First stop on the DisclAImer Tour
Yesterday, the University of Siena saw the start of the DisclAImer Tour, the new project by Corriere della Sera conceived and directed by Riccardo Luna. Ten stops at ten Italian universities to reflect together on how artificial intelligence is transforming research, the economy and society.
As a knowledge partner for training and social innovation, the Fondazione Mondo Digitale accompanies students and young researchers in experiential activities to develop digital skills, creativity and civic responsibility.
The theme of health at the centre
The first day of the tour was dedicated to the theme of health, explored from the point of view of prevention and scientific research.
The morning dialogue on AI and vaccines featured Carlo Cottarelli, economist and director of the Italian Public Accounts Observatory, and Rino Rappuoli, scientific director of the Biotecnopolo Foundation in Siena. Rappuoli emphasised the already tangible impact of artificial intelligence ‘on the discovery of new vaccines, making them safer and more effective and opening up previously impossible avenues, from infectious diseases to oncology’.
The Biomind challenge: AI for bioinformatics
In the afternoon, the Fondazione Mondo Digitale led the challenge ‘Biomind. Artificial intelligence for innovation in pharmacy and bioinformatics’, a two-hour challenge involving 23 university students divided into multidisciplinary teams with the aim of discovering how machine learning can become an ally in the search for new drugs.
Starting from the Drug Discovery Virtual Screening dataset, the teams tried to apply AI tools to distinguish active molecules from inactive ones or estimate binding affinity values between molecules and proteins. The goal was not only technical performance, but also the ability to build a solid model, interpret the results and communicate them in a clear and creative way.
As Monica Bianchini, associate professor at the University of Siena, explained: “Our research group focuses in particular on biomedical applications, from bioinformatics to the generation of new proteins with specific chemical-physical characteristics that are more easily targeted by drugs. There is a great need for new drugs; just think of the antibiotics to which we are now resistant”.
Fiamma Romagnoli, a researcher at the University of Siena, spoke about the practical side of the challenge: ‘We have decided to focus on the virtual screening of pharmaceutical compounds. Today, the students will use machine learning techniques to predict, based on the protein, which compounds will bind and be effective in the treatment of certain diseases.’
Anastasija Bakmaz, AI & Data Manager at EY, emphasised the value of dialogue between universities and businesses: ‘We were very pleased to launch a challenge today to the students of Siena on artificial intelligence applied to the world of drug discovery, pharmacy and bioinformatics. It is always an excellent opportunity for universities and companies to work together, and we are happy to seize it.’
Niccolò Pancino, a researcher at the University of Siena, also highlighted the educational nature of the initiative: ‘Today we are here at the Santa Chiara Lab with a large group of students... we have created small challenges based on some datasets found online and now they are competing with each other, creating a presentation that they will soon show. We will evaluate their work: an opportunity to experience first-hand what research and development in the pharmaceutical field means.’
In the same vein, Valerio Vignoli, director of DIISM, emphasised the value of knowledge transfer: ‘A wonderful initiative, like all those that bring together young people with more experience and young people who are taking their first steps. Knowledge is passed on through this transfer. I saw great enthusiasm and committed participation: an excellent initiative to be repeated.’
The challenge offered participants the opportunity to put their skills into practice, but also to train their critical thinking, creativity and team spirit. As Mirta Michilli, general manager of the Fondazione Mondo Digitale, observed: ‘Through these challenges, young people don't just learn: they experiment, collaborate and transform their insights into real solutions. This is how innovation becomes a shared experience and a value for society.’
The journey now continues in nine other Italian cities until December, with the aim of stimulating awareness and dialogue on the impact of artificial intelligence on everyone's lives.
