The third day of the 2025 edition of the Conference of Scientific and Space Attachés and Agricultural Experts opens today in Naples with the participation of the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani.
To mark the 2,500th anniversary of the founding of the city, after previous sessions held at the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station, the Department of Agricultural Sciences of the University of Naples Federico II at the Royal Palace of Portici, and the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the Scampia Campus, today’s proceedings are hosted at the INAF Capodimonte Astronomical Observatory. The event welcomes 62 Attachés operating in the fields of science and research—key members of the Italian Foreign Ministry’s global scientific diplomacy network.
In addition to showcasing Italian excellence in areas such as research security, innovation in the agri-food sector, space and biotechnology, the Conference aims to foster new synergies among institutions, the scientific community, and industry. This is to be achieved by integrating scientific research into the wider framework of Italy’s international promotion strategy and export support.
Scientific diplomacy is an essential component of the internationalisation of Italy’s production system. It enhances the global competitiveness of Italian enterprises and contributes to the international recognition of our national research and innovation ecosystem, reinforcing Italy’s image as a global leader and a prime destination for talent and investment in high-tech sectors.
Joining Minister Tajani at the institutional session will be the Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, and Deputy Minister Edmondo Cirielli. Deputy Minister Cirielli will present awards to outstanding Italian researchers abroad, successful founders of Italian start-ups operating overseas, and women who have excelled in scientific research.
The final day of the Conference will also feature thematic sessions on quantum computing and high-performance computing, as well as on the challenges and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence and cyber security. A special tourist-astronomical guide to Naples—developed by INAF and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—will also be officially presented.
