As in previous years, APECS Italy successfully hosted its National Conference on November 6th and 7th, 2025. The event adopted a hybrid format, taking place both in person at the Biblioteca Universitaria di Genova (Genoa, Italy) and online. This year’s conference was dedicated to the International Year of Glacier Preservation, proclaimed on January 21, 2025, by UNESCO and the WMO, and the program featured high-level presentations and contributions from leading experts in the field.
Picture by Alice Guzzi
During the first day, Dr. G. Baccolo (University of Rome 3) gave a presentation focusing on the conference’s main theme, while Prof. S. Schiaparelli (University of Genoa) covered the history of Italian research in Antarctica and its future challenges. The second day included a joint presentation by L. Parigi (Osservatorio Artico) and Prof. R. Ivaldi (Istituto Idrografico della Marina) on the High North expedition in the Arctic. Following this, A. Pizzinato delivered a presentation on the crucial role of arts in science communication.
Throughout the event, and as in the previous year, participants also had the opportunity to visit the photographic exhibition "Bianco Riflesso." Curated by APECS Italy member Dr. M. Tenti, the exhibition showcased stunning images from her expeditions to Antarctica, offering a unique visual insight into the polar landscape.
The conference, which was held in Italian, was free to attend and primarily aimed at students, PhD candidates, and research fellows/post-docs, particularly those working across the earth, life, chemical, physical, and humanistic and social sciences. The event successfully fostered a dynamic and inclusive environment, encouraging the participation of a younger audience with diverse scientific interests. The invitation was also extended to enthusiasts and members of the public keen to hear the latest developments in Italian Polar Science research.
This year’s event saw a total of around 60 attendees, with 30 joining in person and 32 scientific presentations delivered throughout the conference.
