Science for Water: The Italian Ministry of University and Research at the One Water 2026 Research Forum

ITA - ENG

The Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) would be among the key participants in the first Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum (La Nuvola, Rome – from September 29 to October 2, 2026), the international event dedicated to the major challenges of water security in the Mediterranean. Through workshops, project presentations, and a side event on "Blue Knowledge" bridging research and education, MUR would address topics related to major environmental challenges in order to move beyond emergency management.

Indeed, universities and research institutions would represent the places where climate change is studied, measured, and transformed into innovative solutions. Water would constitute one of the key domains where scientific research, technological innovation, and international cooperation could generate the most tangible impact.

To this end, the in-depth session organized by MUR would bring together research, marine and environmental observation infrastructures, and artificial intelligence to identify novel solutions for sustainable resource management. The objective would be to turn knowledge into concrete cooperation, strengthening—through science diplomacy and the opportunities offered by the Mattei Plan—a Euro-Mediterranean network capable of uniting research, institutions, and public decision-makers.

Program and Speakers (October 1, 2026 – Sala Atlante, 09:30 AM–11:00 AM):

  • 09:30 AM–09:40 AM | Institutional Opening: Gianluigi Consoli (Director General for Internationalization – MUR) – Overview of the session and Mattei Plan priorities for Africa.
  • 09:40 AM–09:55 AM | Introductory Remarks: Angelo Riccaboni (President – PRIMA Foundation) – Research, science diplomacy, and shared knowledge for the Mediterranean.
  • 09:55 AM–10:35 AM | Roundtable: "From Knowledge to Action: Research Infrastructures, Education, and Innovation for a Mediterranean Resilient to Water Scarcity" with Cosimo Solidoro (OGS), Francesco Petracchini (CNR), Umberto Fratino (Polytechnic University of Bari), and Alberto Pirni (Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies).
  • 10:35 AM–10:50 AM | Blue Innovation Pitch Session: Elena Bresci (University of Florence).
  • 10:50 AM–11:00 AM | Closing Remarks: Fabio Fava (Advisor to the Minister for European Research and Innovation – MUR).