On the occasion of the Italian Research Day in the World, the Embassy of Italy in Ottawa organized yesterday in Montreal, at McGill University, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Italy in Montreal and the Quebec Chapter of ISSNAF (Italian Scientists and Scholars in North America Foundation), the scientific conference entitled “The Italian Contribution to Science in Canada”, during which the “Ingegno Italiano” Award was also presented.
The award, now in its third edition and conferred by the Embassy of Italy in Ottawa, is dedicated to Italian scientists and researchers working in Canada who have distinguished themselves through outstanding scientific achievements in the fields of life sciences, physical and engineering sciences, and social sciences and humanities. The third edition of the award was granted to Professor Damiano Pasini of McGill University, recognized for his contributions in the field of mechanics of materials and structural optimization. The awarding process is coordinated by the Scientific Office of the Embassy with the support of a Scientific Committee composed of internationally renowned scientists (Professor Rolando Del Maestro and Professor Giada Sebastiani of McGill University, Professor Gabriel Niccoli of the University of Waterloo, Professor Andrea Damascelli of the University of British Columbia, and Dr. Eng. Franco Mammarella of TRIUMF).
The award was presented by the Ambassador of Italy to Canada, Alessandro Cattaneo, who in his remarks highlighted the presence in Canada of a rich and highly qualified community of Italian researchers, which acts as a bridge between the research systems of the two countries and contributes concretely to the implementation of the Roadmap for enhanced cooperation between Italy and Canada, signed on the margins of the G7 Summit in Borgo Egnazia.
Following the ceremony, Professor Pasini delivered a lecture entitled “Rewritable Matter: The Rise of Reprogrammable Metamaterials.” The event then continued with a discussion on the Italian contribution to the Canadian scientific sector, with the participation of numerous Italian professors and researchers active at leading Canadian universities, from Quebec to British Columbia.
At the conclusion of the event, the Quebec Chapter of ISSNAF was officially launched. The new Chapter will contribute to strengthening and expanding the network of Italian researchers in North America, particularly in Quebec, creating new opportunities for the development of bilateral scientific cooperation.
