On 26 May in Turin, the new Manifesto on Public Engagement was officially launched by APEnet – the Italian Network of Universities and Research Institutions for Public Engagement – of which SISSA is an active member. The document outlines a shared vision of the social role of research, aiming to strengthen dialogue between science and society and enhance the cultural, social, and economic impact of knowledge.
“At SISSA, our commitment to public engagement is rooted in over thirty years of experience, particularly through the ‘Franco Prattico’ Master’s in Science Communication, one of the first of its kind in Europe. This cultural and educational heritage has helped promote a view of science that is open, inclusive and deeply connected to society. We fully embrace the APEnet Manifesto, which recognises the public value of knowledge and highlights the role of research institutions in building meaningful, lasting relationships with citizens,” said SISSA Director Andrea Romanino.
APEnet was founded in 2018 and became a formal association in 2022. Today, it brings together more than 50 universities, research institutions, polytechnics and schools across Italy, with the aim of strengthening the visibility and strategic role of public engagement in the academic and scientific landscape.