Bringing science closer to citizens, stimulating curiosity, and above all, offering young people the tools to develop scientific skills and critical thinking.
This is the goal behind "Scienza in Piazza," the event returning to Olbia on November 18 and 19. For the first time, organized not only by the Olbia chapter, but also by Mathesis Nazionale—with the support of the Sardinia Region and the collaboration of schools, the Municipality, the MIM, the Sardinian Regional School Office, and Geasar, which is hosting the event at the Costa Smeralda Airport—the initiative is part of the process that is transforming the city into a scientific hub, projected toward a technological future.
The event focuses on students and their desire to challenge themselves, transforming the knowledge acquired in class into concrete experiences to share with the community. "It's a challenge for our young people, who grow, work, and teach us so many things," Mayor Settimo Nizzi emphasized, highlighting the importance of initiatives that foster creativity and participation among the younger generations. For Antonietta Carbone , the driving force behind the initiative and president of the Olbia chapter of Mathesis, the goal is to expand the community's scientific knowledge and encourage each student to develop the skills that allow them to approach reality with a critical mind and a fresh perspective.
An educational project that, as recalled by the Councilor for Public Education Sabrina Serra , also represents one of the most beautiful expressions of a school capable of leaving its classrooms and engaging with the local community.
Geasar's support is significant, as it will host the event with a team of professionals. "We welcomed the event because it is fully consistent with our corporate vision, which is focused on environmental sustainability and supporting new generations," explained Mario Garau , Geasar's head of route development and commercial strategy. "The airport community is thus opening up to the local community, offering its spaces and involving young people as much as possible."
The involvement of Mathesis Nazionale represents a breakthrough beyond regional borders. President Domenica Di Sorbo emphasized the value of the connection between school and community: "STEM subjects shouldn't be considered difficult or distant from young people; they can be made accessible through good teaching and effective methods. It's crucial, especially in the age of artificial intelligence, to continue investing in knowledge and skills, which are essential to addressing the ongoing changes."
The event will be divided into three main areas: science to be explored, with exhibits; science in dialogue, through conferences and outreach meetings; and science to be experimented with, with workshops and educational activities. Among the main themes is the Einstein Telescope, with an in-depth look at the project's progress and its prospects for the region. Ample space will also be dedicated to artificial intelligence, addressing its various applications, from medicine to image and video generation, robotics, and digital twins.
The November 19 program will also feature meetings dedicated to CRS4, the new frontiers of genetic sequencing, radiocarbon research, and the applications of artificial intelligence in personal computing and biomedical imaging.
Among the most anticipated events is the connection with NASA on International Cosmic Day 2026, featuring a keynote address by astronomer Rich Terrile. There will also be plenty of workshop activities, including student challenges to create images using artificial intelligence and an educational game dedicated to energy transition and environmental sustainability.
Literature will also be given a spotlight with "Trial of the Book," an initiative by students from the "Mossa" high school, who will debate Grazia Deledda's novel "The Secret of the Solitary Man" in a real courtroom. "The protagonists of Scienza in Piazza are the teachers and students: this is their opportunity to showcase the work, even the most demanding, they do every day. The event will also be a window of opportunity for middle school students," said Gianluca Corda, principal of the "Mossa" high school, who was present with students from the Applied Sciences program.
