Milan, February 26 – The Lombard Institute – Academy of Sciences and Letters in Brera, a cornerstone of Milanese and national cultural life, marked its 223rd year of activity with the inauguration of its academic year. The ceremony saw the awarding of 30 scholarships and research prizes, totaling €100,000, to deserving students and faculty from various Lombard universities.
A Legacy of Research and Support
Founded by Napoleon, with Alessandro Volta as its first president, the Institute has a rich history spanning over two centuries, consistently serving scientific and humanistic research. Its enduring vitality is evident in its continuous engagement with the academic community and the wider public.
During the event held in the Sala Adunanze, the Academy’s historic seat in Palazzo Brera, Professor Stefano Maiorana, President of the Institute and Emeritus Professor at the State University, reviewed the activities of 2025 and outlined future plans. “Our funding is aimed at supporting academic projects developed in the scientific and humanistic fields by students and teachers,” Maiorana stated. “This commitment of 100,000 euros, made possible also by the help of some Foundations and private entities, supports deserving young people with low ISEE scores, high school students in their final year, and master’s degree students. Other awards have been given for innovative teaching in the university sector.”
Engaging with Contemporary Issues and Future Initiatives
The Institute has actively participated in significant cultural events, including hosting several meetings for Bookcity. Just weeks prior, it organized a series of conferences dedicated to the latest developments in Artificial Intelligence, with further sessions planned for the coming months, demonstrating its commitment to contemporary intellectual discourse.
Additional resources for the Academy’s internal projects are being sourced from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). These funds are earmarked for the development of the Diagnostic Laboratory for Cultural Heritage, a collaborative effort with the Polytechnic University. One of its initial major undertakings will be the digitization of Alessandro Volta’s 11,000 manuscripts. Furthermore, resources are dedicated to the restoration of the Institute’s library, which houses an impressive collection of 500,000 volumes.
Transatlantic Relations in Focus
The inaugural address, delivered by Alberto Martinelli, Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the State University, focused on the complex relationship between America and Europe. His speech, titled “United States and Europe on the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence,” explored the current political dynamics between the two sides of the Atlantic, offering a timely analysis of their intertwined destinies.
The Lombard Institute continues its mission to foster knowledge and innovation, supporting both emerging talent and established scholars, and contributing significantly to the intellectual landscape of Milan and beyond.
