On November 18th and 19th I took part in the China-Italy Science, Technology and Innovation Week (CISTIW) in Chongqing. The CISTIW is the most important forum for Sino-Italian cooperation in science, technology and innovation.
During these days, the strategic role of Sant’Anna School in scientific and academic exchanges has been underlined different times. Such role has resounded in the words of the Minister of Education, Universities and Research, Hon. Stefania Giannini. The Minister highlighted the presence of Galileo Galilei Italian Institute (GGII) within Chongqing University (CQU) and its connecting role between a well-known university of excellence and China’s scientific and technological development. The Minister Giannini met the President of Chongqing University, Zhou Xuhong. It was my honor to take part in this historical event with Piero Tonutti, Vice-dean for International Relations. On this occasion, a honorary professorship was conferred to the Minister, who also delivered a Lectio Magistralis for the students of Chongqing University.
Following the Minister’s lectio, the second seminar of the series China through the Telescope organized by the GGII took place, with the scientific supervision of Sant’Anna School and the sponsorship of Confindustria Toscana. I was the keynote speaker of the seminar with a presentation entitled The relevance of Chongqing in the framework of Italian strategy in Science and Technology cooperation with China.
The value of the presence of Galilei Institute was stressed also by the General Consul Sergio Maffettone at the opening ceremony of the second day of the CISTIW. Addressing the Italian participants and a crowded audience of Chinese attendances, he wanted to state the role of GGII as a landmark, not only for research, but also for those entrepreneurs and firms which are looking at this area of China.
During the second day in Chongqing, Marino Lavorgna (NRC) and I have led a joint workshop about health and sustainable development, organized by Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies and Italy’s National Research Council (NRC), together with other local academic partners. The workshop focused on new materials, technologies and management strategies.