Sant’Anna Science Café promotes scientific dissemination through cutting-edge research: from neuroengineering at the service of humanity to a new idea of feminism, in an edition that blends science, culture, and music
Neuroengineering at the service of humanity and feminism as an opportunity for a more equitable and just society are the themes of the new edition of the Sant'Anna Science Café, the popular science event open to the public and free of charge organized by the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa. Teachers and researchers share the results of their research with the public, offering a unique opportunity for in-depth discussion in an informal setting, where scientific dissemination blends with culture and music.
Under the scientific supervision of Debora Angeloni, professor of molecular biology at the Institute of Biorobotics and creator of the event, the 2025 edition is being revamped and enhanced thanks to the collaboration of Barbara Gallavotti, journalist, science communicator, and biologist, and Francesca Florio, criminal lawyer and legal communicator. There are two events on the calendar, both scheduled to take place in the garden of the Sant'Anna School headquarters: Thursday, June 12, starting at 7 p.m., ‘Neuroengineering at the service of humanity’ with Silvestro Micera, professor of Bioengineering at the BioRobotics Institute, and Barbara Gallavotti; Thursday, June 26, starting at 7 p.m., ‘Feminism is for everyone’ with Federica Merenda, post-doc at the Dirpolis Institute, and Francesca Florio.
“The Sant'Anna Science Café is an opportunity to talk about the research carried out at the Sant'Anna School in particular, but also to highlight the valuable resource that scientific research is for our society in general,” says Debora Angeloni. "In a world dominated by technology and biotechnology, it is important to have the cultural tools to understand the concepts behind new applications and to interpret the information we receive from the media. In this way, we hope to contribute to the spread of scientific awareness that facilitates understanding of reality, self-defense against ‘fake news’ and certain myths, and, when appropriate, informed participation in democratic decision-making processes. All this in a relaxed and informal setting, using language that is accessible to ‘non-experts’ but without compromising scientific rigor."
The events
‘Neuroengineering at the service of humanity: between technology and artificial intelligence’ is the title of the first evening of the Sant'Anna Science Café, scheduled for Thursday, June 12. The event will begin at 7 p.m. with a pre-event featuring Barbara Gallavotti, who will meet readers at the Edicola della Legalità in Piazza Martiri delle Libertà and sign copies of her book 'Il futuro è già qui. Cosa può fare davvero l'intelligenza artificiale' (The future is already here. What artificial intelligence can really do). The Libreria Erasmus bookshop in Pisa will also be present. At 9 p.m. in the internal garden of the School's headquarters, Silvestro Micera and Barbara Gallavotti will present ‘Neuroengineering at the service of humanity: between technology and artificial intelligence’, a dialogue on the potential of neural technologies and the impact of artificial intelligence on people's lives.
This will be followed by live music by Hector Ramirez. There will also be a tasting of artisan liqueurs organized by Sud Senza Una Direzione.
On Thursday, June 26, the meeting ‘Feminism is for everyone’ is scheduled. The first part begins at 7 p.m. at the Edicola della Legalità and includes a book signing by Francesca Florio for her book ‘Non chiamatelo revenge porn’ (Don't call it revenge porn). At 9:00 p.m., Federica Merenda and Francesca Florio will present ‘Feminism is for everyone’, an open reflection on how feminist thinking can contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society.
This will be followed by live music with Jevens and craft beer tasting by Birrificio Il Birrante.
