Rome, 26 October 2026 – The Società Chimica Italiana, with the support of Roma Capitale and in collaboration with Zètema Progetto Cultura, is organising the event “Rome, Capital of Italian Chemistry. Chemistry that Heals, Nourishes and Drives Innovation in Italy” on 23 November 2026, at the Conference Hall of the National Research Council (CNR), Piazzale Aldo Moro 7, Rome. Participation is free of charge, subject to registration and availability of places.
The initiative aims to highlight the fundamental role of chemistry in scientific progress, healthcare, improving quality of life, and the country’s economic and industrial development, with a particular focus on the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors.
“With this initiative,” emphasises Professor Luigi Mondello, President of the Italian Chemical Society, “we want to reaffirm that chemistry is not only a fundamental scientific discipline, but also a strategic resource for the health, well-being and development of our country. Chemical research underpins the discovery of new medicines, the development of innovative solutions for disease prevention, and improvements in quality of life. This is the message we wish to convey, highlighting the contribution of the scientific community and the Italian chemical industry.”
Following the institutional opening remarks, the programme will feature two prestigious keynote lectures (*Lectio Magistralis*) delivered by two distinguished scientists at the forefront of scientific and industrial research and innovation:
- Dr Marcello Allegretti, Dompé Farmaceutici, will deliver a keynote lecture on Synthetic Medicinal Chemistry, illustrating the contribution of chemical research to the development of new medicines and the future prospects of therapeutic innovation.
- Professor Ettore Novellino, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, will deliver a keynote lecture on Nutraceutical Chemistry, exploring the role of bioactive molecules and nutraceuticals in disease prevention, health and well-being.
The keynote lectures will be followed by two round-table discussions featuring prominent representatives from academia and industry:
- “CHEMISTRY THAT HEALS – From Molecule to Medicine: Chemistry at the Service of Health”, focusing on the contribution of chemical research to the development of new medicines and the future prospects of pharmaceutical innovation. Moderated by Professor Maria Laura Bolognesi, Vice President of SCI.
- “CHEMISTRY FOR WELL-BEING – Nutraceuticals: Foods and Bioactive Molecules”, focusing on the role of chemistry in the study, characterisation and valorisation of bioactive substances and nutraceuticals for human health and well-being. Moderated by Professor Stefano Alcaro, President of the SCI Division of Medicinal Chemistry.
The event will provide an important opportunity for dialogue and exchange among institutions, universities, the research community and industry, with the aim of fostering new synergies and showcasing Italian scientific and industrial excellence.
The day will conclude with the presentation of the “Rome, Capital of Italian Chemistry” Award Medals, recognising individuals and companies that have distinguished themselves through their contributions to research and innovation in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors.
The project, promoted by Roma Capitale, was selected through the Public Call for Proposals for initiatives of interest to the City Administration, in collaboration with Zètema Progetto Cultura.
Further information is available on the event website: https://romachimica.chim.it/