throughout the nation. We are proud to have contributed, even in a small way, to encouraging the growth of this innovation ecosystem”.  Startup Marathon was founded in 2020 and, over the years, it has selected and rewarded innovative companies operating in sectors such as artificial intelligence, diagnostics, IoT and sustainability. Winners of past editions include Katakem, a spin-off of the University of Catanzaro, that accelerates the development of new molecules, CAEmate, a company that has developed software for the predictive maintenance of infrastructures, Aisent, which provides services based on AI, machine learning and computer vision, and M2Test, a spin-off of the University of Trieste that has created an innovative method for diagnosing osteoporosis. Partners In addition to the three promoters, several partners support Startup Marathon, including Angel For Women, ASAC, Avvio Capital, Bando Easy, Camst Group, Carel, Chiesi, CRCLEX, DBA Group, Eatable Adventures, ELIS Innovation Hub, Eurotherm, Fastweb, FITT, Galdi, Giordano Controls, HiRef, Italian Angels for Growth, Italian Business Angels Network, LIFTT, Manni Group, Master Builders Solutions, Mastercard, Maxfone, MIB Trieste School of Management, MITO Tech Ventures, One Factory, San Marco Group, Star Tech Ventures, Step, Unicorn Trainers Club, Venture Factory and WDA.   The Finalist Startups and their Supporting Organisations BeadRoots, Lecce, supported by Eatable Adventures Cartesia Solutions, Pisa, supported by Digital Hub Impavid, Turin, supported by G-Factor InnoItaly, Codognè (Treviso), supported by Trentino Sviluppo Joule, Campodarsego (Padua), supported by Seedble Northern Light Composites, Monfalcone (Gorizia), supported by TEC4I FVG NuHpro, Rimini, supported by CesenaLab SoundSafe Care, Pisa, supported by Polo tecnologico di Navacchio Weabios, Pisa, supported by Polo tecnologico di Navacchio Witty Power, Bolzano, supported by NOI Techpark   Startup Marathon is a competition for innovative businesses, open to startups, innovative SMEs and university spin-offs nominated by business incubators and accelerators. Promoted by Area Science Park, UniCredit and Fondazione Comunica, it has been selecting the most significant innovative Italian companies since 2020, accelerating their go-to-market journey.

An international study, involving the Italian National Research Council (CNR – Istituto Officina dei Materiali) and the Universities of Trieste and Milano-Bicocca for Italy, along with the University of Vienna, has unveiled a simple and innovative method for creating a new category of materials. These materials combine the exceptional properties manifested by individual metal atoms with the robustness, flexibility and versatility of graphene, for potential applications in the fields of catalysis, spintronics and electronic devices. The study is published in Science Advances: the method involves depositing metal atoms, such as cobalt, in a controlled manner, during the formation of the graphene layer on a nickel surface. Some of these atoms are incorporated into the carbon network of graphene, forming a new material with exceptional robustness, reactivity and stability. The method was developed at the CNR-IOM laboratories in Trieste: “This is still a preliminary result, but it is already very promising and the result of an original idea that arose in our laboratory and initially seemed unfeasible,” says Cristina Africh, a researcher at the CNR-IOM who led the team. The material’s ability to detach from the substrate while maintaining its original structure makes it potentially usable in various applications. “The methodology has been tested for trapping nickel and cobalt atoms, but our calculations suggest that it could be extended to other metals for different applications,” explains Cristiana Di Valentin, professor of General and Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Milano-Bicocca. Moreover, the material has proven to be stable even under critical conditions. “We have demonstrated that this material remains intact even in critical conditions, including the electrochemical environments used for applications in fuel cells and batteries,” adds Jani Kotakoski of the University of Vienna. The study, which is the result of international collaboration, made use of different and complementary skills. “This aspect was decisive in demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach, which is simple and powerful at the same time,” concludes Giovanni Comelli from the University of Trieste.

An international forum dedicated to the value and role of large research infrastructures in scientific progress and their economic, social and geopolitical impacts on a global scale. These were the central themes of the G7 conference “Large Research Infrastructures: Synergies and Impact on Science and Society”, organized by the Ministry of University and Research in collaboration with the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) under the Italian G7 Presidency, and held in Sardinia from October 28th to 30th in Su Gologone (Nuoro). The rich three-day program featured four thematic sessions, dedicated to exploring the key role of large research infrastructures in generating knowledge and value for society, promoting the sharing of ideas and best practices among policymakers, researchers, and socio-economic stakeholders. The opening remarks were delivered by the Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, and the President of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, Alessandra Todde. Among the nationally and internationally prominent speakers was also the President of Area Science Park, Caterina Petrillo, who contributed to the roundtable The Socio-Economic Benefits of Large Research Infrastructures. Here, speakers discussed the role of large infrastructures: not only centers for scientific knowledge production and high-quality FAIR data, but also true catalysts of innovative processes, which include training new generations of scientists, transferring technology to industry, and fostering regional development. During her speech, the President highlighted the importance of integrating these infrastructures into innovative ecosystems, scientific, and technological hubs, both public and private, where collaboration and shared projects can thrive. The objective of the G7 Conference on Large Research Infrastructures: Synergies and Impact on Science and Society is to stimulate dialogue to facilitate collaboration among the G7 countries, in order to optimize resources and maximize the complementarity of these large infrastructures, aiming toward a future of shared and sustainable innovation.  

The Data Engineering Laboratory (LADE) at Area Science Park has recently published an article in Nature – Scientific Data on protein sequence annotation. Thanks to technological advances in genomic sequencing, the number of known protein sequences has grown exponentially. Many of these sequences come from metagenomic projects that analyze environmental and clinical samples. Among the most relevant datasets in this field stands the Unified Human Gastrointestinal Proteome (UHGP) catalog, with a variety of applications in medicine and biology. However, the limited annotation of these sequences reduces their effectiveness. To address this issue, the DPCfam-UHGP dataset was developed, classifying UHGP sequences into protein families that typically group proteins sharing the same biological function. The dataset contains 10,778 families, generated through DPCfam clustering, an unsupervised method that organizes sequences into single- or multi-domain architectures. This project, part of Federico Barone‘s doctoral research supervised by Alessio Ansuini and Alberto Cazzaniga, exemplifies the fruitful interaction between data management and data science. In this context, the construction of a curated database of gastrointestinal proteins enabled more refined cataloging through advanced machine learning algorithms, allowing continuous database updates in fruitful feedback loop aimed at promoting new discoveries. The DPCfam-UHGP50 dataset, accessible through a web server, was developed following the best FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) practices, with the aim of fostering new discoveries in the field of human gastrointestinal tract metagenomics. Previously, LADE had already produced the DPCfam-UR50 database, accompanied by a publication in PLOS – Computational Biology.

Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste has announced the launch of ElettraBot, an innovative digital assistant based on artificial intelligence, designed to support researchers using the beamlines and laboratories of Elettra and FERMI. The first prototype has been successfully implemented for the TwinMic beamline, named TwinBot. This beamline, one of the 28 beamlines at the Italian synchrotron located in Trieste, specializes in X-ray microscopy, offering sub-micrometric spatial resolution. Thanks to its ability to combine transmission imaging and X-ray spectroscopy, TwinMic enables multidisciplinary studies ranging from biology to materials science. Its main applications include studying nanoparticle accumulation in cells and understanding chemical mechanisms related to asbestos in human tissues. TwinBot represents a significant innovation in basic research, providing immediate and intuitive access to the technical and experimental information offered by the TwinMic beamline. Leveraging artificial intelligence, TwinBot provides real-time responses to inquiries made in natural language, facilitating the preparation of proposals and experiments. TwinBot provides quick and accurate answers, significantly enhancing their operational efficiency, therefore researchers no longer need to spend long hours manually searching through technical documents. This tool has the potential to be extended to other beamlines and services at Elettra, further strengthening the scientific ecosystem of the institution. No other synchrotron has yet adopted similar technology for these purposes, making TwinBot a unique innovation. The project not only positions Elettra at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into scientific infrastructures but also establishes new standards for supporting basic research. Artificial intelligence is not limited to automating repetitive tasks, it goes far beyond that: it analyzes large volumes of data, identifies complex patterns, and can contribute to generating new insights that lead to innovative hypotheses, often based on extensive datasets or complex models that are difficult to analyze manually. This radically changes research methods, allowing scientists to focus more on creative and analytical aspects. Thus, artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming an essential element of modern scientific research, with applications that extend well beyond automation.

The goal of the “Phenotypic Fingerprinting School,” inaugurated on October 14 at Area Science Park, is to explore the complex metabolic pathways involved in cellular responses to infections and drugs through the use of complementary and integrable approaches and techniques. Organized in collaboration with Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, ICGEB and CNR-IOM, the school is part of the “Pathogen Readiness Platform for CERIC-ERIC Upgrade” (PRP@CERIC) project. This project aims to develop a highly specialized research infrastructure, unique in Europe, integrating tools and expertise in biology, biochemistry, physics, bio-electronics, virology, genomics, bioinformatics, and data science to study human, animal and plant pathogens and respond quickly to new potential outbreaks. For four weeks, participants will engage in both theoretical and practical sessions, studying host-pathogen interactions from a multidisciplinary perspective. The program includes contributions from researchers of different PRP@CERIC partner institutions, as well as open lectures by internationally renowned experts, including Professor Piero Carninci, who will hold a seminar titled “My Travel from Genomic Technologies to Biology” on October 17 at Area Science Park. The project “Pathogen Readiness Platform for CERIC-ERIC Upgrade”– PRP@CERIC is funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) under Mission 4 “Education and Research,” Component 2 “From Research to Entreprise,” Investment Line 3.1 “Fund for the Creation of an Integrated System of Research and Innovation Infrastructures,” funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU.

The Data Engineering Laboratory (LADE) at Area Science Park has recently published an innovative study into Bioinformatics, opening up new perspectives in the study of proteins, the fundamental building blocks of life. In fact, Francesca Cuturello, Marco Celoria, Alessio Ansuini and Alberto Cazzaniga, the authors of the study, have demonstrated how artificial intelligence can predict the impact of genetic mutations on protein stability, helping to get a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying many diseases and potentially developing new treatments. The genome of living beings is constantly mutating due to external agents or random events and this leads us to observe changes in the sequences of the proteins they synthesise. Conducted as part of the Pathogen Readiness Platform for CERIC-ERIC (PRP@CERIC) project, the study uses AI models similar to GPT, applied to proteomics. These models are based on the analogy between a protein sequence and a sentence, with amino acids acting as “words”, allowing algorithms trained on hundreds of millions of protein sequences to be applied. Using this technique, the LADE researchers were able to predict how small variations in the amino acid sequence, such as those induced by mutations, can affect protein stability. A particularly innovative aspect is the use of the MSA Transformer model, which utilises information on the ancestral relationships between protein sequences to enhance the accuracy of predictions. The algorithm developed by LADE offers cutting-edge performance and will be made available to the scientific community to encourage further advancements in this field. “Predicting the effect of protein mutations through artificial intelligence allows us to explore, with great precision, complex biological phenomena that, until recently, were difficult to observe directly”, explains Francesca Cuturello, the study’s lead author. “This technology is a step forward towards innovative therapeutic solutions for a wide range of diseases.” The team’s work has already received widespread recognition, including Francesca Cuturello’s invitation to the prestigious Research Retreat “Physics of Biological Data Analysis” at the Aspen Center for Physics and it will be presented at other international research centres, such as the ICTP and the Leibniz Center for Informatics. For more information about LADE’s activities, click here.

This conference served as an opportunity for dialogue between G7 countries and the African Union on the subjects of training, research and innovation as tools for building skills. The “Research and Capacity Building with African Countries” conference was organised by the Ministry of University and Research in collaboration with Area Science Park, under the Italian G7 Presidency. Hosted in the enchanting setting of the Throne Room in Miramare Castle, the G7 conference highlighted the importance of developing shared pathways in higher education, knowledge transfer and support for innovation, starting right here in Trieste—a city characterised by a strong presence of international and national scientific institutions that have developed a profound cooperation and presence in various countries across the African continent over the years. “Trieste is an exceptional example of science without borders. For instance, there are four institutions under the auspices of UNESCO, including ICGEB and ICTP,” as Caterina Petrillo, President of Area Science Park, explained during her opening remarks, emphasising that “science represents a powerful form of international collaboration”. The discussions centred on the impact of knowledge, through training and research, on ensuring the sustainable development of society and economic growth. The conference featured contributions from high-level members of the G7, the African Union, the European Union and UNESCO, as well as representatives from the private sector. The event concluded with the presentation of success stories in the fields of public health, green transition and research infrastructures. The Research and Capacity Building with Africa initiative was also presented during the meeting. This initiative, which Italy intends to develop with the participation of the G7 universities involved, aims to address the structural challenges hindering the potential of research and innovation in Africa. The G7 Conference on Research and Capacity Building with African Countries took place alongside the Big Science Business Forum (BSBF), an international congress dedicated to highly innovative technologies that represent a market for major research infrastructures.

The third edition of the Big Science Business Forum, hosted by the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia at the Generali Convention Center in Porto Vecchio, Trieste, concluded with a symbolic handover led by women. Alessia Rosolen, Regional Minister for Labor, Education, Research, University, and Family for Friuli Venezia Giulia, passed the baton to Jetske Verkerk, Deputy Director of the Directorate for Innovation and Knowledge at the Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands, and Marleentje Verstreken, Representative for FIT, the Belgian Regional Agency for International Trade. Among the emotional images from the four intense days and the call for a female-led future in Big Science, the impressive numbers of this Italian edition emerged. The event is Europe’s most important intersection of science, technology, and business, promoted by ten leading European Big Science Business Forum (BSOs): CERN, ESA, ESO, ESS, ESRF, European XFEL, FAIR, F4E, ILL, and SKAO. “Over 1,300 delegates from 500 organizations were welcomed in the Trieste exhibition space, with 163 stands featuring 245 exhibitors and 14 national pavilions. Thirty-two countries were represented, including Italy, and 2040 applications from young students and researchers under 40 were submitted on the EURES platform in the section dedicated to Big Science, gathered from across Europe,” noted Regional Minister Rosolen. The last day of BSBF was dedicated not only to the younger generation but also to the presence of women in Big Science. The plenary session featured speakers such as Ana Aricha from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and University; Agnes Auledas, Senior Engineer, Atkins Realis; Lars Börjesson, CESAER envoy for S&T infrastructures, Chalmers/CESAER; Raffaella Geometrante, Managing Director of Kyma SpA and Kyma Tehnologija doo; Federica Mantovani, Head of Research Infrastructures, Area Science Park; and Lucy Van Der Tas, Talent Acquisition Lead, ESA. “The Big Science Project has enormous potential not only for technological development but also for cultural and social growth, respecting gender equality,” said Francesca Fantini, coordinator of the Women in Big Science Business Forum group and an engineer at F4Energy. Andrea Illy addressed the young audience, encouraging future leaders in research, science, and business to embrace the need for cultural and social regeneration. A concrete example on stage at BSBF 2024 was the Audace Sailing Team, a project launched by a group of Engineering and Economics students from the University of Trieste. Paolo Acunzo, Director of BSBF 2024, concluded: “With the end of BSBF 2024, we have completed a journey that lasted two and a half years, which took us far and firmly established the presence of Big Science in Trieste and Italy, destined to continue over time.” BSBF, following previous editions in Copenhagen and Granada, will be hosted in Maastricht in 2026, in 2024 is hosted by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region in collaboration with ILO Network Italia, comprising representatives from CNR, ENEA, INAF, and INFN, with Area Science Park in Trieste, PromoTurismo FVG, and promoted by the ten leading European Big Science Organisations (BSOs), including CERN, ESA, ESO, ESS, ESRF, European XFEL, FAIR, F4E, ILL, and SKAO, with support from PERIIA, the pan-European network of Industry Liaison Officers (ILOs). Italy’s bid to host BSBF 2024 received the backing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, and the Ministry of Universities and Research, along with the City of Trieste, the University of Trieste, the Venezia Giulia Chamber of Commerce (Gorizia-Trieste), and the Central European Initiative. The event was hosted by the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia in collaboration with ILO Network Italy, consisting of representatives from CNR, ENEA, INAF, and INFN, as well as Area Science Park in Trieste, PromoTurismo FVG, and promoted by ten leading European Big Science Organisations (BSOs), including CERN, ESA, ESO, ESS, ESRF, European XFEL, FAIR, F4E, ILL, and SKAO, with the support of PERIIA, the pan-European network of national ILO – Industry Liaison Officers. The Italian bid to host BSBF 2024 was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy; the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security; and the Ministry of University and Research, as well as the city of Trieste, the University of Trieste, the Venezia Giulia Gorizia Trieste Chamber of Commerce, and the Central European Initiative.