The sixth edition of the Calstelgrande Lecture, a scientific outreach event that brings distinguished figures in the field closer to the general public, was a great success.
This year’s theme was “How microbes can help tackle climate change”, Prof. Rino Rappuoli.
Bellinzona, 30 September 2025.
As is now tradition, the sixth edition of the Castelgrande Lecture was held under the auspices of the Bellinzona Institute of Science (Bios+), an association that brings together the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) and the Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), both affiliated with Università della Svizzera italiana.
Led by IRB, and as part of the events celebrating its 25th anniversary, the 2025 edition featured Prof. Rino Rappuoli, scientific director of the Biotecnopolo Foundation in Siena, honorary professor of vaccinology at Imperial College London and senior professor of molecular biology at the University of Siena. Prof. Rappuoli is ranked second most important person worldwide in the specialty of vaccines by ScholarGPS.
With over 150 participants, the lecture, which owes its name to the castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of the city of Bellinzona, was the most popular ever, confirming the importance that scientific institutes and topics have in the social fabric of the city.
Good microbes that can intervene and be used in bioconversion, in the production of chemical products, in agriculture and in the allocation of resources on the planet. This was the overview offered by Prof. Rappuoli in his lecture, explaining the objectives of scientific research in this field: to raise awareness of how microbial sciences can help tackle climate change and make the planet sustainable in order to provide tools and support for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“What I hope is that microbes can help us change the course of history and make our planet livable again.” said Prof. Rappuoli during his lecture.
“The topic of climate change, an evocative title that makes us reflect on the relationship between science and politics, vaccines and public health, and which keeps this link alive even today.” said the Mayor of Bellinzona, Mario Branda.
“The sixth edition of the Castelgrande Lecture, with its highly topical theme, generates many reflections, especially during the 25th anniversary of IRB, which involved a friend whom I thank very much: Prof. Rappuoli is interested in the development of knowledge, which, as I often reiterate, is the key to the future, and our challenge is to involve the brightest young minds to contribute to progress and bring benefits to society.” said President Gendotti.
A big thank to the City of Bellinzona, Banca Stato and Fidinam SA, as sponsors and active supporters of the meeting between science and collective knowledge.
See you at the next Castelgrande Lecture
“Prevezione è rivoluzione” with Prof. Silvio Garattini.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Arsenale room of Castelgrande, Bellinzona.
