The National Research Council (CNR) participated in and sponsored the XIV Edition of the China-Italy Science, Technology and Innovation Week, an internationally recognized event that took place from November 13 to 15, 2025, in the cities of Beijing and Hangzhou. The event confirmed its status as a consolidated model for boosting innovation and building a sustainable future together between the two countries. This edition held particular significance, falling in the year of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and China, an occasion that underscores their cooperation founded on shared growth and cultural exchange. The centrality of institutional dialogue was further reinforced by the Action Plan for Strengthening the Italy-China Global Strategic Partnership 2024–2027, with the aim of boosting relations between the research and innovation systems to enhance national excellence. The event, promoted in Italy by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and coordinated by the IDIS Foundation-Città della Scienza, was organized by the Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission and the Administrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park, in collaboration with the International Technology Transfer Network. he Week was inaugurated on Thursday, November 13, in Beijing with an Institutional Ceremony attended by the Italian Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, and the Minister of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China, Yin Hejun. This official moment culminated in the signing of Cooperation Agreements between institutions, universities, research bodies, and companies from the two countries, designed to launch new joint projects. Subsequently, the day continued with thematic sessions focused on Advanced Manufacturing, Ethics and Law of Artificial Intelligence, and Life and Health Sciences, followed by One-to-One meetings and visits to Research Centers and Laboratories. The activities moved to Hangzhou for the day of Friday, November 14, where the focus shifted to key themes such as Cultural Heritage Preservation and Artificial Intelligence, Tropical Agriculture, and, particularly, Marine and Polar Sciences, which include biodiversity and climate change. The forum dedicated to Marine and Polar Sciences represented a significant moment for the Italian research system, with the participation of prominent figures from various institutions. Among the Italian speakers present, Roberto Bassi, President of the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station, presented “Italian Research in Marine Biology.” The CNR contributed with a presentation by
Cooperation Agreement between the CNR and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
The ceremony for the signing of the renewal of the Cooperation Agreement between the CNR and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) was held on September 18, 2025, in Tokyo, at the residence of the Italian Ambassador Gianluigi Benedetti. With this renewal, the National Research Council has once again taken significant steps to intensify and internationalize Italian research, consolidating the collaboration with important scientific institutions in Japan. The agreement was signed by the Director of the Department of Chemical Sciences and Materials Technology, Lidia Armelao, representing the CNR President Andrea Lenzi. Among those present were also the Director of the Department of Earth System Science and Environmental Technologies, Francesco Petracchini, and the CNR’s International Relations Office, as well as the Director of IRBIM, Gian Marco Luna. The Scientific Attaché and Ambassador Benedetti opened the ceremony, praising the agreement as an effective tool for promoting research exchanges between our countries and opening new perspectives for the future. Director Armelao recalled how the partnership between CNR and JSPS is a ‘reference partnership,’ founded on crucial values such as mutual respect and the training of young researchers. This appreciation was reiterated by the President of JSPS, Tsuyoshi Sugino, who expressed the hope that the collaboration can further expand in the future. Further solidifying the Italian presence and commitment, another significant bilateral agreement was finalized on the occasion of EXPO 2025 in OSAKA: the one between the CNR and JAMSTEC (Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology). The agreement for Italy was signed by the Department Director DSSTTA Francesco Petracchini, sealing an important collaboration in the scientific sector. These recent successes testify to the CNR’s constant commitment to the internationalization of research and the support and full participation of IRBIM in these activities.
FAO-GFCM Project on Selectivity in the Strait of Sicily
The National Research Council – Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (CNR-IRBIM) in Mazara del Vallo and Ancona has recently completed the operational phase of a project carried out in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM).
In light of the indications contained in GFCM Recommendation 42/2018/5, which emphasizes the need to identify and develop measures aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of bottom trawling on the juveniles of the main commercial species, the initiative is finalized for the identification and experimentation of innovative technical solutions for the reduction of by-catch and unwanted catches in multi-species trawling in the Strait of Sicily, contributing to the conservation of marine biological resources and the promotion of sustainable fishing practices.
In this context, two experimental studies were conducted in GSA 16 (Southern Sicily) in the spring of 2023 and the summer of 2025. The experimental activities at sea concerned two species of high commercial value, Merluccius merluccius (European hake) and Parapenaeus longirostris (deep-water rose shrimp), both managed under a GFCM multiannual plan and currently considered at risk of overexploitation.
The sea trials were conducted using three different commercial vessels, characterized by the same technical specifications and operating in parallel, during the same period and in the same fishing area. Each unit employed a different net configuration: a standard commercial net, used as a control; a net equipped with a selection grid for the juveniles of the two species; and a net called “T90” characterized by the meshes of a commercial net rotated by 90° compared to the traditional rhomboidal meshes. The three systems were used simultaneously to compare the abundance and composition of the catches between the commercial net and the selective devices.
On board the three vessels, CNR-IRBIM researchers Vincenzo Garozzo, Michele Luca Geraci, Khalil Besbes, Giacomo Sardo, Andrea Petetta, and Giorgio Vianson conducted sampling activities and quantitative and qualitative analysis of the catches, with the objective of evaluating the effectiveness of the different systems in reducing the capture of juvenile specimens and non-target species.
Underwater filming of the selection grids was also carried out in order to evaluate the vitality of the hake and other commercial species, as part of the analysis on the post-capture survival rate.
The project, financed by the European Union, represents a continuation of the regional cooperation initiatives promoted by the GFCM( General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean), aimed at fostering increasingly selective, sustainable, and responsible fishing. More information is available at the following link:
https://www.fao.org/gfcm/news/detail/en/c/1641477/
Osaka Expo 2025 – CNR Day
19 September 2025, Osaka. The Italian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” hosted the “CNR Day: – Knowledge as the Key to Protection,” a high-profile event organized by the National Research Council (CNR), through the Department of Earth System Science and Technology for the Environment (CNR-DSSTTA), dedicated to science as an indispensable tool for environmental protection and global resilience. As is the goal at all EXPOs, the objective was to build bridges; in this particular case, a bridge between Italy and Japan on Environmental Issues. The day featured a rich program of bilateral exchanges between Italian and Japanese scientists engaged in research experiences on five crucial environmental themes. The central point has been the role of scientific knowledge, based on data memory and analysis, as a crucial element for understanding the evolution of environmental changes and addressing global challenges. The five pillars of the scientific discussion were: Biodiversity, Sea, Polar Regions, Climate Change, and Natural Risks.
IRBIM made a valuable contribution to the event, both in its scientific and organizational aspects. Ernesto Azzurro presented in the section titled “Fisher’s Memories: Stories That Tell of Ecological Change” The presentation was conducted together with Japanese colleagues Takehito Yoshida and Mayumi Fukunaga from the University of Tokyo, highlighting international cooperation in the field of ecological change. La collega Grazia Marina Quero ha svolto un ruolo cruciale, partecipando attivamente al team che ha organizzato l’evento, sotto la guida del DSSTTA. The institute was also represented by its Director. Gian Marco Luna.
The “CNR Day” was not just a scientific forum, but also a moment to highlight the deep connection between art and science. The event was enriched with artistic content through “Cartografie liquide”, an exhibition that featured a compelling choral projection of six videos created by Italian female artists. For an innovative communication, cartoonist and illustrator Gabriele Peddes translated the content of the scientific presentations into real-time illustrations and comics. Further information about the day’s activities is available on the DSSTTA page dedicated to Expo Osaka 2025. Finally, the event aimed to stress a key message: the only path to protecting our planet is through deep, shared knowledge, making science the most effective shield against the uncertainties of the future..
Plastic Reborn
Plastic Reborn is an initiative and a documentary that shows concrete and innovative solutions to stop plastic pollution. The goal is to show how young minds and researchers in the field are creating an alliance between the environment and business to face a global challenge and transform it into a rebirth opportunity. One of the stories at the heart of this project is the one that comes to life in the port of Ancona, where, at 2 a.m., the fishing boat Barracuda I sets sail for a special mission. For an entire day, the boat becomes an open-air laboratory that unites maritime tradition with scientific research. On board are the fishermen, two researchers from the CNR IRBIM of Ancona, and the director and producer. Every time the nets come up from the seabed, the waste of our time emerges along with the fish: bottles, ropes, and styrofoam remnants. In just ten months, only two boats have brought about three tons of debris ashore, 80% of which is plastic.
Questo è il cuore del progetto di Fishing for Litter, coordinato dal CNR IRBIM all’interno dello Spoke 2 del NBFC – National Biodiversity Future Center. The initiative also transforms fishermen into guardians of the sea. Each piece of plastic waste is cataloged, analyzed, and, when possible, sent for recycling, despite obstacles like encrustations and wear and tear. L’IRBIM CNR di Ancona è partner scientifico e patrocinatore del progetto, con il grande impegno delle colleghe Elisa Punzo e Maria Chiara Catta
Il documentario, dal titolo completo “Plastic Reborn, how young minds turn river waste into new beginnings” è prodotto da Carlo Mameli Video Agency, e racconta il conflitto tra un futuro possibile e un presente che resiste. The documentary, with the full title “Plastic Reborn, how young minds turn river waste into new beginnings,” is produced by Carlo Mameli Video Agency and tells the story of the conflict between a possible future and a present that resists.L’obiettivo è mostrare che la speranza è fatta di preparazione, ingegno, nuove tecnologie e nuovi cicli di vita, mettendo in luce il valore dell’intera filiera: dal degrado alla rinascita della plastica. The stories, faces, hands, and courage of those who don’t look the other way will be part of a film intended for international platforms and environmental-themed festivals.
To know more about the project Fishing for Litter and the stories presented by images collected on the field here the link to the page. Here the link to the video interview to Elisa Punzo.
For general information: https://plasticreborn.com
The project VECNA_III
The collaboration among Italian research institutions in the Svalbard Islands continues successfully through the VECNA project (Knocking on Arctic Door), coordinated by CNR-IRBIM, Messina. From June 30 to July 10, 2025, the research team — composed of Adriana Profeta (CNR-IRBIM), Giovanni de Vincenzi (CNR-ISP), Nadia Marinchel e Tommaso Russo (Università di Roma Tor Vergata), carried out an intensive monitoring campaign in the coastal waters of Kongsfjorden, Svalbard. The objective was to investigate the potential emergence of non-indigenous marine species (NIMS) in the context of Arctic climate change. The field campaign combined traditional techniques (such as traps and plankton nets) with advanced technologies, including underwater cameras, hydrophones, and environmental DNA (eDNA). The operation was made possible thanks to the support of the CNR Arctic Station Dirigibile Italia and the logistical assistance of the Guardia di Finanza, whose highly trained personnel provided critical expertise for operating in extreme environments. This strong synergy represents a successful example of enhanced monitoring of polar waters and a step forward in scientific cooperation in the Arctic. Adriana Profeta had previously presented the project during the recent seminar organized by the Italian Society of Marine Biology (SIBM, entitled: “Women and Science in Extreme Lands: Studying Sentinel Species of Change in Ny-Ålesund, the Northernmost Scientific Community in the World” , available by clicking the link.
DSSTTA Conference
On May 29th and 30th, 2025, the DSSTTA – Department of Earth Science and System and Technologies for the Environment conference took place at the Mole Vanvitelliana in Ancona. The event received logistical support from colleagues at CNR-IRBIM. Organized into two days, under the lead of the new director Francesco Petracchini, the conference was rich with presentations and guests and it brought together approximately 200 departmental colleagues in person, together with the directors of other CNR departments, as well as representatives from institutions and other research bodies. Plenary sessions and discussion panels addressed the most significant challenges facing the department’s future and the research conducted within it. From the future of strategic areas to open and accessible science, the conference facilitated a comparison between generations of researchers. It also delved into the infrastructures and technologies that form the research ecosystem, all within the broader European and international context of major global challenges. IRBIM’s direct involvement was important for the conference’s success, earning praise from the department. Meanwhile, the research Vessel was at the dock of Ancona, giving a chance to several collegues to visit this important DSTTA infrastructure. Below is the link to the Conference page where you can consult the program, the list of speakers and personalities invited to the discussion panels, and the recordings of the two days. Here is the link to the CNR-webtv.
Conference on Green Transition in the Maritime and Port Sector
Ancona, May 28, 2025 – The city of Ancona hosted an important initiative dedicated to the green transition in the maritime and port sector: the conference titled “Climate Change: the maritime perspective, contributions from the Shipping industry and Ports in advancing towards the green transition.”. The event particularly focused on the challenges and opportunities generated by climate change. Co-organized by the Port Authority, the Marche Region, the Marche Chamber of Commerce, and the Municipality of Ancona, the conference saw the participation of CNR-IRBIM, which illustrated its contribution to research and innovation in this crucial field. The day was structured into two distinct panels, designed to involve both civil society and industry professionals. The morning panel, “Awareness and Dialogue with Citizens,” was open to citizens and university students, with the aim of increasing awareness of the effects of climate change and the role of the maritime sector in the energy transition. For CNR-IRBIM,Pierluigi Penna presented “The CNR’s contribution to the first marine CCS (Carbon Capture and Sequestration) project in Italy: ENI CCS Ravenna,” while Antonello Sala discussed “Technological innovations for the decarbonization of fishing in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.” Numerous speakers from the Università Politecnica delle Marche participated, introduced by the Magnificent Rector Gianluca Gregori and the Director of DVSP-Politecnica delle Marche Francesco Regoli, as well as the Director of IRBIM Gian Marco Luna. The Director of OGS, Paola Del Negro, also offered her valuable scientific contribution to the study of climate change. The afternoon panel, “In-depth Analysis and Interaction for the Sector,” was dedicated to maritime cluster professionals, both at local and national levels. This section allowed for interaction with the leaders of major category associations, including Confitarma, Assarmatori, Alis, Assocostieri, Assoporti, Federazione del Mare, as well as representatives from RINA, Fincantieri, AdSP of Ancona, and the Port Authority, in the presence of the Councillor for the Marche coast, Goffredo Brandoni.
The CNR-IRBIM played a central role in the initiative, presenting its scientific contribution to the ENI-CCA technological plant, its environmental compatibility, and monitoring methodologies. The event offered an overview of the reality of climate change, identifying the phenomenon and focusing on maritime transport and the port industry. The initiative was coordinated by the Port Authority and both the panels and the talk were moderated by journalist Morena Pivetti, with conclusions delivered by the Mayor of Ancona, Daniele Silvetti, preceded by a closing address from the President of the Region. Finally, the event concluded with a visit to the Gaia Blu, the CNR’s research vessel, for its first time in Ancona. Here is the link for the program, more information, and other press news. .
ICES/FAO WORKING GROUP ON FISHING TECHNOLOGY AND FISH BEHAVIOUR (WGFTFB25)
From 15th to 20th May, the ICES/FAO Working Group on Fishing Technology and Fish Behaviour (WGFTFB) conference was held at the Mahara Hotel in Mazara del Vallo.B). The meeting was opened by Dr. Gian Marco Luna, Director of the Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies of the National Research Council (IRBIM CNR), along with Vita Gancitano, Head of the IRBIM CNR Secondary Office in Mazara del Vallo. Councillor Germana Abbagnato represented the Mayor of Mazara del Vallo, Salvatore Quinci, and Giovanni Cucchiara, Director General of the Department for Mediterranean Fisheries of the Sicilian Region, also spoke at the inauguration. More than 120 researchers and fisheries technologists from five continents attended the meeting. During the conference, research findings were presented across various disciplines within fisheries science. These ranged from the selectivity of fishing gear to fish behaviour, from environmental and marine community indicators to the energy efficiency of fishing vessels, and from “ghost fishing gear” to management issues. Additionally, the WGFTFB’s upcoming research activities and future meetings were agreed upon. These will take place in Cairns, Australia, in 2026 and in Mar del Plata, Argentina, in 2027. Organised by the IRBIM CNR of Mazara del Vallo, the conference was a significant opportunity to exchange experiences and knowledge aimed at making fisheries more sustainable, from both an environmental and socio-economic perspective. This will have important implications for the modernisation of a sector that plays a vital role in the economy of Mazara del Vallo and the coastal communities of Sicily.
Public Outreach Event within Spoke 7 of the National Biodiversity Future Center
The IRBIM-CNR of Mazara del Vallo participated in a public outreach day dedicated to presenting the activities of Sub-Task 1.6.3 of Activity 1 within Spoke 2: “Solutions to Reverse Marine Biodiversity Loss and Manage Marine Resources Sustainably.” The event took place at the IAS-CNR headquarters in Torretta Granitola, as part of the initiatives promoted by Spoke 7 of the National Biodiversity Future Center.
The event provided a significant opportunity to disseminate the results of the FARO campaign (Fishing Impacts on Isidella elongata Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems). The primary objective of this campaign is to identify and map soft-bottom coral gardens, which are highly valuable ecological habitats characterised by the presence of the Bamboo coral (Isidella elongata), a species classified as ‘critically endangered’ by the IUCN. During the day, the importance of these vulnerable ecosystems was highlighted, also through the projection of images and videos from the explored seabeds.