On May 23rd, 2025, within the prestigious halls of the European Parliament in Brussels, I had the distinct honor of representing the Institute for Advanced Studies and Cooperation (IASCOP) during the opening session of the XIX Conference of Italian Researchers in the World. As President of IASCOP and Founder of the World Changers Summit, it was both a privilege and a responsibility to deliver the welcoming address on behalf of the esteemed founder of the conference, Mr. Vincenzo Arcobelli.
In this solemn capacity, I also moderated the institutional panel that featured an exceptional array of distinguished guests, members of the European Parliament, university rectors, ambassadors, and leaders of the global scientific community. Their presence reaffirmed our shared commitment to strengthening the bridges between scientific advancement, cultural identity, and global governance.
The event opened with the warm words of Her Excellency Antonella Sberna, Vice President of the European Parliament, followed by Anne Weyembergh, Vice Rector of the Université libre de Bruxelles, and Andrea Giuffrida, President of the Texas Scientific Italian Community. We were also honored by the participation of Antonio Cenini, Conference Coordinator and representative of the Consiglio Generale degli Italiani all’Estero (CGIE), and Her Excellency Federica Favi, Italian Ambassador to Belgium.
I welcomed participants on behalf of IASCOP, an institution dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary research and promoting a values-based dialogue across science, diplomacy, humanitarian action, and technological ethics. Alongside our mission, the World Changers Summit (www.wcsiasc.org) continues to serve as a global platform for visionary leaders to shape frameworks of peacebuilding, ethical AI, quantum innovation, sustainability, and regenerative medicine.
With heartfelt gratitude, I extend special thanks to Mr. Vincenzo Arcobelli, whose dedication and vision continue to inspire this vital conference. We also acknowledged anticipated contributions from Italy’s Minister of Health, Hon. Orazio Schillaci, and Minister of University and Research, Hon. Anna Maria Bernini (TBC).
The session further welcomed distinguished speakers representing Italian research associations across the world:
•Cristina Bettin (Israel, AISSI)
•Ilaria Pagani (Australia, ARIA)
•Rossana De Angelis (France, RÉCIF)
•Carla Molteni (United Kingdom, AISUK)
•Fabio Pinna (Belgium, AIRIcerca)
•Simone Lucatello on behalf of Rosanna Bonasia (Mexico, ARIM)
In these times of profound transformation, IASC remains committed to cultivating the alliance between innovation and ethical responsibility, and to supporting the global Italian scientific diaspora in its vital role as a bridge between cultures, disciplines, and nations.
This session at the European Parliament was not merely a ceremonial gathering—it was a reaffirmation of a collective purpose: to elevate knowledge, safeguard values, and serve humanity.