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Empowering the Next Generation to Breathe Better: EDIAQI at Istituto Carducci, Ferrara

Image of the auditorium, the presenters, and students at

On 28 April 2025, EDIAQI marked the World Day for Safety and Health at Work with a special event hosted at Istituto di Istruzione Superiore G. Carducci in Ferrara. The event brought together leading experts, local researchers, and high school students to discuss indoor air quality and the steps everyone can take to improve it—especially within school environments.

Opening the session, Alex Borg, Communication and Policy Lead for EDIAQI, introduced the project’s work across Europe. With an English presentation and Italian slides, students learned about:

  • What indoor air quality (IAQ) really means
  • EDIAQI's work on the microbiome
  • Free EDIAQI education materials now available to teachers and schools

The session continued with Dr Gaetano Settimo of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, who presented a detailed analysis of indoor air pollution sources and the policy landscape in Italy and Europe.

Next, Prof. Daniela D’Alessandro, a leading expert in urban hygiene from Sapienza University of Rome, walked participants through the health implications of microbial exposure in buildings—highlighting risks, prevention, and the role of smart design.

Finally, the Ferrara Pilot Team, made up of:

  • Piergiorgio Cipriano and Martina Forconi (Deda Next)
  • Alessandro Battaglia (Lab Service Analytica)
  • Ivan Notardonato (University of Molise) 

shared concrete data and insights gathered over the past 18 months through EDIAQI’s real-world sensor deployments in schools, including Istituto di Istruzione Superiore G. Carducci. Their evidence underscored the invisible challenges of indoor environments—and the power of making those challenges visible.

Above all, it was the students who made this event exceptional. Engaged, curious, and full of questions, they reflected on their school environments and how small changes can lead to meaningful improvements.

From science to policy, from data to awareness—EDIAQI remains committed to empowering young people with the knowledge and tools to demand cleaner, healthier air indoors.