On March 16th and 17th, 2026, the University of Milano-Bicocca warmly welcomed the Functiglass network for its Kick-Off Meeting—the official launch of our ambitious project. This two-day event marked the beginning of a collaborative journey, bringing together partners and early-stage researchers to align on our shared vision and set the stage for the work ahead.
The meeting was rich in institutional and scientific content, designed to meet EU funding requirements while fostering the development of our research. Highlights included:
- Open Science in Action: Giorgio Maria Vingiani, an expert from APRE (Italian Agency for the Promotion of European Research), introduced the principles of open science. He emphasized making research results « as open as possible, as closed as necessary », ensuring transparency and accessibility in scientific dissemination.
- Ethics in Research: Kristina Rolin, from the University of Tampere, led a thought-provoking session on research ethics. She guided our young researchers in exploring values, justice, and responsibility in scientific work—essential considerations for producing and sharing impactful research.
- Data Management and EU Funding: El Alami Boualam, Project Officer at the European Research Executive Agency (REA), provided insights on data management, while Matteo Fornara, from the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, outlined the EU’s role in supporting scientific research through Horizon Europe and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).
Beyond the formalities, the meeting was a valuable opportunity for the Functiglass team to connect, exchange ideas, and lay the groundwork for our first Winter School, which followed shortly after.
This kick-off was more than a procedural step—it was a catalyst for collaboration, setting the tone for the innovative and inclusive spirit of Functiglass.
