From January 20 to February 21, 2026, the INGV invites you to participate in the 7th edition of "Words for the Earth," a special event taking place at various locations within the Institute and beyond, as part of STEM Week. Volcanologists, seismologists, and environmental experts will lead the public and participating schools on a journey of discovery of our planet, with interactive activities, innovative technologies, and the latest scientific discoveries. The initiative aims to raise awareness among visitors about the phenomena studied by geosciences, inviting them to understand how the Earth "speaks," from its core to the surface of the oceans, through the physical signals it produces every day.
Scientific speed dates will be organized in some locations. The speed date formula provides a visitor with the opportunity to sit at a table for a face-to-face meeting with a researcher to whom he can ask any question on specific topics for a short time. With an informal, inclusive and dialogue-oriented experience, we hope to foster understanding and stimulate interest in geosciences.
A diverse and educational experience for all, celebrating the beauty of geology and the commitment of INGV to the study and knowledge of our planet.
WE ARE WAITING FOR YOU!
The event program
Rome
WHEN
February 21, 2026, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
WHERE
INGV Headquarters – Via di Vigna Murata 605, ROME
TITLE
Words for the Earth – Open Day
ABSTRACT
Do you have any questions, concerns, or just plain curiosity about hot topics in Earth Sciences? It's time to clarify them! Come over for a coffee and a pastry, and we'll talk.
With the Speed Date option, you'll have 15 minutes to choose one of the proposed topics on earthquakes, volcanoes, and environmental issues and ask our researchers all the questions you want. You'll also be able to tour the Seismic and Tsunami Surveillance Operations Room. There will also be virtual reality experiences, story maps, and games for children. The event is open to all.
HOSPITALITY
Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by INGV staff, ready to guide you through the day's activities. Tours of the Operations Rooms, the paleomagnetism laboratory, and participation in the games will depart every half hour; you can book directly on site. At the end of the tour, we invite you to fill out the questionnaire and collect a small gift.
ACTIVITIES AND THEMATIC SPACES
Seismic Monitoring and Tsunami Warning Operations Room
Visit the room where earthquakes and possible tsunami warnings are monitored in real time, with an explanation of surveillance and emergency management procedures.
Space Weather Operations Room
We discover how the Sun influences the Earth and technologies by monitoring the ionosphere and space weather.
Story Maps Earthquakes and Tsunamis
Interactive maps, images, and videos provide insight into the stories of tsunamis and earthquakes in Italy and around the world.
Let's discover marine monitoring
An interactive installation exploring the hidden world of the ocean floor. Earthquakes, underwater eruptions, and climate signals are recorded at 2000 meters below the surface. A journey through technological innovation and scientific research.
PULSE – The Heat of the Earth
An immersive artistic-scientific installation to discover the origins of the Earth's heat and geothermal energy.
Our planet's invisible shield: Earth's magnetism
A journey to discover the Earth's magnetic field, its variations over time, and its role in navigation, technology, and auroras.
The Tsunami Box
An interactive exhibit that allows you to generate a virtual tsunami with simple gestures, for an intuitive understanding of the phenomenon's dynamics.
Exploring the subsurface with geophysics
Demonstrations with real instruments (georadar, magnetometer, thermal camera) to discover what lies beneath our feet.
Thematic corner “Geological modeling of the subsurface from seismic reflection data".
This corner offers an in-depth look at the seismic reflection method and the ability to interactively view 2D and 3D geological models of the subsurface of the areas affected by the most recent seismic sequences, with particular reference to the central Apennines.
Ocean and climate
Experimental laboratory to understand the role of the ocean in the climate system.
Stories of magnetism
A historical-scientific journey through educational exhibits on the Earth's magnetic field, visits to paleomagnetism laboratories, and new research on the magnetism of leaves and lichens for the preventive conservation of cultural heritage.
GAMES AND WORKSHOPS
The Dragon Tremotto | 4-7 years
A play-based workshop designed for little ones to discover what an earthquake is through hands-on activities, small experiments, and animated stories.
Risk Detective | 9-11 years
A game to learn how to recognize natural hazards and best practices for civil protection.
TropoMag | 14-18 years and adults
An interactive activity dedicated to the Earth's atmosphere and magnetism.
Escape Volcano | 11–15 years
A team game to discover the secrets of volcanoes and best practices for civil protection. Participants will face creative challenges (drawing, mime, quizzes, taboos) to reach the crater before the eruption.
Science Quiz with Kahoot! | from 6 years old
Interactive quiz in the multimedia room to test your skills on earthquakes, volcanoes, oceans, and space.
SPEED DATE WITH SEARCH
Brief, informal meetings with INGV researchers on:
- Earthquakes and seismology
- Volcanoes and geodynamics
- Tsunami
- Environment and climate
- Antartide
- Scientific missions in extreme environments
- Space Weather
An opportunity to ask questions, discuss, and discover what it means to conduct research in the geosciences today.
INFO
L'Aquila
WHEN
February 10, 11:00-14:00 a.m.
February 13, 9:00-12:00 a.m.
WHERE
February 10: "G. Rodari" Comprehensive Institute L'Aquila, Pianola branch;
February 13: Navelli Comprehensive Institute (AQ)
TITLE
Words for the Earth
ABSTRACT
How does the Sun affect the Earth and what can artificial intelligence do?
We speak for the Earth with the students of the third grade of middle school.
Researchers at the INGV in L'Aquila offer participatory lessons to explore the connection between the Sun and Earth and discover how artificial intelligence supports the study of natural phenomena.
For whom: middle schools
On reservation.
INFO
La Spezia
WHEN
February 2, 14:30-16:30 a.m.
February 6, 9:00-13:00 a.m.
WHERE
2 February
- Secondary school - Piana Battolla branch of the “Salvo D'Acquisto” comprehensive institute in Follo (SP).
February 6:
- 9:00 – 11:00 am: Secondary school - Piana Battolla branch of the “Salvo D'Acquisto” comprehensive institute in Follo (SP).
- 11:00 am – 13:00 pm: Kindergarten - Piana Battolla Branch of the "Salvo D'Acquisto" Comprehensive Institute in Follo (SP)
TITLE
Words for the Earth
ABSTRACT
Curious about the climate or earthquakes? Want to know how to navigate fake news?
Come and talk about it with the researchers at the INGV Lerici office!
"C for Climate, F for Fake News" is a science journalism workshop for middle school students. It's designed to foster critical thinking and help students understand how to distinguish scientifically based information from fake news and discover what we can do every day to protect our planet.
"T for Earthquake" is a workshop for preschoolers. Stories, games, and hands-on activities help young children understand seismic risk and learn best practices for dealing with it safely.
Activities in collaboration with the AMA (ArtisticaMente Attiva) week of the “Salvo D'Acquisto” IC in Follo (SP).
For whom: nursery school and middle school
On reservation.
INFO
Milan
WHEN
February 12, 10:00-13:30 a.m.
February 13, 10:00-13:30 a.m.
WHERE
Milan Research Area, Via Corti 12
TITLE
Words for the Earth
ABSTRACT
How does the Earth speak to us about earthquakes? And how does science listen, interpret, and convey these "words" to society?
Researchers from the INGV—Milan Section and the National Earthquake Observatory, Genoa office—will speak about the Earth with high school students, addressing lesser-known aspects of earthquakes.
It will be a challenge packed with workshops, educational games, and opportunities for discussion and exchange, exploring the impact of earthquakes on the local area and society.
A message of awareness, land conservation, and natural hazard mitigation will be the event's underlying theme: it's up to the boys and girls to discover it and... share it!
Who is it for: secondary school students.
For whom: high school students
On reservation.
INFO
See Poster
Bologna
WHEN
January 20, 15:30 PM - 18:30 PM
January 27, 15:30 PM - 18:30 PM
February 3, 15:30 PM - 18:30 PM
WHERE
Department of Physics, University of Bologna, Room 1, Viale Berti Pichat 6-6/2, Bologna
TITLE
Words for the Earth - How does the Earth speak to us?
Physics from the Earth's core to the ocean surface
ABSTRACT
We're talking about Earth with researchers from the Bologna Section of the INGV through a series of workshops for high school students in the second, fourth, and fifth grades, as part of training programs organized by the Department of Physics and Astronomy of the University of Bologna.
Six physics sessions to understand the processes that govern the Earth System, from its formation to its current evolution. Through analysis of the physical signals produced by the planet, hands-on experiences, and computer-based activities, students will explore the workings of oceans, mountains, and volcanoes, learning to interpret real-world data and reflect on the impact of extreme natural events.
For whom: high schools by reservation
LINK
https://pls.unibo.it/editions/751
INFO
Pisa
WHEN
February 8, 19:00-22:00 a.m.
WHERE
ORZO BRUNO Brewery Street of the Painted Houses, Pisa
TITLE
Words for the Earth - Earth in Ferment
ABSTRACT
Science meets the public… over a glass!
We talk about the Earth with researchers from the Pisa Section of the INGV in a series of scientific speed dates: short, informal, one-on-one meetings to talk freely about the topics we study every day.
Volcanoes, earthquakes, the environment, but also the relationship between science and society: choose the topic that most intrigues you, sit down with a researcher, and ask all the questions you want.
All in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere, in front of an excellent beer (or a soft drink), to discover how the Earth is alive, complex and fascinating... and let yourself be conquered by science.
For whom: for everyone
INFO
See Poster
Catania
WHEN
February 12, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
February 13, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
WHERE
INGV headquarters, Piazza Roma, 2, Catania
TITLE
Words for the Earth
ABSTRACT
Want to learn the tools of the volcanologist's trade? Are you familiar with the activities of the Etna Observatory?
Researchers from the INGV Etna Observatory will speak about the Earth with school students, demonstrating up close instruments such as drones, seismometers and thermal cameras used in the study of volcanoes.
Seminars, hands-on activities, and a visit to the Operations Room and Library of the Etna Observatory will offer a comprehensive experience, allowing participants to learn about the scientific, operational, and documentation activities that characterize the Section's work.
For whom: secondary schools
INFO
Palermo
WHEN
5 febbraio ore 9:00-13:00
February 9, 9:00 am - 13:00 pm
February 19, 9:00 am - 13:00 pm
February 23, 9:00 am - 13:00 pm
WHERE
February 5: ICA De Gasperi - A. Pecoraro Palermo
February 9, 19, and 23: INGV headquarters, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo
TITLE
Words for the Earth
ABSTRACT
Want to learn how Earth's dynamics work and how scientists monitor volcanic and seismic activity in real time?
We speak for the Earth with researchers from the Palermo Section of the INGV in popular seminars for middle and high schools, dedicated to the main processes that govern our planet and the observation techniques used in scientific research.
The meeting will be enriched by a visit to the geochemical laboratories, where it will be possible to see firsthand the instruments and analyses used to study volcanoes and earthquakes.
An experience designed to bring the public closer to science, promoting understanding of natural phenomena and the fundamental role of monitoring in preventing and mitigating natural risks.
For whom: middle and high schools by reservation
INFO
Irpinia
WHEN
February 11th, 9:00 am - 13:00 pm, schools (reservations required)
February 11th, 15:00 PM - 19:00 PM, open to all
February 13th, 9:00 am - 13:00 pm, schools (reservations required)
February 13th, 15:00 PM - 19:00 PM, open to all
WHERE
Bourbon Prison, Ciriaco De Mita Hall, Via Dalmazia 22, Avellino
TITLE
Words for the Earth
ABSTRACT
Want to better understand how the natural phenomena that shape our planet work?
“Dialogue on Earth: The Science of Earthquakes Explained to Everyone” is an interactive, immersive, and educational experience designed for children, adults, and families. It explores the world of earthquakes, volcanoes, and major natural hazards, and helps us understand how to live with them more consciously.
You can "enter" the magma chamber of a volcano or experience an earthquake in a simulated home environment. Our researchers will be available to interact with the public, answer questions, and clarify doubts.
It will be a unique opportunity to learn while having fun, share ideas, ask questions, and discover how science can help us live more safely in our country.
For whom: schools and the general public
Reservations required for the mornings of the 11th and 13th.
INFO
See Poster
INGV Blog
WHEN
February 4, 2026
WHERE
INGVambiente Blog
TITLE
Web initiative - Portrait of a scientist
ABSTRACT
“Portrait of a Female Scientist” is a column on the INGVambiente blog dedicated to recounting the contributions of female scientists who have played a significant role in the development of Earth Sciences.
This column aims to go beyond simple biographical narrative, focusing on scientific work: data, observations, models, hypotheses, and results that have contributed to our understanding of the Earth system.
The portraits highlight figures who, in many cases, operated in complex historical and institutional contexts, facing obstacles related to gender, social position, or academic recognition. Through a rigorous popularization approach, the column highlights the scientific value of these contributions, demonstrating how much of today's consolidated knowledge has its roots in the work of these scientists.
The goal is to offer the public a more comprehensive look at the history of scientific research, highlighting skills, methods, and results that have often remained marginalized in traditional narratives.
LINK
https://ingvambiente.com/category/rubriche/ritratto-di-una-scienziata/
WHEN
February 11, 2026
WHERE
INGVambiente Blog
TITLE
Web Initiative - Monica Kristensen Solås: Exploring the Arctic to Understand the Earth
ABSTRACT
The portrait dedicated to Monica Kristensen Solås recounts the journey of a scientist who made a decisive contribution to transforming the Arctic into a stable space for international scientific research.
Through his work in Svalbard, and in particular in Ny-Ålesund, Kristensen Solås has played a key role in developing scientific infrastructure and building a permanent research community in one of the most extreme regions on the planet.
The article highlights how knowledge of the Arctic comes not only from data, but also from the ability to create the material, logistical, and scientific conditions to observe it over time.
The portrait shows the value of field research, international cooperation and long-term scientific vision, restoring the image of a scientist who contributed to making the Arctic a fundamental laboratory for understanding contemporary Earth processes.
LINK
https://ingvambiente.com/category/rubriche/ritratto-di-una-scienziata/
