BRIGHT NIGHT 2026 – Pisa, 25/09/2026
This year once again, ICCOM Pisa is taking part in BRIGHT-NIGHT 2026 – The Researchers’ Night, an initiative dedicated to promoting scientific culture and fostering dialogue between research and society. On Friday 25th September 2026, the CNR Research Area of Pisa will open the doors to the public with activities, workshops, and events for children and adults. The full programme is available on the event website: https://nottedeiricercatori.pisa.it/ For secondary schools, upon registration, the morning of Thursday, September 24 will feature Science Podcasts – BRIGHT Edition, hosted by journalist Francesca Franceschi, together with Research Stands and Open Laboratories. On the morning of Friday, September 25, visitors will be able to attend the BRIGHT Tech Talks, as well as the Research Stands and Open Laboratories. More information is available at: https://nottedeiricercatori.pisa.it/bright-per-le-scuole/
Science Podcasts – BRIGHT Edition: Anna Piras will present “Materials that Change the World: Materials Science for a Sustainable Future”. Materials science develops innovative materials for applications in energy, electronics, healthcare, and sustainability. By integrating chemistry, physics, and engineering, it explores natural and synthetic materials for environmental and energy-related solutions. The ultimate goal is to create advanced technologies that support a more sustainable future.
Francesca Cicogna will give the BRIGHT Tech Talk “Can We Live Without Plastic?”. Completely eliminating plastic from our daily lives is extremely difficult. However, we can reduce its use, employ it more responsibly, and develop innovative, sustainable alternatives with a lower environmental impact.
Research Stands
“Art Detectives” (Giulia Lorenzetti) September 24-25. Multispectral imaging enables the exploration of works of art beyond what is visible to the naked eye, revealing hidden details through different wavelengths of light. This non-invasive technique makes it possible to uncover preliminary sketches, previous restorations, and alterations that have occurred over time, helping reconstruct the history of artworks. Participants will experience what it is like to be real art detectives and uncover the secrets hidden within works of art.
“Bioplastics and Natural Antioxidants: Sustainable Innovation” (Elisa Passaglia, Serena Coiai, Francesca Cicogna and Norma Mallegni, September 25, afternoon). Through games and hands-on experiments, participants will discover the properties of sustainable materials and natural bioactive substances. The workshop will compare conventional plastics with bio-based and biodegradable materials, highlighting their environmental impact. Simple activities will also demonstrate the role of natural antioxidants in food preservation and human health.
“The Magic of Colours in Chemical Transformations” (Beatrice Campanella and Emanuela Pitzalis, September 25, afternoon). An interactive workshop, developed in collaboration with students from the Liceo Dini of Pisa, exploring how colours reveal chemical transformations. Through simple experiments, participants will learn how to recognize the formation of new substances and understand the role of colours in chemistry.
For updates, visit: https://www.facebook.com/AreaCNRdiPisa
ICCOM Contact Person: Dr. Emanuela Pitzalis (emanuela.pitzalis@cnr.it)