GeoAdriatico Symposium 2024: Elettra Engaged in Innovation and Artificial Intelligence, Scientific Diplomacy, and International Cooperation

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With the 2024 edition of the GeoAdriatico event (June 13-16), Trieste has become the center of debate on how technology, scientific research, and diplomacy can intersect to address some of the most pressing global crises. Among the numerous events scheduled, Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste was involved in two sessions that highlighted the region's capacity for innovation and international cooperation: a symposium at the Mib School of Management and a meeting focused on Research Infrastructures organized by Area Science Park. 'Scientific Cooperation and Research Infrastructures' was the theme addressed at Area Science Park. This roundtable, held in the Anzellotti room on the Padriciano campus, highlighted the importance of Research Infrastructures (RI) in scientific diplomacy and international cooperation. Caterina Petrillo, President of Area Science Park, opened the meeting, which saw the participation of scientific leaders from Europe, the Middle East, and the African Union. Jana Kolar and Allen Weeks illustrated how consortia, CERIC-ERIC and ELI-ERIC, promote scientific collaboration in Europe and beyond. Specifically, Andrea Lausi discussed the applications of synchrotron light at SESAME in the Middle East, while Simon Henry Connell presented initiatives of scientific collaboration in Africa with the project of a new research infrastructure in South Africa.

Alfonso Franciosi, President and CEO of Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, highlighting the research center's experience, emphasized the importance of international collaborations in the scientific field, which overcome barriers and promote shared progress. This was followed by a debate in the presence of regional councilor Alessia Rosolen. 'Red Sea and Middle East Crisis: The Challenge of Digitalization, Artificial Intelligence, and Logistics’ organized by the Mib School of Management was the conference that explored the impact of digitalization and artificial intelligence on global and regional dynamics, particularly in the context of crises in the Red Sea and Middle East. Maritime industry experts, academics, and technologists discussed how AI and digital innovations can improve maritime logistics and address challenges arising from conflicts and migrations. Roberto Pugliese, vice-general coordinator of Elettra Sincrotrone, contributed his vision on the importance of adapting to new technologies without fear, emphasizing how artificial intelligence can transform the labor sector. Both events underscored the importance of dialogue and collaboration across different sectors and nations to tackle global challenges. The synergy between technological advancements and international cooperation emerges as crucial for resolving contemporary crises and promoting human progress. With its ongoing commitment to global initiatives, Trieste confirms itself as an essential reference point for science and innovation, positively influencing international dynamics.