Since the latter half of the 20th century, basic research in the life sciences has advanced at a breathtaking pace, leading to major discoveries that have driven innovation, economic growth, and broad societal benefits. Breakthroughs in molecular and cellular life sciences have played a central role in this progress. Fields such as genomics—through improved analytical protocols—have delivered transformative outcomes across many applied contexts. Similarly, AI-supported imaging continues to reshape how data are analyzed, with machine learning now essential for pushing scientific frontiers.
Addressing complex biological questions increasingly requires integrated approaches across scales, from molecules to ecosystems, leading to the concept of predictive biology. By combining diverse data sources, researchers can better understand biological systems and anticipate their behavior. HFSP supports these developments by fostering cross-disciplinary, international collaborations that bring together scientists from different fields to tackle frontier research questions.
The HFSP Symposium Frontier Science in Italy, hosted in collaboration with the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), took place on 21 April 2026 in Rome. The event brought together over 60 participants from across Italy, along with an international speaker, to share current advances and discuss future directions in life science research and innovation.
📸 Photos from the symposium are available on our Flickr album.
PROGRAM
09.00: Opening and Welcome
Andrea Lenzi, President Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Italy
Francesco Dotta, Director of the CNR Department of Biomedical Science, Italy
Gianluigi Consoli, Director General for Internationalization and Communication, Ministry of University and Research (MUR), Italy
Pavel Kabat, Secretary General HFSPO
09.30: Keynote lecture
Are we really free? Novel insights from behavioral Neuroscience
by Pietro Pietrini, IMT School for Advanced Studies, Lucca, Italy
10.15: COFFEE BREAK
10:45 - 12:15: Oral Session I
Moderator: Marcella Devoto, CNR, Italy
Using light to counteract central nervous system diseases: towards a light-powered brain
Fabio Benfenati, Istituto Italiano Di Technologia, Neuroscience & Smart Materials, Italy
Engineering Gene Circuits for Gene Therapy of rare genetic disorder
Diego di Bernardo, University of Naples Federico II and TIGEM, Naples, Italy
Mechanistic insights to advance hematopoietic stem cell-based gene therapies
Raffaella Di Micco, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, Milan, Italy
12:15: LUNCH
14.00 - 16:00: Oral Session II
Moderator: Fabio Benfenati, Istituto Italiano Di Technologia, Neuroscience & Smart Materials, Italy; and HFSPO Council of Scientists Member representing Italy
Plasma membrane and organelle remodeling in morphogenesis in embryogenesis
Richa Rikhy, IISER Pune, India and HFSPO Council of Scientists Member representing India
From exploring inter-organelle communication to transformation
Konstantinos Lefkimmiatis, University of Pavia and Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
A Scientific Journey from Synapse Biology to Neuro-Immune Interactions
Michela Matteoli, Humanitas University and Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
Uncovering the mechanisms of decentralized vision in sea urchins: from a no-brain to an all -brain view
Maria Ina Arnone, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
16.00: Closing remarks
Pavel Kabat, Secretary General HFSPO
16.15: RECEPTION
HFSPO thanks all speakers and participants for contributing to a dynamic and engaging symposium.