More than 150 scientists from Cnr Nano gathered in Modena on June 5–6 for the fourth institute-wide scientific meeting, held at the Modena site of Cnr Nano, located within the university campus. After previous editions – Pisa 2010, Modena 2013, Pisa 2018 – the 2025 meeting provided a unique opportunity to reconnect as a community, foster new scientific conversations, and reflect on shared research directions.
Guided by the tagline “Reconnecting, inspiring interactions”, the event brought together researchers, technologists, collaborators, and staff from across the institute to celebrate our identity and build connections that will spark future breakthroughs. Participants delved into cutting-edge topics, including quantum materials, advanced transmission electron microscopy, THz photonics, nanoscale biosensing, and high-performance computing for materials science. These themes reflect Cnr Nano’s contribution to key global challenges in energy, health, and sustainability.
The program featured scientific sessions with talks and discussions spanning both fundamental and applied nanoscience. Two lively poster sessions showcased the richness and diversity of ongoing research across our Modena and Pisa sites. At the conclusion of the event, the most outstanding posters were awarded, acknowledging the quality and passion of early-career researchers at Cnr Nano.
The meeting was opened by Cnr Nano Director Gaetano Scamarcio, who remarked on the importance of recognizing ourselves as a vibrant and forward-looking scientific community. Federica Venturelli, City Councillor for Education and University Relations of the Municipality of Modena, also took part in the opening session. She emphasized how “the Municipality’s patronage reflects our belief that research is a fundamental engine for cultural growth, innovation and development. The presence of a center of excellence such as Cnr Nano strengthens the bond between scientific knowledge and the local community”.
The event also included a cultural highlight open to the public: on the evening of Thursday, June 5, Cnr Nano hosted a free concert by the AYSO Young Soloists at the Arena – Spazio Culturale in Modena. The chamber ensemble, part of the award-winning Apulian Youth Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Maestro Teresa Satalino, delighted the audience with a program that spanned different musical styles and eras – from Vivaldi and Puccini to Piazzolla, Rota, and Morricone – celebrating the meeting between scientific excellence and artistic expression.
As part of the event, a short tribute video was screened, celebrating the institute and its vibrant community. The video, in Italian, offers a simple and accessible look at what we do at Cnr Nano, and the values that drive and inspire our research every day.
“This meeting is a valuable occasion to reconnect as a vibrant and forward-looking scientific community,” said Gaetano Scamarcio, Director of Cnr Nano. “Thanks to a strong network of collaborations, high-impact scientific production, and our ability to attract competitive funding, we continue to play an active role in driving innovation and delivering meaningful contributions to society”.
The meeting was supported by: Optoprim srl, Gambetti Kenologia, Quantum Design srl, Applied Materials Inc., and by MediaMo srl as media partner.
