| OCTOBER 7, 4 PM – 6 PM | OCTOBER 14, 4 PM – 6 PM |OCTOBER 21, 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
Published on 17 September 2026
This academic year, the 2026 ISA Visiting Professors will take part in Pillole di Ricerca – il Cambiamento, an interdisciplinary seminar series dedicated to exploring transformations across scientific, technological, natural, social, and humanistic fields.
Through three thematic events, the series offers an interdisciplinary perspective on scientific and technological developments, environmental and health challenges, and the social and cultural changes that are redefining our societies.
Each event will conclude with a guided discussion, providing participants with the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers and foster interdisciplinary exchange across research fields.
Changes in Scientific and Technological Systems
Institutional introduction by the Director - ISA Council Member Prof. Elisa Baroncini
7 October 2026
The opening event examines how advances in science and technology are expanding the boundaries of knowledge and reshaping our understanding of the world. Topics range from quantum physics and mathematical modelling to intelligent systems and emerging technological applications.
Event will be delivered by James Edwards (University of Plymouth), José Manuel Mazon Ruiz (University of Valencia), Hua-Dong Yao (Chalmers University of Technology), Alessandro Vittorio Papadopoulos (Mälardalen University), and Sofia Lambropoulou (National Technical University of Athens), whose research spans quantum phenomena, differential equations, fluid-structure interaction, real-time intelligent systems, and mathematical approaches to the life sciences. The programme also features contributions by Wessie Ling (London Metropolitan University) on global fashion networks, Lucas de Melo Reis Bueno (Federal University of Santa Catarina) on Indigenous histories and archaeology in South America, and Gabriella Gobbi (McGill University) on recent advances in psychedelic research and mental health.
Changes in Natural, Environmental, and Health Systems
Institutional introduction by the Vice-Director - ISA Council Member Prof. Veronica Rossi
14 October 2026
The second event focuses on sustainability, environmental change, agricultural innovation, and human health. Bringing together perspectives from chemistry, environmental sciences, agriculture, education, biology, and medicine, the session highlights the interconnected challenges facing contemporary societies.
Speakers include Diana Alejandra Estenoz (Universidad National del Litoral, Argentina), whose work explores sustainable polymers and materials for a changing world; Gustavo Brunetto ((Federal University of Santa Maria) and Laura Patricia Brenes Peralta(Tecnológico de Costa Rica), who will discuss innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture and agri-food systems; Onur Sevindik (Çukurova University), whose interdisciplinary research connects food science and education; Mírian Liza Alves Forancelli Pacheco (Federal University of São Carlos), who examines new perspectives on the nature of life itself; and Caterina Rosano (University of Pittsburgh), whose research investigates the relationship between brain and muscle function as a pathway to healthier ageing and improved resilience.
Changes in Social, Cultural, and Human Change
Institutional introduction by the Director - ISA Council Member Prof. Elisabetta Magni and Giada Gasparini
21 October 2026
The final event addresses the profound social, cultural, and human transformations emerging in an increasingly interconnected and technologically mediated world. Contributions will explore topics including artificial intelligence, development and climate finance, corporate governance, migration, archaeology, religion, urban health, digital culture, and computational creativity.
The session will feature lectures by James Everett Katz (Boston University), Jorge Garcia-Arias (University of León), Jee Min Song (Kyonggi University), Delphine Diaz (University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne), Yuri Demydenko (Ferenc Rakoczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University, Ukraine), Erica Baffelli (University of Manchester), Juliet Carpenter (University of Oxford), Davide Picca (University of Lausanne), Ralf Wessel (Washington University in St. Louis), and Sylvie Jeanne Lorente (Villanova University). Together, their presentations offer a rich interdisciplinary dialogue on the ways technology, institutions, culture, and human agency continue to shape contemporary change.