Futuro Remoto:The Origins

Futuro Remoto is known as the first European event for the dissemination of scientific and technological culture.

The story of Futuro Remoto began on 17 October 1987 with the article C’è un alternativa al modello settentrionale (There is an alternative to the northern model) that the experimental physicist, Vittorio Silvestrini, published in the political magazine Rinascita, the weekly theoretical publication of the Italian Communist Party.

It is a highly original article, almost a manifesto: Vittorio Silvestrini not only proposed an innovative – and still relevant – model of economic, social and civil development for southern Italy but also, and perhaps above all, an original and modern idea of public communication of science.

Silvestrini’s proposal stems from the awareness, which was ripe in the mid-1980s, that the computer revolution is capable of profoundly transforming both the production system and the social relations between and within nations. ‘In our midst,’ he writes in an article in La Stampa, ‘an imposing army of artificial slaves is at work: the labour force developed by all the machines in operation in industrialised countries – as it is easy to calculate from the world’s energy consumption – to that of the arms of a hundred billion workers. Until a few years ago, these artificial slaves were only capable of performing strictly mechanical and strictly repetitive work. Today, with the development of computers, their behaviour is much more varied and autonomous, and the range of functions in which they can replace or assist us has suddenly widened’.

Robotics represents just one of the many aspects of change in those years, in which it is becoming increasingly clear that a ‘knowledge society’ is emerging in which the control of knowledge is at the heart of the social dynamics, determining the inclusion or exclusion of people. Knowledge controlled by a few results in a monopoly of knowledge with a consequent regression of democracy, despite the fact that technology can create a world that seems more modern and futuristic. On the contrary, widespread knowledge accessible to all strengthens democracy and development can become more socially and ecologically sustainable.

The17th October 1987 marked the start of an exciting journey that has lasted 38 years in which Italian scientific research has told the public at large about its many successes, countless challenges and, above all, the beauty of knowledge.

The XXXVIII Edition of Futuro Remoto

This year, Futuro Remoto – running from 18th October to 6th December 2024 across Italy – addresses the highly topical theme of CO-SCIENCE. Exploring the true and the false, order and disorder, right and wrong… Futuro Remoto will showcase the cutting edge of science and its impact on quality of life, the environment and social wellbeing. This event will involve all disciplines of knowledge and reflect on the concepts of responsibility, awareness and ethics. The relationship between science and society is fundamental and today more than ever necessary to face the great contemporary challenges.

The programme of this edition is extremely rich thanks to the collaboration of the seven universities of Campania, the partnership with the main national research institutions and the participation of many international entities.

With over 400 events, the programme will be available on the Futuro Remoto website: www.futuroremoto.eu.

The innovative and engaging proposals will embrace all disciplines, from astronomy to volcanology, botany to mathematics, art and literature to physics, chemistry and biology, design to neuroscience, medicine, geology and more.

Numerous initiatives will therefore develop the CO-SCIENCE theme, offering the public the chance to interact, experiment and discover the latest frontiers of knowledge thanks to the valuable presence of scientists, researchers and experts.

The XXXVIII Edition of Futuro Remoto takes on a regional dimension with events throughout the Campania region, starting in Naples and continuing in Salerno (8 November 2024), Benevento (22 November 2024), Caserta (29 November 2024) and Avellino (6 December 2024).

The international dimension of the digital communication of science

The international dimension of the digital communication of science represents a crucial aspect in the global dissemination of scientific knowledge, crossing geographical and cultural boundaries through the use of digital technologies. In an increasingly interconnected world, digital communication of science uses online tools and platforms to facilitate international collaboration and promote a shared understanding of scientific discoveries.

The power of digital communication lies in its ability to break down barriers and connect researchers, scientists and citizens of different nations. Through websites, social media, blogs and video-sharing platforms, scientific information can be disseminated quickly and widely, reaching diverse audiences and creating opportunities for knowledge exchange across countries and cultures. International scientific conferences, now often streamed or recorded and available online, allow experts from around the world to share their findings with a global audience, facilitating international debate and collaboration.

Social media has played a transformative role in the digital communication of science, offering tools for global engagement and participation. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other platforms allow scientists to interact directly with the public and share updates and discoveries in real time. Viral campaigns, information threads and sponsored posts help raise awareness and educate an international audience on scientific topics of global relevance, such as climate change, pandemics and technological innovations.

International collaborations in scientific research are also facilitated by digital communication. Collaborative platforms such as GitHub, Google Drive and online project management software enable researchers to work together on common projects, share data and results and coordinate their activities efficiently. Video conferencing and virtual meetings break down time and geographical barriers, enabling regular meetings between scientists from different parts of the world and facilitating the progress of joint research.

Another important aspect of the international dimension of digital science communication is global crisis management. During events of global significance, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, digital communication played a crucial role in the dissemination of accurate and timely information. International organisations, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), used digital channels to provide updates, recommendations and data, helping to coordinate the global response and inform the public about risks and preventive measures.

The international dimension of digital communication of science also implies consideration of challenges and opportunities related to access, technologies and information. While digital technologies have made scientific information more accessible, there are still disparities in access to the Internet and technologies between different regions of the world. Initiatives to promote digital inclusion and equitable access to scientific resources are essential to ensure that the benefits of digital communication of science are equitably distributed and that no region is excluded from global participation in scientific knowledge.

The international dimension of Futuro Remoto

Città della Scienza (City of Science) has always acted with a view to international openness, in close relationship with international organisations, the Italian government and networks, concretely promoting the development of exchange programmes and transnational projects in the field of science and innovation. Starting in 2020, Città della Scienza wanted to enhance this dimension by including a programme entirely dedicated to the international dimension within the Futuro Remoto event.

This programme, which is always new each year, is constructed by building on the consolidated credibility that the City of Science enjoys internationally, drawing on the extensive reservoir of networking and partnerships built up over time.

It is no coincidence that the first edition of the international programme started in 2020 when the spread of the Covid 19 pandemic highlighted more than ever the indispensable role of the international dimension of scientific and technological research for our well-being and that of the planet. The ‘Futuro Remoto International’ programme was therefore born as an online activity programme. The online dimension has turned out to be an opportunity rather than a limitation, as by eliminating distance and logistical barriers it has made facilities, research centres and museums from all over the world accessible to the Futuro Remoto audience.

The target of Futuro Remoto International

The audience of Futuro Remoto International is mostly made up of high school students from Campania, but also sees a large participation of university students and PhD students from all over the country, such as, for example, PhD students from the Southern High School of the Federico II University.

In order to ensure the active participation of students, the work of planning the events always includes advance contact with the schools in order to provide them with preparatory information and teaching materials. In some cases, downstream of the material provided, schools are asked to send in students’ questions in advance in order to facilitate the exchange between participants and make the events more interactive.

Conclusions and future prospects

The international dimension of ‘Futuro Remoto’ is one of its main strengths, helping to make the event an important reference point in the global science and technology popularisation scene. The ability to attract and involve a vast network of international contributors and participants testifies to the festival’s relevance in promoting science and global culture.

Global Collaborations and Synergies

One of the distinctive features of ‘Futuro Remoto’ is its ability to create synergies with prestigious academic and research institutions from all over the world. Universities, research centres, science museums and non-governmental organisations actively collaborate, contributing their know-how and latest findings. These partnerships not only enrich the event programme, but also foster interaction and knowledge exchange between experts from different countries, creating a fertile environment for innovation and scientific growth.

Presence of International Speakers and Guests

Each edition of ‘Futuro Remoto’ features internationally renowned speakers who bring different and innovative perspectives on the topics discussed. These experts, from a variety of scientific and technological disciplines, share their experiences and research with a diverse audience. The presence of international guests not only enhances the prestige of the event, but also stimulates debate and reflection on a global scale.

Topics of Global Relevance

The topics addressed during Futuro Remoto are carefully selected to reflect global challenges and opportunities. Topics such as the climate crisis, sustainable energy, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and public health are just some of the examples covered. This thematic choice is crucial for attracting the attention of an international audience interested in understanding how these topics are approached from different perspectives.

Networking and Cooperation Opportunities

Futuro Remoto offers an important networking platform for scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs and students from all over the world. Meeting and exchange opportunities during the event facilitate the creation of new collaborations and joint projects. This networking is not only limited to meetings during the event, but often leads to lasting and fruitful partnerships that continue beyond the event itself.

International Media Outreach

Media coverage of ‘Futuro Remoto’ plays a key role in its global success. The event is followed by numerous international media outlets, which help to disseminate the scientific discoveries and technological innovations presented. Social media presence and streaming broadcasts allow an even wider audience to participate virtually, overcoming geographical and time barriers.

Cultural and Educational Exchanges

Another relevant aspect of the international dimension of ‘Futuro Remoto’ is the opportunity for cultural and educational exchanges it offers. The inclusion of specific programmes for international students and young researchers encourages learning and interaction with experts from various fields. This not only enriches the participants’ education, but also promotes a broader and more inclusive understanding of different scientific cultures and approaches.

The internationalisation of ‘Futuro Remoto’ has had a significant impact not only on the Italian scientific and technological community, but also on the global community. The event has become a model of excellence in science dissemination, capable of inspiring other similar events in different countries. Looking to the future, the goal will be to continue expanding this international dimension, involving more and more partners and participants from all over the world, in order to face the challenges of the future together and build a world based on knowledge and innovation.