Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Unijunior Unimore Final Celebration

The Unijunior 2026 project will conclude on Saturday, 16 May, with a "graduation ceremony" involving 415 students aged between 8 and 13. These young learners chose to embark on a fascinating journey through culture, experiments, curiosity, and fun, discovering various disciplines guided by expert professors.

Now in its fourteenth edition, this scientific outreach project, promoted by Unimore in collaboration with the Leo Scienza Association, has seen the consistent and enthusiastic involvement of young participants.

"Unijunior represents a bridge between the local area and the University," states Professor Marcello Pinti, Vice-Rector for the Third Mission. "The academic world opens up to society by welcoming families. The aim is to foster curiosity and interest in knowledge and research through a formula that makes the University accessible to everyone—especially younger generations. It is a 'temple of knowledge' but also a space for sharing and dialogue, where every question is precious."

The programme consisted of 22 lectures held across six Saturday afternoons between February and May—three in Modena and three in Reggio Emilia. Topics covered included biology, chemistry, physics, geology, artificial intelligence, poetry, psychology, gaming, sport, and zoology. Following tradition, the project will conclude with the "graduation" ceremony, attended by the University’s highest authorities. Alongside the professors and the Unijunior Unimore staff, they will officially proclaim the young participants as "Unijunior Doctors."

"The Unijunior project represents the first, and still the only, example of a Children’s University in Italy inspired by the most widespread European models at an international level. Through Unijunior Unimore, the University belongs to the European Children’s Universities network within EUCU.net," says Professor Gianluca Carnevale, delegate for museum initiatives for the MUSEOMORE Museum System and Botanical Garden. "I believe Unijunior is a project of great significance, as it represents an important opportunity for the University to open its doors to the city and the surrounding region."

The event will take place on Saturday, 16 May, in Lecture Hall T.08 at the Department of Law (via San Geminiano, 3) in Modena. The celebration will be held in two sessions (at 2.45 pm and 4.30 pm) to accommodate the many students, their families, and friends. Each session will last approximately one hour.

"A heartfelt thank you goes to the University, which has always supported the project," notes Dr Milena Bertacchini, project coordinator. "But thanks are also due to the lecturers who dedicated themselves to the lessons and the university facilities that hosted—and will host—the activities of this 14th edition: the Department of Linguistic and Cultural Studies in Modena, the Department of Communication and Economics in Reggio Emilia, and the Department of Law, where the final celebration will be held."

Categorie: International - english, Notizie_eng