11:30 - 13:00

ROUND TABLE

September 10

Coordinators:
Vittorio MORANDI, ISMN-CNR & Marco ROSSI, Sapienza University of Rome

In recent years, the significance of research infrastructures, as providers of advanced instrumentation and specialized skills, has dramatically increased due to the necessity for optimal management of highly complex and costly instruments. In an ever-evolving landscape of scientific and technological advancement, the pivotal role of research infrastructures is undergoing a significant transformation. These infrastructures are not just repositories of cutting-edge instrumentation and specialized expertise; they have become catalysts for innovation, driving progress through optimal management of high-cost, complex equipment. This shift in research activity management, where laboratory results must be integrated with experiments conducted in large, publicly accessible research infrastructures, presents not only new opportunities but also new and often uncharted challenges. Optimizing interactions among various structures and research teams, managing intellectual property, and coordinating time and access modes are essential aspects. The creation of decentralized research infrastructures, organized as a network of independent laboratories, adds another layer of complexity. Furthermore, recent funding initiatives under the Next Generation EU Plan (PNRR) have significantly accelerated investments in Italy in both Research Infrastructures and Technological Infrastructures for Innovation. It is crucial to align these new initiatives with existing national efforts in a coordinated, inclusive, and synergistic manner, promoting best practices and effective governance.

The Round Table aims to be one occasion to facilitate a dialogue among all stakeholders involved in the establishment, management, and operation of research infrastructures, and those potentially interested in utilizing these infrastructures. It will provide information on both technological and organizational-managerial characteristics essential for creating a network of research infrastructures while collecting opinions and suggestions on the most effective management approaches. The themes on the table span from the needs in terms of operative structure, operator skills, to the instrument characteristics and their evolution strategy. By doing so, we hope to further stimulate the interests of operators, fostering a greater awareness of the potential offered by individual infrastructures and their integration. Overall, this initiative aims to create a collaborative environment to address the pressing challenges faced by the research community in managing and optimizing the use of research infrastructures. By sharing knowledge, experiences, and suggestions, we can work towards a more integrated and efficient network of research infrastructures, ultimately contributing to the acceleration of technology transfer and innovation. The discussion at the beginning of the Round Table will be started by the panelists listed below. Participation is open and free upon online registration. Your participation and input are invaluable in shaping the future of research and technology transfer in Italy and beyond. We invite you to be part of this seminal discussion, as we collaboratively envision the future of research infrastructures in an integrated, efficient, and innovative manner.

If you wish to join the list of panelists, kindly forward your request to the coordinators: Vittorio Morandi (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and Marco Rossi (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).