An outstanding achievement for the Italian delegation of students from IIS Scarabelli-Ghini of Imola at the International conference “Materials Without Borders”, held in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, from 24 to 26 August 2026. The school delegation has been awarded with the project “IRON MAGNET – Nanotechnology for the Environment”, focused on the use of magnetic nanoparticles for water purification and the removal of organic pollutants.
The Italian delegation, composed of 12 students with Prof. S. Palladino, T. Barone and M. Reggiani was selected by Dr. A. Torreggiani and Dr. A. Zanelli among the schools collaborating with CNR-ISOF in Bologna to represent Italy at the International Conference Materials Without Borders, Science, sustainability and international collaboration.
The event was organized by the Department of Chemistry of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Banja Luka. Since 2019 the conference has brought together students from different countries as part of the RM@Schools European Project.
The initiative aims at introducing young people aged 13 to 19 to the world of materials science and research through hands-on STEM projects. Particular attention is devoted to major global challenges, including environmental sustainability, resource efficiency and the circular economy.
During the conference, students had the opportunity to present their research projects to an international audience and exchange ideas with peers from different countries. The projects were evaluated by an independent jury composed of experts, university researchers and representatives of scientific institutions.
Two Italian projects addressing environmental challenges
The Italian delegation presented two projects developed around the theme of environmental sustainability:
LIGHT LIFE 2.0 – Energy Efficiency
An educational board game c, designed to explore the principles of photovoltaic energy production, energy efficiency and responsible energy consumption.
IRON MAGNET – Nanotechnology for the Environment
A project investigating the potential of magnetic nanoparticles for water purification, with particular emphasis on the removal of organic pollutants. IRON MAGNET was awarded first place.
Beyond the competition itself, the experience in Banja Luka represented an important opportunity for the students to work in an international scientific environment, strengthen their scientific and communication skills, and engage directly with young researchers and students from different countries.
Initiatives such as this demonstrate how collaboration between the research community and education can create opportunities for students to experience science not only as a subject of study, but as a dynamic process of discovery, innovation and problem-solving.
Congratulations to the entire Italian delegation, the students and their teachers, for this remarkable achievement!
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