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Conference

Researching the Future: The History of the Joint Research Centre in Ispra

Add to calendar 2026-02-18 10:00 2026-02-18 12:30 Europe/Rome Researching the Future: The History of the Joint Research Centre in Ispra Onsite and remotely: Sala dei cuoi and via zoom Via Bolognese 156 YYYY-MM-DD
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Scheduled dates

Feb 18 2026

10:00 - 12:30 CET

Onsite and remotely: Sala dei cuoi and via zoom, Via Bolognese 156

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In this hybrid conference, Paolo Castello, Matteo Gerlini and David Wilkinson, the authors of 'Ricercare il futuro – la storia del Centro comune di ricerca di Ispra', reconstruct the history of the European Commission’s first and largest research centre in Ispra, Italy—revealing how shared scientific infrastructures became an important element of European integration.

How does scientific research become a driver of European integration?

Paolo Castello, Matteo Gerlini and David Wilkinson, authors of Ricercare il futuro – la storia del Centro comune di ricerca di Ispra, reconstruct the history of the European Commission’s first and largest research centre in Ispra, Italy—revealing how shared scientific infrastructures became an important element of European integration.

The volume, available in open access, is a history of the European Commission's first and largest research centre, based on previously unpublished documents from the Joint Research Centre (JRC) archives. The book traces the development of the site from its conception in 1956 as an Italian national research centre focused entirely on the peaceful use of nuclear energy to its current role in supporting the European Commission's policymaking activities. Throughout its 70-year history, the site has continually evolved in terms of its activities, infrastructure and facilities, all the while remaining at the forefront of scientific research and efficiently addressing the EU's increasingly complex policy challenges.

The conference will offer an opportunity to discuss the role of research, expertise and shared knowledge infrastructures in the European integration process. The event will be held in hybrid format.

Programme

Welcome address: Dieter Schlenker, Director, EU Historical Archives

Opening remarks: Marinus Stroosnijder, former Ispra Site Manager, advisor of the JRC Director-General on organisational rationalization

Speakers:

David Wilkinson, JRC former director

Paolo Castello, JRC Ispra business management & site modernisation

Matteo Gerlini, University of Siena

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