Freedom and scientific research

Taobuk SeeSicily, again in its 13th edition, develops its concept in a multidisciplinary form. Freedom is something that touches all branches of knowledge, including science, which has been recognised as a fundamental human right, together with personal freedom and life, by the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. In the document for the right to science, at the very first point, it is described as an instrument and an assurance of an open, liberal and democratic society. Preserving the possibility to do research means not onli preserving the right of scientists and researchers, but above all defending our right to benefit from it. Today, clear rules are still missing against the potential negative consequences of biosafety technology.

In Taormina, during the festival, top-level scientists will debate the latest scientific frontiers such as biotechnology and innovative treatment tools based on genetic material, stem cells and tissues: topics closely linked to the concept of freedom and the boundaries that society, but also researchers themselves, build today around scientific research.

The Japanese Shinya Yamanaka (2012 Nobel Prize for Medicine) will talk about the transformation of human cells into stem cells and the ‘new frontier of medical research between expectations and promises’; the American Gregg Leonard Semenza (2019 Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology) will explain the role of hypoxia in physiology and medicine in scientific research; Israeli biotechnology expert Tal Dvir will illustrate the use of 3D printing of the heart using the patient’s own cells; the last lecture will be given by Italian Camillo Ricordi, the world’s leading expert in the field of transplantation, who will talk about cutting-edge protocols for pancreatic regeneration to treat diabetes..

Access to treatment and the sustainability of advanced therapies, issues of great significance for Medicine in the near future, also in terms of economic impact, are at the heart of a round table following the lectures and introduced by Carmen Mortellaro. The speakers include Giulio Pompilio, Scientific Director of the Monzino Cardiology Centre and President of the OTA Scientific Commission; Franco Locatelli, Director of the Department of Oncohaematology at the Bambino Gesù Paediatric Hospital in Rome; Lorenzo Piemonti, Head of the Operative Unit of Regenerative Medicine and Transplantation at the San Raffaele Hospital and Director of the Diabetes Research Institute.

Science is also a compass to guide us through nature and its changes. Internationally, the Space Economy has started a growth that promises to continue for a long time: what are the prospects? What are the opportunities? Some leading figures from the aerospace field discuss this in a round table, chaired by Roberto Battiston: astronaut Paolo Nespoli, Mauro Piermaria, Palazzo Chigi Space Office; Walter Cugno, Thales Alenia Space; Fabio Grimaldi, ALTEC Chairman; Vincenzo Giorgio, ALTEC Board Member.