Public Engagement
Public engagement is a core component of ICMATE’s mission: to foster an open and ongoing dialogue between research and society, making materials science and chemistry accessible, understandable, and relevant to everyone.
ICMATE researchers actively take part in outreach events addressed to the general public—such as the European Researchers’ Night, the Genoa Science Festival, Science4All in Padua, and Scienza in Villa in Montebelluna (TV)—through interactive demonstrations, open labs, public talks, and opportunities for direct exchange with citizens and families. In these contexts, research steps outside the laboratory to showcase its concrete impact on energy, sustainability, advanced technologies, and quality of life.
In parallel, ICMATE designs and delivers activities specifically for schools: experimental laboratories, thematic seminars, educational kits, and serious games aimed at fostering curiosity, active participation, and critical thinking in younger generations.
Through these initiatives, the Institute helps to disseminate scientific culture, strengthen awareness of the key role of materials in today’s global challenges, and build a solid and lasting bridge between the scientific community and civil society.
PROGETTO Co.Science
Co.Science (https://www.coscience.eu/) is a European project funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie program, involving six partners: the CNR (with active participation from ICMATE at the Milan and Lecco sites), the National Museum of Science and Technology in Milan, Italbiotec, FAST, and the University of Insubria.
The initiative brings science into cities and schools across Lombardy, creating spaces for direct dialogue between researchers and citizens through educational activities, open laboratories, seminars, and the European Researchers’ Night. It also includes the development of training modules to enhance the communication skills of researchers and teachers, as well as the dissemination of European perspectives on research and innovation.
SCIENCE 4ALL (Padova)
Science4All is the University of Padua’s science festival: a major science communication event designed for the public and schools, featuring workshops, interactive activities, science cafés, performances, and guided tours throughout the city center and various academic sites.
CNR-ICMATE participated in the 2025 edition as part of the CNR Research Area of Padua stand, alongside other CNR institutes and the RFX Consortium. The exhibit offered hands-on experiments focused on chemistry and materials, energy efficiency devices, and educational games. (https://science4all.it/attivita/gira-la-ruota-della-ricerca/)
Scienza in Villa (Montebelluna – TV)
Scienza in Villa is a project launched in 2019 by a group of professionals united by a passion for science and outreach. The Weekend Edition, held at Villa Correr Pisani in Montebelluna (TV), reached its fourth edition in 2025, promoting intensive science communication activities for the public and schools.
The event allows visitors to engage with the world of science and technology in a fun and interactive way. ICMATE participates in the Weekend Edition through talks and workshops led by researchers from the Padua Research Area.
Festival della Scienza – Genova
The Science Festival (Festival della Scienza) is a leading event for the dissemination of scientific culture and has become an international benchmark over the years. The CNR is an official partner of the event, which for over twenty years has annually gathered hundreds of scientists, researchers, communicators, artists, and authors from around the world in Genoa.
The Festival’s extensive program features conferences, exhibitions, workshops, performances, and special events tailored to audiences of all ages and levels of expertise. Recent editions have recorded 200,000 attendees, including 25,000 students from across Italy.
ICMATE has been a regular participant for several years (since at least 2018), contributing hands-on workshops and laboratory activities designed by its own researchers.
SHARPER (European Researchers’ Night)
SHARPER – SHAring Researchers’ Passion for Education and Rights is one of the Italian projects supported by the European Commission for the realization of the European Researchers’ Night. Its goal is to involve citizens in discovering the profession of a researcher and the vital role they play in shaping the future of society.
The project is coordinated by the science communication agency Psiquadro, in collaboration with a consortium led by the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) and five universities: the Polytechnic University of Marche, and the Universities of Cagliari, Catania, Palermo, and Perugia.
Additionally, the Immaginario Scientifico science center in Trieste and the Observa Science in Society association are key partners. Associate partners include the Universities of Camerino, Genoa, Bari, Sassari, and Urbino.
In total, more than 200 institutions, cultural partners, and research organizations—including CNR, INAF, and INGV—are involved, delivering over 800 initiatives designed to ensure safe engagement for citizens of all ages.
ICMATE participates in the European Researchers’ Night through the coordination of the Genoa Research Area, contributing its own laboratories and researcher-led activities.
Famelab
An international competition for researchers and students
FameLab is the premier talent show in the field of science communication, designed for young researchers and university students with a flair for public speaking.
The event was created by Cheltenham Festivals and promoted worldwide by the British Council across more than 30 different countries until the 2021 edition. Since 2022, the event in Italy has been organized by Psiquadro in collaboration with the Cheltenham Science Festival.
The FameLab Italy competition involves pre-selections and local heats held in numerous Italian cities.
ICMATE assists in the organization of the event and participates in the competition with its youngest researchers.
“Food & Science Festival”, Mantova
The Food&Science Festival is a unique science communication event of national and international significance. It explores and delves into themes related to the science of food production and consumption in a creative and accessible manner.
“Festival delle Scienze”, Roma
The Rome Science Festival (Festival delle Scienze di Roma), produced by Fondazione Musica per Roma with scientific curation by Codice Edizioni, is a well-established fixture in Rome’s cultural landscape. With its innovative approach and focus on the latest trends in scientific research and education, it offers a wide range of inspiring activities for both children and adults, featuring meetings and workshops specifically designed for schools and families.
“CICAP Fest”, Padova
CICAP Fest is the primary event organized by CICAP (the Italian Committee for the Investigation of Pseudoscience Claims). It is an annual gathering where thousands of people come together to share knowledge and stimulate curiosity, the joy of discovery, and critical thinking.
“Una sola Terra”, Brescia
The Festival is promoted by the Municipality of Brescia and Fondazione Brescia Musei, in collaboration with Codice Edizioni and with the participation of A2A, as part of the Bergamo Brescia Italian Capital of Culture initiative, thanks to the fundamental drive of the Brescia Museum of Natural Sciences.