In 2026, the National Institute of Optics of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR-INO) once again took part in the International Day of Light with a wide range of initiatives, bringing its scientific expertise beyond laboratory settings and engaging diverse audiences throughout Italy. Through outreach, art, gaming, and interdisciplinary dialogue, researchers at CNR-INO contributed to highlighting light as a central element in research, innovation, and contemporary culture.

The island of Ischia hosted several contributions from INO within the framework of the School and Research conference.

Elisabetta Baldanzi presented “Enlighting CoVisions: Hybridizations between Physics, Art, and Design”, a project exploring the dialogue between seemingly distant disciplines and demonstrating how light can act as a bridge between scientific research and creativity.

Also in Ischia, Alessandra Rocco introduced an innovative approach to outreach with “In Search of the Lost Balance”, an escape room designed for informal STEM learning. Developed in collaboration with colleagues, this activity illustrates the potential of game-based learning as an effective educational tool capable of actively engaging participants.

The dissemination of light-related science also took place through important cultural and institutional venues.

At the Turin International Book Fair, Andrea Macchi participated in Comics & Science, an initiative combining visual languages and scientific content to make complex topics accessible to a broad and diverse audience.

In Naples, at the City of Science, Simona Mosca, together with Davide Buono (CNR-ISASI), Ivo Rendina, and the Eudora association, presented “Quanta of Light”, an event designed to introduce the public to the fundamentals of quantum physics through engaging outreach activities.

The role of light was also explored in contexts related to art, conservation, and industry. Alessandro Farini took part in two significant events. The first was the round table “Light and Color: Perception, Design, and Experience in Works of Art and Architectural Heritage”, organized במסגרת the International Restoration Exhibition in Ferrara, contributing to the dialogue between science and the enhancement of cultural heritage. The second event, “Light between Science and Industry: Research, Applications, Vision”, was held in Sesto Fiorentino and organized by SIOF to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the company SILO, providing an opportunity to discuss technology transfer and future perspectives.

Active participation was also a central theme in the event CHANGE THE GAME: Research in Play, held in Rome on May 13.

Chiara Menotti took part in the initiative, promoting new approaches to science communication based on play and interaction. At the same time, the volume “Change the Game” (CNR Edizioni), co-edited by Chiara Menotti together with Armida Torreggiani and Alberto Zanelli, was published, reflecting the growing interest in these innovative methodologies.

Finally, Massimo Gurioli, an associate of CNR-INO, presented Enlighting Mind in Pavia, a project exploring the connections between light, perception, and cognitive processes, further expanding the scope of the celebrations beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Across Italy, CNR-INO’s participation in the International Day of Light 2026 demonstrates the Institute’s ability to integrate research, outreach, and social innovation. The wide variety of initiatives reflects an open and inclusive vision of science, in which light is not only an object of study but also a tool for dialogue across disciplines and communities, capable of illuminating new paths of knowledge and collaboration.