In the elegant setting of Villa Vittoria Parklocated in the heart of the Calabrian Serre, a day of high-profile scientific study organized by theMathesis Academychaired by the professor Vincenzo Iorfidawith the collaboration of the Lieutenant Colonel Rocco Pellecommander of the Forestry Carabinieri of Mongiana.
The meeting, conceived as an academic commemoration of the four illustrious mathematicians Mauro Francaviglia, Jaques Guenot, Gaetana Restuccia and Salvatore Rao, represented a moment of convergence between pure mathematics, physics and biodiversity, enriched by the participation of students, scholars and academic speakers, coming from the Universities of Urbino, Naples, Cosenza, Messina and Reggio Calabria. On this occasion, scholars contributed to delving deeper into many aspects that distinguished these illustrious mathematicians.
Lt. Col. Rocco Pelle opened the proceedings with a welcome speech, explaining the crucial and multidisciplinary role of the Forestry Corps in the field of biodiversity protection and ecosystem conservation with a specific look at the ecological practices adopted in the context of Mongiana . The Colonel illustrated the management and protection strategies implemented by the Forestry Carabinieri, highlighting the value of this meeting as an opportunity for academic exchange to understand how mathematics can act as a tool for analysis and decision support in models for predicting ecosystem balance and in management sustainable natural habitats.
Subsequently, Professor Iorfida paid homage to the memory of the four mathematicians commemorated through a scientific intervention to draw a picture of their epistemological contribution and placing emphasis on the distinctive features of their important commitment to mathematical and physical research, focusing, in particular, on , on the works and on the theoretical and applicative influence had in the academic community of profs. Mauro Francaviglia and Jacques Guenot.
The intervention of Professor Giovanni Molica Bisci, professor at the University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, had a notable impact in highlighting the academic figure of Professor Gaetana Restuccia, her career and her fundamental scientific contributions. Equally touching and engaging was the memory of her daughter Gioia Failla, professor of Geometry at the University of Reggio Calabria, who added a personal and moving element to the celebration, underlining the emotional and intellectual legacy left by Professor Restuccia.
The intervention of the school director, Elisa Savarese, connected from Castellammare di Stabia, highlighted not only the academic profile of the professor. Salvatore Rao, but also his human side. He shared personal anecdotes that helped reveal the warm approach and humanity that characterized his interactions with students and colleagues. The passion and enthusiasm of the prof. Rao’s teaching, along with his willingness to listen and support others, have left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. This human aspect made his figure not only an academic reference, but also a source of inspiration and affection for those who had the privilege of knowing him.
The reconstruction of the scientific figure of Jacques Guenot, presented in the message of Delly Fabiano, professor of Geometry at the University of Calabria, stood out for its empathy and meticulousness. The teacher was able to grasp not only the academic results and innovations of the prof. Guenot, but also his character and his approach to scientific challenges. Fabiano’s words highlighted the human and intellectual impact that Guenot had on colleagues and students, creating a comprehensive and engaging portrait of his legacy. This approach made the message not only informative, but also deeply moving, thus celebrating the life and work of a great mathematician with a personal and authentic perspective.
The message from Professor Vincenzo Ciancio, former director of the Mathematics department of the University of Messina and Cosenza, also highlighted the importance and relevance of the four scientific figures discussed, with particular emphasis on Gaetana Restuccia and Mauro Francaviglia. Ciancio highlighted how their research and innovative approach continue to influence the field of contemporary mathematics. His analysis not only highlighted the specific contributions of Restuccia and Francaviglia, but also called attention to the relevance of their ideas in the current context, thus demonstrating how fundamental their works still are for new generations of scholars. This reference to the living and dynamic legacy of their figures further enriched the celebration by paying homage to two scientists who had a profound impact on the academic panorama.
The participation of the students of the Liceo Scientifico “G. Berto” of Vibo Valentia, accompanied by the mathematics teachers Prof. Sabina Buono and Prof. Angiola Tavella, who gave direct testimony remembering their teachers during their university studies. The conference, an opportunity of strong educational value in a relational teaching dimension, offered young people the opportunity to interact with people of high scientific value.
The day ended with an in-depth visit to the Villa Vittoria Park during which the participants were able to observe the biodiversity conservation activities that are implemented daily on the site. This context offered an immersive experience and critical reflection on the importance of scientific research also as a tool for the protection and enhancement of natural heritage.
The conference therefore exemplified a model of collaboration between academic bodies, local institutions and new generations, strengthening the interdisciplinary dialogue between mathematics and environmental sciences and perpetuating the intellectual legacy of Francaviglia, Guenot, Restuccia and Rao.