Politecnico di Milano Joins National Initiative to Honor Giulio Regeni and Defend Academic Freedom
The pursuit of knowledge cannot exist in a vacuum of fear. For researchers and students worldwide, the ability to investigate the truth without threat is a cornerstone of a functioning democracy. To reinforce this principle, the Politecnico di Milano is joining a sweeping national effort to remember Giulio Regeni, a young researcher whose death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers facing those who seek the truth in restrictive environments.
As part of the national campaign “Le Università per Giulio Regeni,” the institution will host a dedicated event on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, focusing on the intersection of human rights, the freedom to study, and the essential nature of academic research.
Event Details: A Bridge Between Campuses
The event is scheduled for May 13, 2026, at 4:30 PM. In a move that emphasizes connectivity and shared purpose, the gathering will take place at the Polo di Cremona in Aula CR04.0.1, linked via video conference to the Aula De Donato in Milan.
The program begins with institutional greetings from the Rector of Politecnico di Milano, Donatella Sciuto, followed by a poignant video message from Giulio Regeni’s parents, Paola Deffendi and Claudio Regeni.
Cinema as a Catalyst for Truth
A central piece of the evening will be the screening of the documentary “Giulio Regeni – Tutto il male del mondo.” Directed by Simone Manetti and written by Emanuele Cava and Matteo Billi, the film is produced by Fandango and Ganesh Produzioni. By bringing Regeni’s story to the student body, the university aims to transform a personal tragedy into a collective lesson on the necessity of protecting intellectual curiosity.
The Debate: “Research Cannot Exist Without Freedom”
Following the film, the event will transition into a critical discussion titled “Non c’è ricerca senza libertà” (There is no research without freedom). This debate will feature a panel of experts dedicated to the legal and ethical dimensions of the case and the broader right to information:
- Alessandra Ballerini, legal representative for the Regeni family.
- Emanuele Cava, co-writer of the documentary.
- Mario Calabresi, journalist.
The discussion will be moderated by Paolo Biagioni, Vice President of the Comitato Unico di Garanzia (CUG) at Politecnico di Milano.
A National Movement for Academic Integrity
This event is not an isolated occurrence but part of a massive coordinated effort promoted by Elena Cattaneo, a scientist and Senator for life. Between April and May 2026, the initiative will involve 76 Italian universities. The goal is to sensitize students, faculty, and the general public to the values of truth and the protection of fundamental human rights.
The project is supported by the Fondazione Elena Cattaneo ETS, in collaboration with Ganesh Produzioni and Fandango.
- What: A memorial and debate event for the 10th anniversary of Giulio Regeni’s disappearance.
- Where: Polo di Cremona (Aula CR04.0.1) and Milan (Aula De Donato).
- When: May 13, 2026, at 16:30.
- Scope: Part of a national initiative involving 76 universities led by Senator Elena Cattaneo.
- Focus: Freedom of research, human rights, and academic liberty.
Looking Ahead
By integrating the memory of Giulio Regeni into the academic calendar, Politecnico di Milano underscores that the university’s role extends beyond technical instruction. It is a sanctuary for critical thinking. As the national initiative continues through May, the collective voice of Italy’s universities serves as a powerful demand for justice and a safeguard for the researchers of tomorrow.