The Geosciences and the Challenges of the 21^st Century

Padua, 16-18 September 2025

Round table

New Challenges for Earth Sciences: Geological Mapping and Critical Raw Materials

Mantegna Room - 15 September 2025 [14.30 - 16.30]

Moderator: Ruggiero Quarto, former Senator of the Republic

Earth Sciences are called upon to provide Italy with the scientific and technical knowledge needed to address the complex environmental and resource-related challenges — energy, raw materials, and water — of the 21st century. Geological and thematic mapping (e.g., geological, geochemical, hydrogeological hazard, and mineral resource maps) represents not only the foundation for an in-depth understanding of the territory and for the management of both natural and anthropogenic risks, but also, for example, a key tool for the potential identification and extraction of critical raw materials. These materials, which are of growing strategic relevance, require a comprehensive understanding of geo-resources, accurate estimates of available reserves, and a proper assessment of the environmental impacts associated with their extraction. This round table aims to foster dialogue among national strategic and environmental priorities, public and private funding and investment opportunities, and the effective contribution that Earth Sciences can offer to support sustainable and responsible development.

Speakers:
Prof.ssa Anna Maria Bernini (Ministro dell'Università e della Ricerca)
Prof. Fabrizio Berra (Coordinatore Divisione Cartografia Geologica SGI)
Prof. Giovanni Andrea Blengini (ex-ricercatore presso Joint Research Center della Commissione Europea su Critical Raw Materials)
Prof. Rodolfo Carosi (Presidente SGI)
Dott. Andrea Dini (Direttore CNR-IGG)
Dott. Fabio Florindo (Presidente INGV)
Dott. Fiorenzo Fumanti (Direttore ISPRA - Struttura di Missione per la Gestione sostenibile delle georisorse minerarie)
Dott.ssa Alessandra Gallone (già Senatrice della Repubblica, consigliera MASE e delegata MUR)
Dott.ssa Maria Lettieri (Responsabile Servizio per la Geologia strutturale e marina, il rilevamento e la cartografia geologica ISPRA)
Prof. Paolo Mazzoleni (Presidente SIMP)
Dott. Massimiliano Moscatelli (Direttore CNR-IGAG)
Dott. Nello Musumeci (Ministro della Protezione Civile e delle Politiche del Mare)
Prof. Gilberto Pichetto Fratin (Ministro dell'Ambiente e della Sicurezza Energetica)
Dott.ssa Maria Siclari (Direttore Generale e Direttore ad interim del Dipartimento per il Servizio Geologico d'Italia ISPRA)
Dott. Adolfo Urso (Ministro delle Imprese e del Made in Italy)
Dott. Arcangelo Francesco Violo (Presidente CNG)

The geological profession, Universities, and degree programs leading to professional qualification

Sala Carraresi - 17 September 2025 [18.30 - 19.30]

Speakers:
Prof. De Giudici (Coll.GEO, UNICA)
Prof. Fubelli (CUN, UNITO)
Presidente CNG
Dott. Giacchetti (Presidente Ordine Geologi del Veneto)

Moderator: Prof. Fabbri (UNIPD, Ordine dei Geologi del Veneto)

Geology is currently facing a recruitment crisis. Despite the high demand for geologists in both the job market and the professional sphere, Italian universities are not producing a sufficient number of graduates in this field. This roundtable is intended as an opportunity for dialogue and reflection between academia and the professional community — between those responsible for educating future geologists and those committed to upholding and safeguarding the role of freelance professionals. These two sectors have often held differing perspectives; however, now more than ever, there is a pressing need for collaboration, as they share the common objective of increasing enrollment in geology programs.