Monday, 12 February 2018

knowledge in the limelight at the inauguration of the academic year

The 56th academic year inauguration ceremony took place yesterday at the University of Trento with a lecture on gravitational waves by astrophysicist Marica Branchesi

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This year, the inauguration cerimony of the new academic year of the University of Trento focused on research.

The main guest of the ceremony, which was held on 9 February at the University auditorium in via Tomaso Gar, was astrophysicist Marica Branchesi, who gave an overview of one of the most complex and fascinating challenges of our time: the exploration of the Universe. 

The ceremony opened as per tradition with the entry of the academic procession while the University choir performed “Gaudeamus igitur”, the international academic anthem; then the Rector of the University of Trento Paolo Collini, the President of the Board of Directors Innocenzo Cipolletta, and the President of the Student Council Federico Crotti, addressed the audience. 

In her speech, astrophysicist Marica Branchesi recalled the most significant events of the recent birth of gravitational wave astronomy, from the first signal detected in September 2015 to multi-messenger astronomy. The observation of black holes and neutron stars has given us of a new way to explore the cosmos.

The astrophysicist underlined the important role of the University of Trento in this research projects, through its participation in the INFN Virgo collaboration and the eLISA project for a space-borne gravitational wave observatory and, most of all, for its leadership role in the ESA LISA Pathfinder mission. 

The ceremony closed with a speech by the President of the Autonomous Province of Trento, and a video message from the minister of Education, University and Research.

In addition to the University Choir, which performed the university anthems, this year’s ceremony marked the debut of the Brass quintet of the University Orchestra.

More details in the press release