An international study, conducted in Italy by Cnr-Nanotec, the Italian Institute of Technology, and Sapienza University of Rome, has identified an unprecedented link between quantum physics and the theoretical models of artificial intelligence. The research, published in the journal Physical Review Letters, demonstrates how photons can be used to simulate the functioning mechanisms of associative memory and neural networks, opening new perspectives for the development of brain-inspired computing systems

The  “Mediterranean Quantum Connectivity” (QCIMED), the strategic European initiative aimed at developing an advanced quantum communication infrastructure between Italy, Austria and the Mediterranean areal, was presented in Trieste. The project is under the coordination of the CNR, with the strategic role of the autonomous region Friuli Venezia Giulia, of INRiM, ASI and AIT

On Wednesday, February 4, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Tromsø, Norway, between the Department of Earth System Sciences and Environmental Technologies of the National Research Council (CNR-DSSTTA) and the University of the Arctic Norway. The agreement aims to strengthen scientific cooperation in the Arctic and to initiate a path of scientific and institutional collaboration on strategic Arctic-related topics

In a major advance for quantum science, an international team of researchers has achieved the first-ever observation of Shapiro steps in ultracold atoms. This milestone offers a new window into quantum mechanics in real time and lays the groundwork for advanced quantum sensors and quantum simulation. The findings highlight how quantum effects at the microscopic level can influence and be harnessed in large-scale systems - an idea at the core of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics. The experimental teams are from LENS, CNR-INO, the University of Florence and the UNAM in Mexico and one from the RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau

From the Alps to the Antarctic Plateau, precious ice cores carrying the memory of Earth’s past atmosphere are now safely stored at Concordia station in an ice cave designed to preserve mountain ice for future generations of scientists

The 2025 edition of the Arctic Circle Assembly has just concluded in Reykjavík. As the leading international gathering dedicated to Arctic issues, the Assembly annually brings together governments, research institutions, NGOs, associations, and businesses to discuss the future of one of the most fragile and strategic regions in the world. Italy played a prominent role through several institutions, including the National Research Council, which via its Institute of Polar Sciences organized the panel 'Changing Arctic Systems: Scientific Insights and Sustainable Solutions'. “Our mission is to understand these changes and translate research into action for the sustainability of the planet", said Giuliana Panieri, Director of Cnr-Isp

The Cnr Institute for Research on Innovation and Services for Development (Cnr Iriss) took part in the Italy–Mongolia Business Forum that took place on 2 December 2025 at Villa Madama, Rome. This internationally significant initiative was dedicated to strengthening economic, industrial, and institutional relations between the two countries, with particular attention to sustainable development prospects and cooperation in strategic sectors

The Italian Science Fund (FIS) has funded two research projects of Cnr - Istituto di Struttura della Materia: "ASTRAL" and "ATPIC"