Generating social, cultural, and economic development, also through the fight against inequalities and the enhancement of cultural heritage.

This is the goal reaffirmed by APEnet, the Association involving 57 Italian universities and research institutions, aimed at promoting and developing public engagement and the social impact of actions resulting from research activities, during the "Destinazione Public Engagement #6" event, hosted this year by the University of Trieste.

The meeting, which saw the participation of 130 representatives from the associated institutions, provided a broad discussion on the strategies through which the scientific and academic communities can contribute to the inclusive development of the country.

Giulia Carluccio, President of APEnet and Vice-Rector of the University of Turin, emphasized how "Destinazione Public Engagement represents a path where universities and research institutions are increasingly committed to the sustainable and inclusive development of the country through listening, valuing knowledge, and collaborating with communities."

Caterina Falbo, Delegate for the Third Mission of the University of Trieste, highlighted the example of the University of Trieste, which has long been involved in promoting Public Engagement activities that strengthen dialogue with the local community and promote community well-being. “In the San Giovanni Park, which was the site of the Basaglian revolution – explains Falbo – we promote collaborations with some social cooperatives to support the work inclusion of people in vulnerable areas and carry out initiatives for scientific and cultural dissemination. UniTS also works in synergy with other institutions and organizations to strengthen research on energy transition and green hydrogen production.”

During the two-day event, the guests outlined proposals, highlighted opportunities, and suggested possible pathways for the growth and recognition of Public Engagement, balancing public and social commitment with the enhancement of knowledge.

The recognition of Public Engagement activities in academic careers emerged as one of the key tools to value the commitment of professors, researchers, technical-administrative staff, and students in projects with high social impact. The goal is also strategic in the discussions with the Ministry and the National Agency for the Evaluation of the University and Research System (ANVUR).

The Director of ANVUR, Daniele Livon, who spoke at the event, defined the relationship between the Agency and APEnet as one of fruitful collaboration and dialogue, especially during the evaluation of knowledge valorization, in which Public Engagement has proven to play a fundamental role.

With speeches by Laura Nota, President of the Italian Society of Orientation and professor at the University of Padua, and Lelio Iapadre, Partner of the Forum for Inequalities and Diversity, who presented the OCSE ITA.CON project, the focus was placed on the urgency of returning to universities their role as promoters of collaborations to achieve social and environmental justice objectives.

Reflections on the importance of the Faro Convention as a tool for cultural democracy were also present, thanks to the participation of Francesc Pla Castelltort (Culture and Cultural Heritage Unit of the Council of Europe), and on the role of Museums, which, in the speeches by Irene Baldriga (Sapienza University of Rome) and Paola Rodari (SISSA MediaLab), were described as mediators and places for shared cultural narratives, spaces for authentic dialogue between society and science, and safe spaces to address complex issues.

In conclusion, Pier Andrea Serra, Vice President of the Association and Pro-Rector of the University of Sassari, presented the APEnet Barometer data, which monitors the state of Public Engagement in Italian universities and research institutions.