September 2025: The FBK projects making headlines
September 30, 2025
From the launch of the Science Ambassadors initiative to international awards and groundbreaking applications of AI in mobility, railway safety, and weather forecasting—these are the Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK) stories that captured media attention in September
FBK Science Ambassadors: Think loud, speak Science
Multiple media outlets, including L’Adige, Il T, and RAI, covered the presentation of FBK’s 24 new Science Ambassadors—young researchers who completed advanced training in science communication and storytelling.
The initiative aims to strengthen connection with society through articles, podcasts, interviews and festival participation. FBK President Ferruccio Resta emphasized that science dissemination is crucial to “speak a common language” and make complex topics more accessible to the general public. At the launch event, several ambassadors gave short talks to the community: Camilla Tenaglia revisited the figure of Bruno Kessler using an anecdote involving ChatGPT; Greta Sofia Lampis and Marco Dianti shared how their outreach efforts led to new collaborations; and Nicolò Crescini used Lego bricks as a metaphor to explain physics laws.
L’Adige – FBK, 24 divulgatori per parlare di scienza – September 11, 2025
Il T – Fbk, 24 Science Ambassador “Divulgazione fondamentale” – September 11, 2025
Rai – FBK, arrivano i Science Ambassador per raccontare a tutti la ricerca – September 25, 2025
Massimiliano Luca: Emerging Scientist 2025
FBK researcher Massimiliano Luca, with the Mobile and Social Computing Lab and one of the Science Ambassadors, was honored by the Complex Systems Society as “Emerging Scientist 2025.”
In receiving the award, Luca acknowledged it as “a tribute to all those who have contributed to shaping my multidisciplinary journey,” reaffirming his commitment to research in AI, urban studies, and sustainable mobility. His mission: to help design smarter, more inclusive, and environmentally sustainable cities.
L’Adige – Massimiliano Luca scienziato emergente del 2025 – 18 September 2025
URV: the first autonomous rail vehicle
Futuro 24, the RaiNews24 technology show, featured a segment on the TINO (Train for INspection Of railway) project, highlighting the creation of the URV—Unmanned Railway Vehicle—the first fully autonomous train designed for increased safety and efficiency on secondary rail lines. Alessandro Cimatti, Director of the FBK Center for Digital Industry, explained that this project is “a prime example of how collaboration with a major industrial player can lead to immediate, real-world impact, demonstrating how scientific research translates into concrete innovation across multiple technological sectors.” The system combines sensors, AI algorithms, and monitoring technologies to detect obstacles, manage traffic, and minimize accident risk —offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable rail mobility.
RaiNews 24 – episode of Futuro 24 live on September 18 and rerun on September 23, 2025
RailEvo: Italy’s first railway taxi
La Repubblica featured an in-depth article on RailEvo—the world’s first railway taxi—developed in Italy with contributions from FBK.
This modular electric vehicle is designed to deliver flexible, on-demand rail transport, aiming to reduce road congestion and emissions. A solution that, according to studies, could significantly reshape local mobility infrastructures. Operating 24/7 without intermediate stops, RailEvo is projected to cruise at 80–100 km/h (or more) with an energy-efficient consumption of about 3 kWh per 100 km, thanks to the “iron-on-iron” propulsion system.
La Repubblica – ailEvo, il primo taxi ferroviario al mondo è italiano – 22 September 2025
AI-powered weather forecasting
La Repubblica spotlighted the work of FBK’s DSIP (Data Science for Industry and Physics) unit within the Center for Digital Industry, which is using AI to enhance the prediction of meteorological events—including extreme weather. By processing massive datasets from satellites, weather stations, and numerical models (temperature, pressure, humidity, wind), the AI system provides more precise alerts to support Civil Protection authorities in an era of increasing climate volatility.
A recent agreement with the national agency ItaliaMeteo aims to develop timely alerts in the event of storms, with high-resolution forecasts, even “kilometer by kilometer” in urban areas. Marco Cristoforetti, head of the DSIP unit, noted that AI is transforming meteorology and climatology, with the key challenge being the integration of new techniques into established systems—reducing costs while maintaining accuracy.
FBK – Scientific excellence with socio-economic impact
Economia Trentina dedicated its cover story and three features to Fondazione Bruno Kessler. Secretary General Andrea Simoni outlined FBK’s evolving vision, powered by more than 800 researchers, a state-of-the-art Clean Room, and cutting-edge work in AI and quantum technologies. Paolo Traverso discussed the transformative role of AI in industry, stressing that combining data with models can revolutionize manufacturing, improve urban living, and enhance Europe’s competitive edge in a market dominated by the U.S. and China. Finally, Fabio Antonelli explored the impact of FBK in Agritech, showcasing how robotics, sensors, and AI are advancing precision agriculture—from intelligent irrigation systems in Trentino to pan-European platforms promoting sustainable and efficient farming.
Economia Trentina – Year LXXIV | issue 2 – 2025
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