Science and Comma
The scientific book festival of Trieste
About Science and Comma
Trieste, capital of scientific publishing
Scienza e Virgola is the scientific book festival organized by SISSA (International School for Advanced Studies) in Trieste, a city with an extraordinary density of research institutions. With the artistic direction of writer and physicist Paolo Giordano, the festival brings the latest scientific non-fiction publications to the city, often in national previews.
Books, authors, and big themes
The program intertwines book presentations, dialogues, performances, immersive events, and screenings, featuring Italian and international authors. Each edition revolves around a central theme, addressed by scientists, writers, and communicators in an open dialogue with the public. Topics include the environment, artificial intelligence, health, biology, and society: science told as part of contemporary culture.
In the heart of the city
The venues are beloved spots in the city center: the Teatro Miela, the Antico Caffè and Libreria San Marco, and city bookstores. The festival, curated scientifically and organizationally by SISSA's Interdisciplinary Laboratory, involves institutions such as ICTP, RAI FVG, and the Municipality of Trieste.
Science in dialogue
Scienza e Virgola is now a reference event for those who love to read and understand science: an opportunity to meet authors, discover new releases, and participate in a great collective dialogue on the issues shaping our future.
Science and Comma — edition 2026
The 10th edition of Scienza e Virgola, organized by SISSA, is held from May 7 to 10, 2026, on the theme "Human", dedicated to the personal and social aspects that characterize our species. Four days with 41 public events and over 90 guests, Italian and international, under the artistic direction of Paolo Giordano and scientific curation by Nico Pitrelli.
The program includes numerous national previews: Concita De Gregorio with "La cura", Nathacha Appanah with "La notte nel cuore", Lewis Dartnell with "Being Human", Mario Colucci with "What is mental health?", and many other authors. The main venues are the Teatro Miela, the Antico Caffè and Libreria San Marco, Libreria Ubik, and Libreria Lovat.
Programme Science and Comma 2026
Tentative program for the 10th edition (theme "Human"):
- Thursday, May 7: opening evening with Concita De Gregorio ("La cura", Einaudi); meeting with Paolo Ajmone Marsan and Riccardo Negrini ("Fabbricare carne")
- Friday, May 8: Lewis Dartnell ("Being Human", Saggiatore); Elio Giamello ("Materie prime che muovono il mondo")
- Saturday, May 9: Nathacha Appanah ("La notte nel cuore"); Mario Colucci ("What is mental health?"); Willy Guasti ("Spudorati parassiti"); Tommaso Cinquemani ("La natura non basta")
- Sunday, May 10: closing meetings, dialogues, and performances
The complete program, with times and venues for each event, is published on the official website.
Highlights Science and Comma 2026
Prices Science and Comma 2026
Practical information — Science and Comma
Getting there: the venues (Teatro Miela, bookstores, and historic cafes) are in the center of Trieste, reachable on foot.
Admission: most events are free; some may require booking.
Program: full schedule on the festival's official website.
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Where does it take place — Science and Comma
Teatro Miela e librerie del centro