Trieste welcomes over 1,300 delegates for the opening of the Big Science Business Forum 2024, featuring leaders from Europe’s top Big Science Organizations and the presentation of the Einstein Telescope project.
The Big Science Business Forum (BSBF) 2024 opened to great success in Trieste, with over 1,300 delegates in attendance. The Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, alongside ten leading European Big Science Organizations (BSOs), expressed their satisfaction with the event, held at the Generali Convention Center in Porto Vecchio.
“It is a great honor for Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Trieste in particular, to host such a prestigious event as BSBF 2024. This region has historically been a hub of innovation and major scientific settlements,” stated Massimiliano Fedriga, Governor of Friuli Venezia Giulia and President of BSBF 2024. “We aim to be a place of dialogue between science and diplomacy, affirming Europe’s ability to drive innovation.”
Paolo Acunzo, Director of BSBF 2024, added: “For the first time, we have brought together the directors of Europe’s Big Science organizations, including Xavier Barcons (European Southern Observatory, ESO), Christopher Hartley (CERN), Jörg Blaurock (FAIR), Jean Daillant (ESRF), Philip Diamond (SKAO), Nicole Elleuche (European XFEL), Mark Robert Johnson (ILL), Marc Lachaise (Fusion for Energy), Carole Mundell (ESA), and Helmut Schober (European Spallation Source, ESS), to discuss the development of a unified Big Science market.”
The joint presentation of the Italian and Dutch bids for the Einstein Telescope project, expected to receive international approval by 2026, was a key moment. The project, which focuses on developing expertise in sectors like cryogenics and electronics, was presented by Antonio Zoccoli, President of INFN, and Stan Bentelvsen, Director of Nikhef.
Italian research agencies played a central role in the event, with opening addresses from Gilberto Dialuce (ENEA), Roberto Ragazzoni (INAF), Antonio Zoccoli (INFN), Stefano Fabris (CNR), and Caterina Petrillo (Area Science Park), all highlighting Italy’s commitment to fostering scientific advancements and innovation.
Regional Councillor Alessia Rosolen also emphasized the importance of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s role: “The event’s success demonstrates the strategic importance of our region as a hub for research, innovation, and international dialogue. The backing of four ministries reflects the scope and significance of the issues discussed here.”
The forum continues until October 4, with sessions on building a €10 billion European Big Science market and career opportunities for young researchers, culminating in a day of free admission for young registered participants.
For more information on the detailed program, visit the official BSBF 2024 Program. For press releases and media materials, head to the Press & Media section of the BSBF website.
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