published yesterday in the Italian Insider:

‘Futuro Remoto’ Neapolitan Science Festival opens

By Florence Brock

 

NAPLES — The most prestigious square in the metropolis prepares to host the 30th annual Futuro Remoto Science Festival in this southern Italian city’s Piazza Plebliscito, Friday until Monday.
A team of dedicated experts and 2,500 volunteers are ready to reopen Piazza Plebliscito to the public today, displaying local innovation and knowledge in a ‘hands on’ and face to face approach in matters of science and advanced technologies.
After vast public participation at last year’s edition, involving all Naples’ universities, many research centres and museums, registered more than 150,000 visitors, Futuro Remoto wants to re-confirm the event in the magnificent square as a real “Festival of Science.”
Focused on science, technology, innovation, art and culture, the city fair is promoted every year by Città della Scienza-Fondazione IDIS, an enormous science centre in the north of Naples that serves the community in the dissemination of science with interactive museums, exhibitions and business start-ups.
This year’s kermis is also sponsored by the University of Naples-Federico II, the Campania Regional Scholastic Office and in partnership with Campania Region and the City of Naples.
Located once again in the central piazza and notorious symbol of the city, the most sought after event for scientific culture lovers will be held from Oct. 7-10, 2016 and features the theme of “construction.”
With over 6,000 metres dedicated to science, and nine thematic pavilions spread out in the square, visitors can observe scientific phenomena, partake in experiments and speak face to face with young scientists and experts.
Over the four days dedicated to the initiative, scientific laboratories, lessons and even live shows, performances, lectures will be the centre of entertainment for visitors all ages. Among the performances that stand out,the young Scarlatti Junior musicians from the Scarlatti Orchestra are scheduled to perform in concert. Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti and President ofthe Italian Space Agency Roberto Battiston are also scheduled to appear.
“Futuro Remoto is an alliance for the city,” states CEO Vincenzo Lipardi of Città della Scienza with vibrant opening remarks at Tuesday’s press conference, adding, “it represents the right to show and disseminate what Naples is and not what it will or could be.”
Chancellor Gaetano Manfredi of Federico II reinforces the Chief’s words claiming that “this key period of big change offers the south a huge opportunity in becoming a forerunner — its only compass can be competence. With a city still well connected to the rest of the country and Europe, Naples boasts an advantageous position and can take advantage of it to fulfil a real vision.”
When asked to comment on the national and international attention and investments Naples has been receiving of late, Mayor Luigi De Magistris smiles and says, “Five years ago, the city was culturally, politically and morally depressed and submersed by garbage. Today it is a vivacious metropolis with lots of initiatives and desire and young people are contributing significantly.”
“The fact that others are putting Naples in the spotlight and are willing to invest is important for city development, our economy and growth. The great pride we feel now that we’ve been living in the limelight is a decisive factor in our determination,” the city leader concludes.

Piero Angela of the famous Italian TV programme Quark and special guest at the inauguration Thursday enthralled a full house at Città della Scienza. In his typical heart to heart talk that has been bringing knowledge of history, science and advanced technologies into people’s homes for over 30 years, the presenter emphasized the need for intelligence at a systematic level. “We have treasures mankind does not use well,” he asserts, going on to compliment the three decade-long annual festival. “You event organizers are surely on the right track.”
Complemented by the Cardarelli hospital research team’s newly developed robot cruising around the immense square and a Hackathon, comprised of 300 Expert Makers of the Rome Maker Fair in the 24-hour challenge to develop innovative solutions, this year’s construction theme represents the will to reinforce, build and activate social and cultural processes in the creation of a democratic society of knowledge.
All this boils down to building relationships, awareness, participation, working together to building a community, new solutions and wellbeing that in turn can create work, innovation and change.
Futuro Remoto was born out of an experiment that started in 1987 by Vittorio Silvestrini. Held in the city fair area Mostra d’Oltremare, the temporal event, referred to as a voyage between science and science fiction, was such a huge success that it led first to the creation of “Fondazione Idis” and later to Città della Scienza, a real city of science thanks to agreement signed in 1996 by the Minister of Finance, Regione Campania, Province of Naples, the City of Naples and Fondazione IDIS.
Doors will be open from 10 am to 10 pm each day.
Entrance to the public is free.