Humanitas University’s immune system exhibition featured at science festivals’

The exhibition is called ‘Officina Immunitaria (IMMUNITY LAB): How the immune system recognises, defends and defines us’ and it was developed by Humanitas University in collaboration with the dissemination company Taxi1729. The first two instalments will be at the BergamoScienza festival and at the Science Festival in Genoa.

There are tens of trillions of human cells living in each of us, as well as an equal number of bacteria, viruses and fungi. Many of these microorganisms are essential for the proper functioning of our bodies and our survival, but they are also potentially harmful. The immune system is what keeps this precious and delicate ecosystem of human cells and microorganisms that we call a human being in balance. It recognises and eliminates dangerous intruders and defends our friends, helping to draw the boundaries of our biological identity.

In a colourful and immersive space, the exhibition transforms each visitor into a cell of the immune system. Playing with screws, bolts and joints, it allows audiences of all ages to understand the function of the immune system and the different roles of innate immunity and adaptive immunity. But it also asks us to rethink this extraordinary widespread organ, which is much more than a mere defence tool.

The first two exhibition stops are the two main science festivals in Italy: BergamoScienza in Bergamo and the Science Festival in Genoa, for a total of 24 exhibition days. In both cases booking is required to participate:

• BergamoScienza – from 30 September to 13 October 2024. Where: at the new Sala Mimmo Boninelli in the Tiraboschi Library, in Via San Bernardino 74, Bergamo. Reservations on the BergamoScienza website.
• Festival della Scienza – from 24 October to 3 November 2024. Where: at the Galata Maritime Museum, in Via Calata De Mari, 1, Genoa’s Old Port. Reservations on the Festival della Scienza website.

Don’t miss it!