The FBK international component: a bridge to innovation

In a constantly evolving world, the ability to engage in dialogue across cultures is one of the key drivers of both scientific and social progress. At Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK), this awareness is translated into concrete action: cultural diversity is embraced as a valuable asset, and international mobility is viewed as a fundamental engine for innovation. On the occasion of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, celebrated on May 21, FBK pays tribute to its community — made up of people, stories, and skills that contribute every day to building an open, inclusive, and globally connected research environment.

Internationalism is one of FBK’s defining features: researchers from countries such as Iran, India, Pakistan, and many others bring with them not only high-level scientific expertise but also a rich cultural background that enhances life at the Foundation and helps make it increasingly multicultural.

Currently, around a quarter of FBK’s research staff come from abroad, with over 110 international employees.  Among PhD students, international representation is even higher: about one-third are from other countries, making FBK’s scientific community progressively more open and global.

Openness to the world is embedded in the mission of research, as demonstrated by the numerous global collaborations and networks in which FBK takes part, aligned with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers, which promotes mobility and the recognition of the human and professional value of international staff.

The Welcome Office: All-round support and hospitality

To ensure a smooth and successful integration process, FBK has relied for over 15 years on a specialized Welcome Office. This service provides both bureaucratic and practical assistance for those relocating to Italy to work or study at the Foundation: help with immigration procedures and family reunification, housing search, opening bank accounts, obtaining an taxpayer code, registering residency, and much more.

One of the most appreciated aspects of the international experience at FBK is the organization of Italian language courses, offered through FBK Academy. These courses help ease communication and foster both linguistic and social integration.

FBK also actively collaborates with the Welcome Offices of the University of Trento, the Edmund Mach Foundation’s, and those of other institutions within the local research system. It participates in an inter-institutional working group on international mobility — a forum for dialogue with local authorities such as the police headquarters, city administration, healthcare services, and university housing office — with the aim of simplifying bureaucratic procedures and easing the integration of newcomers.

Internationalization is not only a matter of logistics, but also a cultural and human endeavor. In this spirit, the FBK Club organizes events and activities that encourage socialization and strengthen the sense of community. For instance, during the Spring Party on May 22, colleagues from abroad are invited to share their cultures and traditions by bringing typical dishes and recipes to this festive occasion of exchange and celebration.

Fondazione Bruno Kessler continues to strengthen its profile as an international research center, where collaboration among individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds is a structural element. Internationalization is reflected in daily work organization and in building an inclusive scientific community that recognizes diversity as a vital resource. Within this framework, research becomes not only a vehicle for producing knowledge but also an opportunity for exchange, dialogue, and shared development.