Over 4000 people at UniVerso: a day of fun and discovery at USI

It was a real celebration of knowledge on Saturday, 10 May 2025. Università della Svizzera italiana opened its doors to the public, welcoming over 4,000 people to the West Campus for UniVerso, the event dedicated to science, creativity and fun for all ages.

Campus packed to the rafters, curious eyes and smiles: children, grandparents, families, teenagers and enthusiasts let themselves be carried away by a rich programme that transformed USI into a large open-air laboratory with many activities to enjoy, experiment and learn. From programmable robots to the planetarium, from the teddy bear hospital to self-driving cars, from the magic of books to the magic of numbers to the giant cell, the moon city, art workshops and much more, every space became an opportunity for discovery and wonder, among stars, cells, circuits, spaces, signs and numbers.

The day also featured a street food festival and the inauguration of Yuri Catania's participatory street art work, a mosaic of over a thousand portraits that gave a face to the USI community, a visual symbol of inclusion and sharing. Additionally, USI alumnus Michael Casanova, also known as "Bella Gianda," engaged the younger audience by introducing them to the world of podcasts and radio recordings at the media discovery station.

To close on a high note, the scientific aperitif "Universo: where do we come from?" was sold out in the Aula Magna, with an exciting journey between science and narration led by Jonas Marti (historian, RSI) and Edwige Pezzulli (astrophysicist, INAF, RAI), moderated by Prof. Gabriele Balbi. The enchanting artistic installation by the Compagnia Finzi Pasca captivated the audience with lights, music and immersive projections.

UniVerso proved to be a success, transforming the University into an open, accessible, and surprising space for everyone. Attendees had the opportunity to experience firsthand what is happening across the various USI campuses, discovering that the University truly belongs to all of us and is relevant to our lives. This event highlighted the journey of knowledge becoming experience and fostered a connection between knowledge and community.

Thank you to everyone who played, explored, and discovered with us, helping to make this day special.