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The Italian city of Trieste is also known as the City of Science. It features 2 universities, 1 national science and technology park, over 30 research institutes, and a very high percentage of researchers (over 35 per 1'000 employed against a EU average of <6).

Trieste Next is an “observatory” where applied research and new technologies find visibility, a “laboratory” of concrete ideas and practical solutions to increase the well-being of communities and the competitiveness of companies. Trieste Next wants to strengthen and promote awareness that the relationship between research and the productive world is a key factor for development; a “showcase of innovation” and applied research where researchers and entrepreneurs present their experiences and tell how, thanks to the technological transfer of the most advanced research, new solutions can be born.

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30th March 2021, 10:00 - 13:00 - Joint Lab Meeting: the IN-FET and the HERMES projects

Michele Giugliano (SISSA) and Gabriella Panuccio (IIT) organised a joint lab meeting between two consortia, funded by the European Commission in the Horizon 2020 programme.

25th February 2021, 11:45 - 13:00 - Science Dialogue between biological and silicon neurons

Michele Giugliano (SISSA), Luca Heltai, Guido Sanguinetti, Davide Zoccolan will meet virtually and discuss about the recent progress of brain science and artificial intelligence, moderated by Simona Cerrato, Luca Papapietro e Claudia Sciarma at the SISSA's Student Day.

Progresses of artificial intelligence are around us, from Siri to Spotigy. These are largely due to the computational paradigm of artificial neural networks, organising computing units in hierarchical structures able to store and decode patterns in data. These architectures have been originally inspired by anatomical and physiological studies on the brain. How far are the similarities with biology reaching? Which are the differences at a fundamental level? Is it really “intelligence”? Four scientists discuss these technologies with the perspectives of neurosciences, computer science, and math.

14th January 2021, 10:00 - 12:00 - IN-FET Workshop on Communication and Responsible Research and Innovation

Watch it again, in case you missed it!

Dr. Nico Petrelli is leading the Media Relations and Communication Unit of SISSA and is the director of the “Science Communication Master - Franco Prattico”. He has been the communication manager of EuroScience Open Forum 2020 and he is very active as science journalist. He directed the Journal of Science Communication and authored several books of general interest on science and the media.

Abstract: Science communication is not only about how knowledge travels between individuals and groups, it is not necessarily carried out by scientists, and its users are not always motivated by a simple desire to know more science.It is also about organisations, social conflicts, careers and it involves collectives.In this talk we will discuss science communication in the context of the relationships between science, citizens and democracy. How does public communication of science relate to scientific citizenship?

Dr. Chiara Saviane is faculty at SISSA, teaching in the “Science Communication Master”. She has been working as Science Programme Officer at the Wellcome Trust of London, UK, and has a strong and international background on Neuroscience research. She is member of the Media Relations and Communication Unit of SISSA, and has a keen interests in science communication.

Abstract: The latest advancements in neuroscience research are raising ethical, legal and social issues which cannot be dealt with by scientists alone. A dialogue between neuroscientists, clinicians, philosophers, lawyers, policymakers, industry and the wider public is considered more and more necessary for the development of Responsible Research and Innovation and for the shaping of a governance of new technologies in this field. This talk will present some case studies of such initiatives as well as a few communication tools which can be used to foster the dialogue among different stakeholders on controversial issues.

Dr. Ricardo Chavarriaga is the head of the Switzerland Office of the CLAIRE Initiative for excellence in AI, he is a Research Associate at the Institute of Applied Information Technology of the University of Applied Sciences in Zurich, he is chair at the IEEE group on standards for brain-machine interfacing and executive-in-residence at the Geneva Center for Security Policy. He is also chair of the publications committee of the IEEE Brain Initiative and member of the MIT Technology Review Global Panel.

Abstract: The field of neurotechnologies is experiencing a thriving period. Private and public investment has enabled intensive research in novel sensing technologies, advanced materials, as well as improvements in computing power and artificial intelligence. This process has resulted in better ways to study the brain and to develop potential solutions for therapeutic, assistive and consumer-oriented applications. Nonetheless, technology translation of research in neurotechnologies from laboratory proof-of concepts to viable solutions entails a large set of challenges. The emerging nature of this field of research makes it difficult to assess with certainty all the risks and benefits of such technologies. Responsible research and innovation implies addressing these challenges at all stages of the life cycle, from the ideation to the deployment and decommission of technology. This talk will discuss several principles that can guide such a process, involving continuous risk/benefit monitoring, stakeholder involvement, user-centred design, among others. It will also describe current efforts along these lines including the development of a standards roadmap for brain-machine interfacing led by IEEE Standards Association, the OECD recommendations for responsible innovation in neurotechnology enterprises, and the International Brain Initiative working group on data standards and sharing.

We are witnessing a great merger between academia and industry in the fields surrounding AI, Machine Learning and Neuroscience, including in technologies to interface our brains with electronics. What used to be the stuff of science fiction will soon be, sometimes already is, today's reality. These new technologies will transform our world, but also pose a number of risks to individuals, organizations and societies.

At the MCAA Virtual Conference on Research and Democracy, the IN-FET consortium organises a (virtual) round table session, from 15:45 - 16:45, on the theme of At the interface of AI, Neuroscience and Policy. This session brings together 4 experts of these emerging policy and technology issues to talk and debate about their ideas for the future. The event is chaired and moderated by Dr. Renaud Jolivet (UNIGE) and features three speakers:

• Dr. Ricardo Chavarriaga CLAIRE - Confederation of Laboratories for AI Research in Europe
• Dr. Nadia Metoui MCAA, and
• Dr. Michele Giugliano (SISSA)

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At the Science in the city Festival, organised within the EuroScience Open Forum, IN-FET organises a public conference entitled: Nanotechnologies and Nanoelectronics to Cure the Brain. The event will take place from 18:30 to 20:30 at the Auditorium del Museo Revoltella - Via Armando Diaz 27, Trieste.

Our chair and moderator and speakers are:

• Dr. Valentina Perrera (SISSA)
• Prof. Dr. Michele Giugliano (SISSA)
• Prof. Dr. Pierpaolo Palestri (UNIUDINE)
• Prof. Dr. Luca Selmi (UNIMORE)

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A webinar, on managing diversity for professional success, will be hosted by our partner Dr. Kirsten Moselund (IBM), Diversity Representative and by Valeria Bragaglia of IBM's Science & Technology department. The event is produced in cooperation with Jean-Marc Hunziker, Mgr Client Center Think Lab - Zurich.

The IN-FET project has officially started, with a kick-off meeting hosted by Dr. M. Giugliano at the International School of Advanced Studies (SISSA) in Trieste, Italy.

Download the agenda of the meeting here.

Start - About - Consortium - Events - Press & Dissemination