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Taormina hosts until 27 June 2026, “Thinkingreen – The living room of the sustainable economy”, an event dedicated to the major themes of ecological transition, energy innovation, environmental sustainability and the valorisation of territories. The chosen setting is that of the NH Collection Taormina, a symbolic place for a discussion that brings together institutions, the academic world, businesses, professionals and representatives of civil society.
The role of the University of Messina is particularly significant, present not as a simple institutional partner, but as an active subject in the construction of a scientific and cultural reflection on sustainability issues. The University of Messina thus confirms its ability to dialogue with the territory, contributing with specialist skills and interdisciplinary vision to a topic that today can no longer be addressed only from a technical or political perspective, but requires the involvement of research, training and innovation.
The participation of Prof. Nicola Cicero, professor of Food Chemistry at the University of Messina, fits into this context, whose role highlights another strategic axis of sustainability: that linked to the quality, safety and valorisation of agri-food supply chains. In a region like Sicily, where the environment, agriculture, biodiversity, typical productions and tourism represent closely connected elements, the contribution of Food Chemistry becomes central to building models of sustainable development truly based on scientific knowledge.
Also present was Prof. Roberta Salomone, professor of Commodity Sciences at the University of Messina, who provided the University’s scientific contribution to the debate on the topics of the circular economy, the sustainability of production processes, the responsible management of resources and the transition towards more efficient and environmentally compatible development models.
The prof. Cicero underlined the importance of a quality product, such as that of ancient grains, which cannot be considered in the supply chain in terms of quantity, but of quality. A product that has valuable nutritional properties also in protein terms and which, for this very reason, should be protected; perhaps through the creation of a collective brand or regional certification brand, enhancing the supply chain also in terms of food safety. The protection of local production, the control of contaminants, the chemical characterization of foods, the valorisation of agri-food by-products and innovation in production processes today represent essential tools for strengthening the competitiveness of the Sicilian territory without sacrificing safety and quality.
The joint presence of Prof. Salomone and Prof. Cicero therefore returns the image of a University of Messina strongly involved in the processes of change: on the one hand the analysis of production systems and sustainable economic models, on the other the chemical-food expertise applied to supply chains, consumer health and the valorisation of natural resources. Two different, but perfectly complementary perspectives, which show how the ecological transition requires integrated skills and a strong connection between scientific research, institutions and the productive world.
The topics addressed on the inaugural day also include green mobility, renewable energy, the role of local authorities and businesses in the sustainable transformation of the territory. The panel “Taormina accepts the challenge… towards green mobility” involves experts from the energy and environmental sectors, confirming the transversal approach of the initiative.