Early Italian Space Science in a European Context
Rome, 19 – 20 October 2026
A two-day conference primarily for students, exploring the origins of space science in Italy and the wider European context. The event will also address challenges and opportunities within Europe's academic, educational, research, and industrial space sectors.
Organized by the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, with the support of the UNIVERSEH European University and the Piano Lauree Scientifiche (PLS) – Physics program at Tor Vergata University of Rome, the conference will take place at the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei in Rome on October 19–20, 2026. Founded in 1603 by Federico Cesi—with Galileo Galilei among its early members—the Accademia is one of Europe's oldest scientific institutions.
Description
In the mid-1950s, scientific interest shifted toward outer space, focusing on the innovative use of rockets and satellites for direct exploration. In Italy, driven by Edoardo Amaldi, space research split into two main branches: a technological branch led by Broglio, and a fundamental physics branch—focused primarily on cosmic rays and heliophysics—developed at the Institute of Physics of the University of Rome by pioneers such as Francesca Bachelet, Franco Mariani, Anna Maria Conforto, Alberto Egidi, Sergio Cantarano, and Guido Pizzella.
Upon returning from the United States, several of these researchers established research units within the CNR (National Research Council) and later at the Department of Physics of Tor Vergata University of Rome. Other key centers emerged in Bologna and Milan. Around the same time, the National Institute of Geophysics contributed through studies on the ionosphere and Earth's magnetic field. Nearly 70 years later, this history has positioned Italy as a major participant in international space projects, supported by a vast community of researchers.
Programme
The first part of the Conference, geared toward a broader audience, will highlight early Italian space research. The second part, dedicated to "Future Horizons in Space Research," will address 21st-century challenges and opportunities across academic, educational, and industrial sectors. “University Programs and Opportunities” will be explored, such as the UNIVERSEH project, which is focused on the space field. Lastly, "Space Research and Our World" will examine the impact of space exploration on society, technology, and daily life.
The conference will also commemorate the Lincean academicians F. Mariani and N. F. Ness, alongside a small exhibition featuring original technical drawings of components from the first Italian satellites.
Registration
Registration at the conference is available here.
On-line streaming link
It is also possible to join the conference online using the link below.