4.1 How Science and Technology Affect Our Lives

Science and Technology 🔬 🔭

Italy is behind other European nations with regard to science and technology, as shown by the number of patents, start-ups, and discoveries each year. The government invests less money into these projects than other countries do, but Italy is still buildings its own scientific and technological equipment. Innovation is one part of the culture that has made Italy a focal point for many other parts of the world 💪🏼 💪🏼

Below are some of the largest and most successful research organizations in Italy:

Accademia dei Lincei 🏫 🎒

• Italian science academy located in Rome considered the highest Italian cultural institution
• Under the control of the Italian Ministry of Treasury and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities- They select the 540 members
• The 540 members are then divided into 2 classes: Natural Sciences vs. Philological Sciences- Natural - mathematics, astronomy, biology, mineralogy, geophysics, chemistry- Philological - linguistics, archaeology, art and poetry, history, juridical science, policy
• Overall Work: organizes national and international conferences, carries out research, rewards grants, publishes notes and memoirs, offers advice to public institutions, drafts scientific proposals

Istituto Italiano di Studi Filosofici (Italian Institute of Philosophical Studies) 

• Institute in Naples that gathers experts, scientists, and Nobel prize winners
• Italian and foreign experts in the history of thought hold seminars throughout the academic year for scholarship holders, researchers, young people, and the general public
• Publishes research on MAJOR issues—biology, bioinformatics, quantum physics, astronomy, etc.

Image Courtesy of GeosNews 

CNR (National Research Council) 🌍 👨🏽‍🌾

• Largest research organization in Italy — over 4000 researchers and 100 institutes
• Focuses on: the earth and environment (terra e Ambiente), energy and transport (Energia e Trasporti), agriculture and nutrition (agricoltura e nutrizione), medicine (medicinale), communication technology, biophysics, and more
• Can implement programs and directives at the regional level, participate in international research centers, form relations with private and public parties, Italian or foreign

ISS (Superior Institute of Health)

• Leading technical and scientific public institute of the Italian National Health Service
• Conducts research in molecular and genetic research, risk factors for disease, and disability- Cured 454 genetic diseases

INAF (National Institute of Astrophysics) 💫 🌌

• Funds and operates 20 research facilities, employing scientists, engineers, and technicians
• Works in the fields of astronomy, radioastronomy, and cosmic physics
• Develops large telescopes, satellites, and space missions such as Cassini-Huygens and Deep Impact

INFN (National Institute for Nuclear Research)

• Works closely with international consultants and universities to conduct theoretical and experimental research in subnuclear, nuclear, and astroparticle physics- Digging deep into the infinitely small and the infinitely large
• National Gran Sasso Laboratory— the largest underground facility in the world, operates in 'extreme' dark fields
• Co-founded the great observatory "Virgo" - one of the most sophisticated facilities in the world for its research on gravitational waves

National Gran Sasso Laboratory, Image Courtesy of INFN 

ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development)

• Government-sponsored research and development agencies, focus on protecting the environment Goals:

1. Research involving energy efficiency, environmental protection, and technological innovation
2. High-tech production processes—sustainable development
3. Production of clean (pulito/a) energy at both the local and national levels