Towards interconnected territories: GARR at the 2026 Rome Science Festival
From 15 to 19 April, the 2026 edition of the Rome Science Festival returns to the Auditorium Parco della Musica.
This year’s theme, Caos e Armonia - Chaos and Harmony, explores the dynamic relationship between disorder and structure—from the origins of the cosmos to biological processes, and through to the transformations shaping society, the economy and culture, where instability and creativity give rise to new balances. Chaos and harmony are not opposites, but complementary forces: understanding them helps us interpret change and face the future with greater awareness.
In this context, GARR will take part in the event scheduled for Sunday 19 April at 11:00 in the Sala Ospiti, entitled “Dalla smart city alla smart land: un percorso alla ricerca di una nuova armonia” (“From Smart City to Smart Land: a journey in search of a new harmony”).
Speakers include Fiorella Lauro, Researcher at ENEA; Anna Mandorli, Researcher at CMCC; and Sabrina Tomassini, Coordinator of the GARR Network Department.
Readings will be delivered by Fabiola L. Falconieri, Technologist at ENEA, and the session will be moderated by Marco Gisotti, journalist and science communicator.
The discussion will explore the role of the city as a complex system which, through its buildings and infrastructure, has a decisive impact on people’s quality of life, work and leisure. As a complex system, it also interacts with the surrounding environment and the wider territory in which it is embedded.
According to UNESCO, by 2050 more than 70% of the world’s population will live in urban areas. Now more than ever, we need technologies that help make our cities more harmonious, greener and more resilient to climate change—places where informed and responsible citizens actively participate in and contribute to sustainable and integrated urban development.
Together with the speakers, we will explore not only new research approaches involving citizens, but also the smart technologies that can already improve urban and territorial management, as well as the high-speed networks and connections that support them.
The Rome Science Festival is produced by Fondazione Musica per Roma, with the project partnership of Codice Produzioni, and promoted by Roma Capitale – Department of Culture. It is organised in collaboration with CNR, INAF and INFN, and with scientific partners including Area Science Park, CMCC, ENEA, Fondazione Bioparco di Roma, GARR, GSSI, Human Technopole, IIT, INGV, ISPRA, and Museo Galileo – Institute and Museum of the History of Science. Cultural partners include the American Academy in Rome, Fabbrica di San Pietro, Fondazione Agnelli, GAMM – The Video Game Museum of Rome, Ludo Labo, and Progetto Theia.
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