Universities for Freedom of Research
Ten Years After the Disappearance of Giulio Regeni
đź“… May 14, 2026, 6:00 PM (repeat screening: May 15, 2026)
Date: Tue, 31/03/2026
Event Description
Seventy-six universities and over 15,000 participants will take part in a two-month program of events and screenings dedicated to freedom of research. Senator for Life and professor at the University of Milan, Elena Cattaneo, presented in the Italian Senate the initiative “Universities for Giulio Regeni. Ten years after his disappearance: an initiative for freedom of research.”
The University of Pavia and IUSS Pavia have joined the initiative with an event that will take place on May 14 at 6:00 PM at the San Tommaso Auditorium (Piazza del Lino 1, Pavia). The documentary “Giulio Regeni – The Evil of the World” (Simone Manetti, 2026) will be screened again on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
About the Initiative
This unique initiative consists of a nationwide series of events held between April and May 2026, with 76 universities across Italy, each hosting a dedicated day focused on the themes of freedom of study and research.
The program is centered around the screening of the documentary “Giulio Regeni – The Evil of the World”, directed by Simone Manetti and written by Emanuele Cava and Matteo Billi, produced by Fandango and Ganesh Produzioni.
Presented in the Senate during a press conference attended by Senator Cattaneo, Giulio Regeni’s parents, lawyer Alessandra Ballerini, and the filmmakers, the initiative is expected to engage a wide audience of students, researchers, academic staff, and citizens.
Institutional Statements
“Ten years after the tragic disappearance of Giulio Regeni,” said Alessandro Reali, Rector of the University of Pavia, “our academic community renews its strong commitment to defending the freedom of research, an essential foundation of any civil society. Remembering Giulio also means looking ahead, supporting new generations of researchers so they can work in conditions of safety, dignity, and independence.”
“Universities have a duty to clearly reaffirm that research cannot exist without freedom,” stated Mario Martina, Rector of IUSS Pavia. “Freedom to study, to move, and to question reality is the very foundation of knowledge. This initiative is not only a moment of remembrance but a collective act of responsibility.”
Event Program
The event will feature:
- Institutional greetings by the Rectors of the University of Pavia and IUSS Pavia
- A video message from Paola Deffendi and Claudio Regeni, Giulio’s parents
- Introduction by journalist Stefano Nazzi, author of the podcasts Indagini and Altre indagini
- Screening of the documentary “Giulio Regeni – The Evil of the World”
The documentary retraces the story of the young researcher and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, helping to maintain public awareness and civic engagement.
Purpose of the Event
The initiative aims to foster a shared reflection on:
- The value of freedom of research
- The responsibility of academic institutions
- The protection of fundamental rights of scholars worldwide
Voices from the Initiative
“Giulio Regeni’s story did not end with the discovery of his body in Cairo ten years ago,” said Senator Elena Cattaneo. “Thanks to the courage of his family, Giulio continues to live through a movement of people united by the fundamental value of freedom.”
“We are honored and grateful for this initiative,” said Giulio’s parents, Paola Deffendiand Claudio Regeni. “The documentary highlights both Giulio’s integrity as a researcher and the grave violations of his rights.”
Attendance
🎟 Free admission (max. 46 seats)
Reservation required via Billetto:
- Booking for May 14 screening (6:00 PM)
- Booking for May 15 screening (6:00 PM) (screening only, no opening remarks)
Credits
The initiative is supported by the Elena Cattaneo Foundation ETS, in collaboration with Fandango and Ganesh Produzioni.