Does everything we learn help make us even a little happier?

UniTS thinks so! 20th March marks the first National Universities Day, which unsurprisingly coincides with the International Day of Happiness. The theme proposed by CRUI (Conference of Italian University Rectors) is 'Universities Unveiled' and we are excited to share our scientific and cultural heritage not only with students. 

The day also falls within Minerva Week, dedicated to the celebration of knowledge and education. The Minerva is the symbol of our university: the stylised statue of Mascherini in Piazzale Europa welcomes the UniTS community every day.

These are the events not to be missed:

- Lectio Magistralis by Daniel Kammen at ‘Powering the Just Transition’ 

On 20th March, National University Day, the ‘Giacomo Ciamician’ Interdepartmental Centre for Energy, Environment and Transport, in collaboration with the Luciano Fonda University College, is organising Powering the Just Transition.

Guest speaker Daniel Kammen, professor at the University of Berkeley and one of the world's leading experts on the subject of energy transition. During his keynote lecture, he will describe the steps towards decarbonised economies.

In his career, Kammen has published more than 450 scientific papers and has been a consultant to the State of California, the US federal government and led the World Bank's Technical Committee on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.

Info at: https://portale.units.it/it/eventi/powering-just-transition

- MOVIEUNITS

Until 26th June 2024 ‘MOVIEUNITS’, the itinerant and free film festival that offers the possibility to see films in different locations in Trieste, with two special dates also in Gorizia and Portogruaro, will be open to all.

On 20th March, at 8.30 p.m. at the Auditorium of the Revoltella Museum, Spike Jonze's ‘Her’ is scheduled, in the original English language audio with Italian subtitles. https://100anni.units.it/index.php/evento/movieunits-lei/

Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) is an employee of a company who, through the Internet, writes personal letters on behalf of others, an absurd job he performs with great skill and at times even passion. However, since his break-up with the girl he married, he is unable to rebuild his life, is always thinking about her and refuses to sign the divorce papers. When a new generation of operating systems, animated by a surprisingly 'human' artificial intelligence, arrives on the market, Theodore begins to develop a complex relationship beyond imagination with it - Samantha (played by Scarlett Johansson), the AI entity.

Full programme of the exhibition at https://100anni.units.it/index.php/home/movieunits/ 

- EXHIBITION ‘1924 - 2024. A century in the history of the University of Trieste. Images and Documents’.

Set up in the Pomis Bastion of the San Giusto Castle, the multi-documental exhibition evokes the salient moments and personalities of Trieste's university century. Open to the public until 1st September 2024, the exhibition offers a tale of history, architecture and art and is divided into four distinct sections: historical, architectural, audiovisual and artistic.

All information at https://portale.units.it/it/notizie/cento-anni-di-storia-mostra-luniversita-di-trieste-si-racconta-con-opere-darte-immagini 

- FAI Spring Days

On Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th March the FAI (National Trust for Italy) Spring Days are back: the UniTS headquarters is on the programme in Trieste!

The visit, organised by the Trieste FAI Youth Group, does not require a reservation and will take in the exterior and interior spaces of the characteristic ‘H’-shaped building. The tour will call at the exhibition ‘I miei pùpoli (my sketches): Gaetano Kanizsa scientist and artist ‘, the Rector's Gallery and the works of #SBLAD - Shine Bright Like A Diamond, the project that photographs the current emerging art scene and expands the University's heritage of works.

OPENING HOURS: Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th March from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry at 5 p.m.). Groups admitted every 30 minutes. The total duration of the visit is approximately 1 hour.

All info on https://portale.units.it/it/eventi/giornate-fai-di-primavera-23-e-24-marzo-units