The Director of Best4Food, University of Studies Milano Bicocca, will take part in the 2026 edition of the international festival that brings scientific research out of laboratories and into everyday social spaces, fostering an open dialogue between researchers and the public. The event will take place in Milan on May 20, 2026, from 7:15 PM to 9:00 PM, at 10gradinord, Via Giacomo Watt, 5, 20143, Milano.

“Sugar: the (almost) invisible energy of the world”

This is the topic explored by Prof. Laura Prosperi. The talk will take audiences on a journey through the history of sugar and its impact on society, the economy, and global nutrition. From the first domestication of sugar cane in New Guinea to its expansion across five continents, and later the European industrial transformation that led to the widespread use of sugar beet, the discussion will explore how a simple source of calories helped reshape the geopolitical, productive, and cultural balance of the modern world. Best4Food’s participation confirms the center’s commitment to promoting scientific culture and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on food, health, sustainability, and innovation.

What is Pint of Science?

Founded in the United Kingdom in 2013, Pint of Science is now one of the world’s leading international science communication festivals. Every year, the initiative brings together dozens of countries and hundreds of cities worldwide, with the goal of making research accessible to everyone through informal events held in pubs, bars, and urban cultural venues. The 2026 Italian edition will take place on May 18, 19, and 20 in more than 25 Italian cities, featuring events dedicated to neuroscience, health, technology, the environment, space, society, and innovation. Festival themes include:

✨ Atoms to Galaxies — chemistry, physics, and astronomy

🧠 Beautiful Mind — neuroscience, psychology, and psychiatry

🧬 Our Body — human biology

🌍 Planet Earth — environment, evolution, and Earth sciences

👥 Social Sciences — society and human behavior

💻 Tech Me Out — technology and computer science

Event website: Pint of Science Italy – Information