Turning research into a conversation and bridging the gap between people, ideas and
sustainability
What is it that is needed to transform the innovative research into a concrete social impact? In
the case of the University of Florence, one of the partners of the ManuREfinery Project, the
solution lies in creating spaces that enable the transfer of ideas, convergence of disciplines as
well as interaction among people. This vision was realized in the form of a series of
international conferences throughout 2025, which transformed scientific knowledge into
open dialogue with society.
In 2025, UNIFI (University of Florence) hosted three One-Day International Conferences at
the historic Aula Magna of the Rectorate in Florence, all in hybrid format to maximize
accessibility and participation and purposely created to go beyond the boundaries of academia.
Open to citizens and free of charge, they embodied a strong commitment to public engagement
and inclusive dissemination.
The conferences were jointly organized by the Department of Industrial Engineering (DIEF)
and the Department of Education, Languages, Intercultures, Literatures and Psychology
(FORLILPSI), highlighting the project’s interdisciplinary nature and its integration of engineering
and social sciences.
A Year of Conversations That Matter
February 2025 – Bridging Disciplines
The first conference was held on February 27, 2025 and it was dedicated to the connection of
engineering and applied psychology.
This event placed ManuREfinery out of the category of exclusively technical projects. It has
highlighted the role of social acceptance, human behavior as well as transdisciplinary
collaboration in attaining sustainable development. Researchers analyzed the idea that
sustainability transitions require the development not only of technological innovations but also
societal understanding and engagement.
June 2025 – Developing the Global Conversation
By June 3, 2025, the dialogue had expanded significantly. The second conference brought
together participants from various regions in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America, reflecting
the increasing global applicability of ManuREfinery. Sustainability was discussed through
various angles – scientific, organizational, and socio-cultural- addressing topics such as well-
being, leadership, and the role of storytelling in shaping sustainable societies.
This event marked a major milestone in the dissemination process of the project since it
involved 148 registered participants.
December 2025 – Looking Ahead
The final conference, which took place on December 11, 2025, was focused on the future
challenges and opportunities.
The ManuREfinery project was presented in terms of its structure, progress, and contribution to
sustainability, while discussions emphasized the importance of integrating environmental,
social, and psychological dimensions. A round-table of people of various disciplines further positioned ManuREfinery as an experimental platform in dealing with the real- world
sustainability challenges.
Building Bridges Across Communities
In addition to their scientific content, the conferences formed valuable connections:
● Between psychology and engineering.
● Between theory and practice.
● Among experts, stakeholders and citizens.
The University of Florence created a common space of cooperation, thinking, and sharing of
knowledge involving hundreds of participants who come together regardless of their
backgrounds and countries of origin.
From Dissemination to Impact
These actions are some of the ways through which communication may meet more than the
dissemination of the results.Through opening a conversation, encouraging involvement, and establishing disciplinary connections, the University of Florence has increased the media
presence and social connection of ManuREfinery. The outcomes of the project are not just
generated, but are exchanged, discussed, and constructed together by means of interaction
with the rest of the community. Since innovation can only produce real effect when it is
understood, adopted and implemented.
Follow ManuREfinery to stay updated on project results, events, and future dissemination
activities.