Castelgrande Lecture 2025: Rino Rappuoli guest of honour for IRB's 25th anniversary

The Bellinzona Institutes of Science Association (Bios+) is organising the sixth edition of the Castelgrande Lecture, to be held on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, at 5 pm in the evocative setting of Sala Arsenale of Castelgrande in Bellinzona. The lecture is part of the celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB). It will feature Prof. Rino Rappuoli, Scientific Director of the Biotecnopolo Foundation of Siena, as guest of honour.

The conference, titled "How microbes can help tackle climate change"', will offer the audience the opportunity to learn more about the crucial role that microorganisms play in addressing environmental challenges. The lecture will be held in Italian and will be followed by a reception.

Prof. Rino Rappuoli is an internationally recognised authority in the field of immunology and vaccinology. He graduated in biological sciences from the University of Siena and continued his studies in the United States of America, collaborating with prestigious institutions such as the Rockefeller University in New York and the Harvard Medical School in Boston. His career is marked by numerous scientific innovations that have revolutionised vaccine research: from genetic detoxification of bacteria to cellular microbiology, up to pan-genomics applied to bacterial species. Notably, he has contributed to the development of vaccines for pertussis (whooping cough) and meningococcus, both of which are crucial in the fight against global infectious diseases.

Internationally recognised for his contribution to public health, Prof. Rappuoli has received numerous prestigious awards and is distinguished by his commitment to making global health increasingly accessible and sustainable.

There are limited seats available for the event. Please confirm your attendance by Tuesday, 15 April 2025 by filling out the form available at the following link.