More than 100 students from two Lecce high-schools took part in the initiative on 16 October, discovering the work of the CMCC Foundation and meeting the people behind climate research.

On 16 October 2026, the CMCC Foundation opened the doors of its headquarters in Lecce for a new edition of OPEN DAYS @CMCC, an initiative designed to bring climate science closer to younger generations and introduce them to the research, expertise and professional activities of an international research centre.

The event welcomed more than 100 students from two local schools, the Liceo Scientifico Scienze applicate “Marcelline” and the Istituto “E. Fermi”, accompanied by their teachers.

Through guided visits and opportunities to engage with CMCC staff, students had the chance to discover the Foundation’s work and learn more about the different activities that contribute to understanding climate change and its interactions with society.

A key moment of the Open Day was the opportunity to meet and talk with people working at CMCC. A roundtable brought together representatives from different areas of the Foundation, including research and administrative functions, offering students a broader perspective on the range of expertise and professional roles that support climate research. Participants also had the opportunity to visit two areas not normally open to the public: the Supercomputing Center fully dedicated to Climate Change research and the Ocean Lab, both located within the CMCC premises.

The discussion highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of CMCC’s work, showing how scientific research relies on the contribution of different teams, skills and areas of expertise.

By opening its headquarters to schools, CMCC aims not only to raise awareness of climate change, but also to help students understand how a research institution works and explore possible educational and professional paths. The initiative is part of CMCC’s broader commitment to education, civic awareness, early talent discovery and stronger connections with the local community.

The October edition of OPEN DAYS @CMCC took place alongside Conversazioni sul Futuro, the festival that brings public debate on science, culture and society to Lecce.

As part of the festival programme, the students also had the chance to attend a presentation of Guerra e clima. L’ecocidio che distrugge la Terra, a book by journalist Stefania Divertito exploring the environmental consequences of conflict and the connections between war and climate change.

The presentation offered a further opportunity to consider how climate-related issues intersect with broader social and environmental challenges, and how scientific knowledge can contribute to understanding them.

With OPEN DAYS @CMCC, the Foundation continues to strengthen its ties with schools and the local community, offering students the opportunity to explore climate science first-hand, meet the people behind the research and discover the diverse skills and perspectives needed to address one of today’s most pressing global challenges.

Interested in taking part? Visit the OPEN DAYS @CMCC page to learn more about the initiative and find out how to arrange a school visit. Stay tuned for updates on the next editions in 2027!