Ter(r)ra: Risorse, Rischi, Rispetto
Padova, 15-17 settembre 2026
Sponsor Abstracts
From the memory of earthquakes to the future of geophysics: research infrastructures and innovation for the Earth system
Fabio Florindo
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia
Fabio Florindo
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia
Keywords: research infrastructures, seismic monitoring, Earthquake Early Warning.
The memory of major earthquakes does not belong only to the past: it provides the foundation for defining the priorities of geophysics for the coming decade, in a context where Earth observation, technological innovation, and scientific cooperation will become increasingly interconnected.
In 2026, anniversaries hold particular significance for the Italian geophysical community, starting with the fiftieth anniversary of the 1976 Friuli earthquake. These occasions provide an opportunity to reflect on events that profoundly affected our country and contributed to shaping the development of research, monitoring systems, and the knowledge needed to understand and address natural hazards. At the same time, they offer an opportunity to reflect on the challenges that Earth Sciences will face in the years ahead.
The major earthquakes of the past have left a fundamental scientific and technological legacy: they have transformed the way we study geophysical processes, supported the growth of observation networks, and strengthened the relationship between research, institutions, and society. Today, the challenges ahead require a further step forward: research infrastructures, the ability to integrate large volumes of data, new technologies, and increasingly strong cooperation among research institutions, universities, and international partners.
Within this framework, the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia plays a central role through strategic initiatives aimed at advancing research and scientific services. These include the renewal of the National Seismic Network, to further enhance the capacity for monitoring, analyzing, and interpreting seismic activity across the country; the development of a national Earthquake Early Warning system, built through a network of collaborations involving OGS, the University of California, Berkeley and numerous other Italian and international partners, translating research outcomes into practical applications to protect people and infrastructure; and the contribution to the Italian candidature of the Einstein Telescope, a major European research infrastructure in which geological and geophysical site characterization represents a key element.
These initiatives share a common goal: strengthening the ability of the scientific community to generate knowledge, develop innovative tools, and provide advanced services. Research infrastructures are not only instruments supporting scientific activities; they are strategic investments for technological progress, training of future generations, and the Italy's capacity to participate in major international scientific challenges.
Looking at the history of earthquakes means building a vision for the future of geophysics. It is through modern infrastructures, shared expertise, and increasingly broad cooperation among scientific institutions that we will continue to develop knowledge, technologies, and services for the benefit of science and society.
In 2026, anniversaries hold particular significance for the Italian geophysical community, starting with the fiftieth anniversary of the 1976 Friuli earthquake. These occasions provide an opportunity to reflect on events that profoundly affected our country and contributed to shaping the development of research, monitoring systems, and the knowledge needed to understand and address natural hazards. At the same time, they offer an opportunity to reflect on the challenges that Earth Sciences will face in the years ahead.
The major earthquakes of the past have left a fundamental scientific and technological legacy: they have transformed the way we study geophysical processes, supported the growth of observation networks, and strengthened the relationship between research, institutions, and society. Today, the challenges ahead require a further step forward: research infrastructures, the ability to integrate large volumes of data, new technologies, and increasingly strong cooperation among research institutions, universities, and international partners.
Within this framework, the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia plays a central role through strategic initiatives aimed at advancing research and scientific services. These include the renewal of the National Seismic Network, to further enhance the capacity for monitoring, analyzing, and interpreting seismic activity across the country; the development of a national Earthquake Early Warning system, built through a network of collaborations involving OGS, the University of California, Berkeley and numerous other Italian and international partners, translating research outcomes into practical applications to protect people and infrastructure; and the contribution to the Italian candidature of the Einstein Telescope, a major European research infrastructure in which geological and geophysical site characterization represents a key element.
These initiatives share a common goal: strengthening the ability of the scientific community to generate knowledge, develop innovative tools, and provide advanced services. Research infrastructures are not only instruments supporting scientific activities; they are strategic investments for technological progress, training of future generations, and the Italy's capacity to participate in major international scientific challenges.
Looking at the history of earthquakes means building a vision for the future of geophysics. It is through modern infrastructures, shared expertise, and increasingly broad cooperation among scientific institutions that we will continue to develop knowledge, technologies, and services for the benefit of science and society.
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