ICTP at Italian Parliament

From climate change to AIDS, and from astroparticle physics to science diplomacy, four international research institutes based in and funded by Italy--including ICTP--have made crucial contributions to fields that have led to some of the biggest scientific discoveries in the past half-century.

How Italy and these institutes work together to improve human welfare was the focus of a special parliamentary session held in Rome on 10 June, organized by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

ICTP, along with the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), and the International Center for Relativistic Astrophysics Network (ICRANet), were presented by their respective directors during an extra parliamentary session in Rome. Moderated by Mario Giro, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, those in attendance included Marina Sereni, Vice President of the Parliament, and Stefana Giannini, Minister of Education, Universities and Research.

Also present were representatives of Italy's main research organizations, the National Research Council (CNR) and the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN).

"The four centres are united by scientific excellence, international character and vocation for cooperation, all qualities that must enter the national agenda and become a parliamentary commitment," said Minister Giannini.

Speaking of Italy's enduring support of  the Centre, ICTP Director Fernando Quevedo said, "ICTP and Italy have been effective partners in international scientific cooperation for more than 50 years. The Centre's inclusive approach to training and research spreads knowledge and peace to every corner of the world, despite adverse learning or research conditions. All of this has been possible thanks to the enduring support of Italy."

More details of the ICTP/Italy partnership can be found here.