On the occasion of the bicentenary of the birth of Stanislao Cannizzaro (1826–2026), a central figure in the development of modern chemistry and the atomic–molecular theory, the Italian Chemical Society, in collaboration with the University of Palermo, is promoting an international conference dedicated to his scientific, cultural, and institutional legacy.
Programme
From 14 to 17 April, the conference will feature plenary sessions, scientific communications, and moments of discussion devoted to the history of chemistry, the atomic–molecular theory, and the foundations of the discipline.
The events will be hosted by the University of Palermo, across three venues: Palazzo Chiaromonte–Steri, the Aula Magna of the Department of Law, and the Aula Magna of the Department of Engineering. This choice highlights the city where Cannizzaro received his education and where a decisive part of his scientific career began.
Read the full programme.
Visit the event website for information on registration fees, procedures, and deadlines.
Why Cannizzaro, why Palermo
“Celebrating Stanislao Cannizzaro today means recognising not only the scientific value of his work, but also the extraordinary unity of science, civic engagement, and educational mission that characterised his entire life,” notes Prof. Antonella Maggio (University of Palermo), member of the Steering Committee of the Thematic Group for the Dissemination of Chemical Culture.
Cannizzaro played a leading role in the Sicilian uprisings of 1848, was a patriot of the Italian Risorgimento, a senator of the Kingdom of Italy, and a reformer of education. His vision of science—understood as a tool of progress, freedom, and nation-building—made him a reference point for generations of scholars.
In 1871, he founded the Gazzetta Chimica Italiana, the first national chemistry journal, which later became the official publication of the Italian Chemical Society, helping shape the scientific and institutional identity of the Italian chemical community.
Palermo, his birthplace, is the ideal setting for this commemoration: it is here that Cannizzaro taught, served as rector, and contributed to the cultural renewal of the University, strengthening the city’s scientific profile. The event therefore aims both to honour an exemplary figure and to inspire contemporary reflection on the role of science in society, on education, and on the civic responsibilities of intellectuals.
Contributions
The scientific community is invited to submit original contributions focusing on the figure of Stanislao Cannizzaro and on the scientific, cultural, and political context of the nineteenth century.
The conference aims to offer an interdisciplinary forum for discussion among historians of science, chemists, scholars of the social sciences and education, with particular attention to the circulation of scientific and political ideas in nineteenth-century Europe.
Essential Guidelines:
- Duration of presentations: approximately 20 minutes
- Abstract in English or Italian (priority given to abstracts in English)
- Maximum length: 2 pages, including references, following the template available on the website
- At least one author must be registered for the conference
- Abstract submission deadline: 1 March 2026
Abstract templates can be downloaded from the dedicated page