SCIENCE MAKES US ALL EQUAL (as kids remind us)
A week has passed since my participation in Science is Wonderful! 2026, and this morning I finally found the time to reflect on what happened.
Presenting your research to children is not only a powerful exercise in communication (if you cannot explain your work to a child, you probably do not fully master it) but it also makes your research tangible. It brings it into the real world, into culture. Children, their parents, and their teachers come to know who you are and what you do.
Over time, this helps cultivate a society where innovation and culture can grow like a strong, deeply rooted tree. This tree shapes our communities.
Such a tree can shield us from inequality and autocratic tendencies, and protect us from the chill of ignorance. This, to me, is one of the truest expressions of democracy and equality. And this is why science outreach is such a powerful tool.
Among all programs, I believe the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions embody this spirit perfectly. They not only provide an exceptional environment for education and research, but also create continuous opportunities to build networks and strengthen international connections (even with the youngest audiences).
Standing together in front of the fur of a lion, the intricate web of a spider, or the majestic presence of a bear, we are all equal.
Awe knows no borders, no nationality.
It was a wonderful event. As always, I met so many brilliant people and I am deeply grateful to the MSCA team for giving me the opportunity to be part of it. In particular Sybille Luhmann Annelies Van de Ven Louise Tytgat Aline Paulissen and all the others that I forgot!
I had the chance to share a piece of my project EPASS, along with some of the exciting new directions we are developing within the CompMech@UniPV group and at DICAr, Università degli Studi di Pavia.
A special thanks goes to my colleague Martina Schembri, who was essential to my survival throughout the event.
I am already looking forward to the next science communication adventure.
Science outreach is NEVER a waste of time.
Science is Wonderful
Pictures from European Commission 2026
EPASS project: https://lnkd.in/dRUfN5xs
