The Third Mission at IUSS Pavia
The Third Mission of the IUSS School for Advanced Studies in Pavia enhances scientific research and education by disseminating culture and knowledge beyond the academic context. As Professor Riccardo Pietrabissa highlights, “the impact of science on society is its main mission, the concrete contribution to progress and collective well-being.”
In this perspective, the Third Mission promotes public engagement, fostering dialogue with citizens and collaboration with institutions, enterprises, and civil society through initiatives that make research accessible, tangible, and capable of generating value in everyday life.
Among its projects are the organization of events on the occasion of International Days, opportunities for discussion with scholars and students from around the world; Guided Tours at IUSS. Art and Science, to discover the School’s historical and cultural heritage; and the multimedia project “IUSS on Air”, which brings the voice of research beyond university classrooms.
These initiatives are joined by IUSS participation in Sharper – The European Researchers’ Night, which highlights the work and passions of researchers for the wider public. Further activities include public events on current issues, new initiatives such as The IUSS Lectures, and participation in the Festa del Ticino 2025, all signs of an increasingly open and dynamic commitment to dialogue with the community.
FAME LAB
IUSS Pavia was a partner in the 2019 and 2020 editions of FameLab, the international talent competition dedicated to science, outreach, and communication. Young researchers and university students taking part in the competition challenge themselves with a three-minute talk, tackling the fascinating yet demanding art of science communication.
Launched in 2005 by the Cheltenham Science Festival, FameLab now involves over 30 countries worldwide, with impressive participation figures: 18 Italian cities engaged over the years, more than 700 young researchers involved, and over 70 cultural partners – including universities, research institutes, public bodies, science communication organizations, museums, and media partners.
