MosaicoScienze Event Wrap-Up: Success, Participation, and Future Plans
We have finally reached the end of the event. Still riding the wave of euphoria, the eight municipalities of the Morainic Hills (Castiglione delle Stiviere, Cavriana, Medole, Monzambano, Ponti sul Mincio, Pozzolengo, Solferino, Volta Mantovana) are preparing to dismantle and store away (only until next year!) all the Mosaico setup. everyone’s feelings are divided between enthusiasm and excitement, satisfaction with the excellent outcome, and a touch of sadness for the conclusion of the experience. However, everyone is aware that MosaicoScienze is not finished: it is only “suspended.” We look forward to reconnecting and gathering together again in a year, strengthened by this edition’s experience and enriched by the enthusiasm it has left behind.
Balance and Participation
The current feedback is extremely positive from all perspectives; foremost, the extraordinary participation of the audience, which showed interest in the Guests that exceeded all expectations. Ordinary people demonstrated an understanding of the spirit of MosaicoScienze and, unphased by the fame of the guests, participated actively, asked questions, debated, and helped turn the Scientific Itinerary meetings into true events that were stimulating and engaging for everyone.
The scientific sessions were all of great interest: from the opening talk with Massimo Polidoro, who also participated in Friday evening’s inauguration, drawing a considerable crowd in Solferino on Saturday. The last, in chronological order, was with Oliverio in Ponti sul Mincio, where seats in the hall were insufficient to accommodate all, even with additional chairs repeatedly added!
Between these two points in time, other meetings took place: from the debate on genetically modified foods between Lanzi and Barbieri, to the discussion on cloning between Carlo Casini and Giuseppe Novelli, which featured, among others, the participation of Rita Levi Montalcini. Both sessions addressed fundamental themes relevant in today’s world; the debate between Guerra and Cordioli on heart transplants extended well beyond expectations, captivating all attendees.
The conference by Roberto Vacca drew notable audience engagement; the session on extreme sports, with Sponsiello Battaglia and De Stefani, fostered an exciting debate in the room on current issues. Brunelli‘s presentation was particularly compelling and accessible, despite the complexity of the topic.
The double session with Malerba, after the event in Volta Mantovana, successfully kept students in Medole glued to their seats for over an hour and a half on Sunday morning. Organizationally, the participation of the volunteer sector was vital—they helped in every way, offering rides to guests, managing Information Points, rushing around, and addressing the myriad small needs that arise unexpectedly during an event like MosaicoScienze. It was thanks to their dedication, combined with the intense and constant efforts of the professionals, that everything functioned smoothly.
Many moments will be remembered: the arrival of Rita Levi Montalcini, who proved to everyone meeting her for the first time that, beyond being a brilliant scientist, she was a person rich in humanity and extraordinary kindness. Overall, all the guests adapted perfectly to the situation and were very willing to engage with the atmosphere of MosaicoScienze, seizing the opportunity to spend time together, deepen mutual understanding, and chat. Many participants attended each other’s conferences, and examples include encountering Vacca and Brunelli at the debate between Novelli and Carlo Casini, or Sponsiello, De Stefani, and Battaglia at the session with Oliverio. Those able did not miss the aperitif with astronaut Malerba, among others.