The Italian Embassy in Berlin, in collaboration with SIGN, the Scienziati Italiani in Germania Network, and FAI, the Forum Accademico Italiano, hosted the States General of Italian Research in Germany on Thursday, 23 April 2026, in the early afternoon.
All members of the Italian research community in Germany, not only SIGN member (!), were strongly encouraged to attend the event in person in Berlin on 23 April 2026 (14:30-18:00), registering via the link https://tinyurl.com/statigenerali26 . Additionally, it was possible to attend the event "Quantum: Research, Industry and the Arts" (18:30–21:00), followed by a reception featuring Italian specialties, for which separate registration is required via
https://tinyurl.com/grim26 .
The initiative is grounded in the scale and strategic relevance of the Italian scientific presence in Germany. Approximately 15,000 Italian students, 5,800 researchers and 350 professors are currently active across German universities, research centres and innovation hubs. This constitutes a major human and scientific asset whose value depends critically on coordination, mutual awareness and the capacity to act collectively. Strengthening this community is essential both to increase its impact within the German research landscape and to support Italian research at a time when Europe is called to act with coherence and credibility. Below, the program of the event:
Venue: Italian Embassy, Tiergartenstr. 22, 10785 Berlin
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Doors open: 14:00
Opening Session
Panel 1: Research Ecosystem and Italy–Germany Cooperation
- 14:45 – Panel discussion
- 15:20 – Q&A
- 16:00 – Coffee break
Topics:
- Collaborations, joint projects, networking
- Bilateral programs and funding
- Mobility of researchers and students
- Academic careers, PhD and postdoc pathways
- Return to Italy, dual affiliations, degree recognition
- Administrative barriers and talent attraction
Keynote: Piergiorgio Alotto, Ambasciata di Berlino e Università di Padova
Panelists:
Moderator: Vito Gironda, University of Bielefeld
Panel 2: Scientific Domains, Innovation and Cultural Valorisation
- 16:30 – Keynote
- 16:40 – Panel discussion
- 17:15 – Q&A
- 18:00 – Technical break
Evening Event
- 18:30 – “Quantum: Research, Industry and the Arts”
- 20:00 – Reception
Introductory remarks: H.E. Fabrizio Bucci
Keynotes:
- Christiane Koch, Freie Universität Berlin
- Fabio Sciarrino, Sapienza University of Rome
Panel discussion: Shaping the Quantum Future
- Sebastian Blatt, planqc
- Laura D’Angelo, Eniquantic
- Chiara Macchiavello, University of Pavia
- Paolo Villoresi, University of Padua
Moderator: Tommaso Calarco
Closing keynote: Bettina Kames, LAS Art Foundation
The States General are conceived as a political and strategic forum rather than a purely academic meeting. The objective is to take stock of the current role, visibility and positioning of Italian research in Germany, while also identifying structural challenges, emerging opportunities and priority areas for action. Particular emphasis will be placed on transforming shared analysis into operational proposals and coherent policy directions that can inform institutional dialogue and future initiatives.
SIGN invites all members, as well as the wider Italian academic and research community in Germany, to give maximum visibility to this initiative. Members are encouraged to share the survey and information about the event within their professional networks, institutions and research groups, with the aim of fostering wide participation and informed discussion.
The States General of Italian Research in Germany are intended as a concrete step toward a more coordinated, visible and influential scientific community, capable of contributing effectively to both the German and European research ecosystems.
Invito del S.E. Fabrizio Bucci. Ambasciatore d'Italia in Germania (PDF)
