The Naturethon has stepped into the spotlight! On Tuesday, December 2, Davide Michielin (CMCC) showcased the Naturethon at the Italian National Conference on Science Communication (CNCS) in Trieste. Organized by the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), the conference is a key national forum for institutions, science communication researchers, and practitioners, driving innovation in science communication.

During the session titled “Attivare territori, trasformare saperi: la forza della scienza partecipata” (Activating Territories, Transforming Knowledge: The Power of Participatory Science), participants were introduced to NATURANCE hands-on approach to citizen engagement, blending scientific expertise and bottom-up solutions.

The session highlighted experiences ranging from citizen science and museum “squares” to natural risk communication and discussions on ecosystem services and emerging technologies. Participation unfolded through co-design processes that brought together scientists, students, policymakers, local stakeholders, and communities. It offered an opportunity to reflect on what worked, what could be improved, and how science could become more open, accessible, and transformative for local communities.

The session was followed by a panel, which included speakers from other initiatives, featuring a lively discussion on the best strategies for engagement, impact assessment, and the legacy left by the various projects, including the Naturethon.

This year’s programme of the CNCS featured about 50 sessions covering a wide range of topics, including the relationship between science and the general public, strategies for communicating complex issues – such as climate change and biodiversity loss –, the role of cultural and educational institutions in science dissemination, and innovative methods for participation and engagement.

The event, which brought together over 400 participants, aimed to foster open discussion across disciplines, enabling attendees to share effective approaches and develop new collaborative projects.