AstroBigné meetings
AstroBigné is a series of informal meetings held at the Observatory every other Tuesday at noon, intended as an opportunity to interconnect the Arcetri community, share new ideas and results, create or reinforce synergies between groups and individuals, or simply get together for a casual discussion. As such, AstroBigné is meant to be accessible to a broad audience and cover a wide range of topics, including astronomy, technology, historic research, public outreach, institutional communications, etc. Not by chance, the name bigné was chosen to designate something attractive, quick to grasp, and delicious to eat. Each AstroBigné is structured into 10 minutes of free chat followed by two flash contributions of 10 minutes each (5 minutes of presentation plus 5 minutes of questions). A regular contribution of 20 minutes (10 plus 10) can be alternatively allocated, provided that it is focused on one/two key points without becoming a regular talk or short seminar. The presentation format is highly flexible and all topics are allowed (some examples can be found here). The speaker can also choose the preferred language (Italian or English), with the only constraint of preparing the slides in English.
AstroBigné is held in presence only in Aula Pacini every other Tuesday at 12.00
Sign up for a presentation at this link (second semester 2025-2026)
For any kind of info, request or suggestion you can contact us at Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.
The current members of the AstroBigné Organizing Committee are Maria Bazzicalupo (Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.), Emanuele Nardini (Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.), and Marco Padovani (Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.)
Next AstroBigné: 17th February 2026
Maria Cristina Fortuna - Communicating Science: From Illustration to the WST
In this talk, I will present my work as a science communicator, from my background in science, to scientific illustration, and up to my current role on the WST's communication team. I will discuss how visual tools are active instruments of communication: how we can use them to structure complex content and engage with our audience, without compromising scientific rigor. I will also provide an insight into the role and activities of a communications team, from editorial to strategic communications, and the challenge of accessibility.
