Sant’Anna School participates in M’illumino di Meno 2026: research and responsibility to address the energy crisis
The Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies is once again taking part in M’illumino di Meno, the national awareness campaign promoted by Rai Radio2 and dedicated to energy saving and sustainable lifestyles. Now in its 22nd edition, the 2026 campaign places science at the center, recognizing its decisive role in addressing the major environmental, energy, and social challenges of our time.
“When the going gets tough, turn to science” is the guiding message of this year’s campaign. It is a clear invitation to look to scientific knowledge as a compass in a historical phase marked by conflicts, energy crises, geopolitical instability, and slowdowns in investments for the ecological transition. In this complex context, research represents a steady point of reference: for years it has examined the impact of fossil fuels on ecosystems, analyzed climate change, and developed solutions based on renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, technological innovation, and more sustainable economic models.
The 2026 theme also highlights the collective responsibility to listen to and value the work of the scientific community. Science is not an abstract body of knowledge, but a shared asset that informs public policies, industrial strategies, and individual behaviors. From smart energy systems to decarbonization technologies, from biodiversity protection to new circular economy models, scientific evidence provides concrete tools to turn today’s challenges into opportunities for sustainable development.
Throughout the weeks of the campaign, the voices of researchers will be featured live on Caterpillar on Rai Radio2 until February 16, the National Day of Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles. This is an opportunity to strengthen the dialogue between science and society and to promote a culture of sustainability grounded in data, analysis, and long term vision.
Sant’Anna’s participation is part of a broader, structural commitment to sustainability that spans research, education, and third mission activities. Projects developed across the School’s different disciplinary areas address the ecological transition from economic, technological, social, and environmental perspectives, contributing to the development of innovative and integrated solutions.
As a concrete sign of its participation in the campaign, at 6:30 p.m. the lights in the School’s buildings will be symbolically switched off for five minutes. A simple yet meaningful gesture that draws attention to the importance of energy saving and to the need for conscious, individual and collective choices.
The School invites faculty, staff, students, PhD candidates, and visitors to take an active part by adopting responsible daily behaviors. Even small shared actions can help build a path toward tangible and lasting change, guided by knowledge and a sense of responsibility toward future generations.
