Florence, September 23, 2026. The talk “The Economy of Light” was held at Palazzo degli Affari, promoted and organized by Firenze Fiera in collaboration with Il Sole 24 Ore, the University of Florence, CNR-INO, INAF (National Institute for Astrophysics), INFN (National Institute for Nuclear Physics), INRIM (National Metrology Research Institute) and LENS (European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy), as part of Bright-Night – European Researchers’ Night.

The event focused on the relationship between scientific research and economic development, highlighting how the study of light is now a driving force for knowledge and innovation and, at the same time, a concrete factor in the growth of the local economy.

The discussion, moderated by Filomena Greco, journalist at Il Sole 24 Ore, opened with institutional greetings from Lorenzo Becattini, President of Firenze Fiera. “First of all, I would like to extend my best wishes for this new edition of Bright-Night, which will bring the city to life through Friday,” said Becattini. “It is a journey rooted in the scientific history of this area and in the experiences that have helped make Florence known and recognized around the world. There is a risk, in fact, of identifying the city exclusively with fashion and craftsmanship, overlooking an equally important tradition in the fields of science, research and innovation. For Firenze Fiera, it is a source of pride to be part of this network and to help strengthen the connection between scientific outreach, research and the local community. With this in mind, we are already looking ahead to 2027, with the ambition of creating a new Science Festival at Fortezza da Basso.”

The need to strengthen the dialogue between research and society was also highlighted by Marco Pierini, Deputy Rector of the University of Florence, who stressed the importance of continuing to explore the opportunities that research can open up, the knowledge it can generate and the applications that may emerge in the future. Because tomorrow’s innovations also stem from today’s research.

The discussion then turned to the various applications of light research, highlighting the wide range of fields in which optical and photonic technologies are opening up new possibilities. From energy and photovoltaics to healthcare and diagnostic imaging, from advanced microscopy to the analysis, protection and conservation of works of art, and through to the frontiers of quantum computing, the contributions provided an overview of the cross-disciplinary nature of light research and its ability to generate applications and innovation across profoundly different sectors.

Contributions were presented by Francesca Di Turo (University of Florence), with the European ERC Starting Grant Shades project, dedicated to fluorescence-based techniques for the study and conservation of works of art; Carlo Sias (National Metrology Research Institute and European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy), with the EIC Transition Aqlas – Advanced Laser for Quantum Technologies project, focused on developing new laser solutions for quantum technologies; Alessandro Zavatta (CNR – Institute of Optics and QTI S.r.l.), who explored research applications in the field of quantum cryptography; Cinzia Talamonti (INFN/University of Florence), who addressed the use of artificial intelligence in diagnostics and the secure management of clinical data; and Simone Esposito (INAF-OAA), who showed how astrophysical research can contribute to the development of advanced optical technologies for telescopes. Five different perspectives that illustrated the cross-disciplinary nature of light-based technologies and their potential to move from research into concrete applications.

The event concluded with a contribution from Massimo Temporelli, physicist and science communicator, who highlighted the importance of integrating scientific research, culture and the economy, as well as the role of scientific outreach in making these issues accessible to an ever-wider audience.