The 46th National Congress of the Italian Society for the History of Physics and Astronomy will take place in Naples on 15-18 September 2025.
The main venues will be the INAF - Astronomical Observatory of Capodimonte and Museum of Physics of the University of Naples Federico II.
The Congress
The Congress is part of a long‑established series of annual meetings that SISFA has organized since its foundation. Its purpose is to promote research in the history of physics and astronomy in Italy, encouraging contributions not only from academic historians but also from independent scholars and school teachers interested in exploring how the history of these disciplines can enrich today’s scientific education. At the same time, the Congress offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen existing collaborations and to foster new connections among SISFA members, scholars from related societies, and researchers working in the same or complementary fields.
Historians of physics and astronomy are warmly invited to participate, and the invitation is extended to all scholars and researchers who share these interests.
The program will include both invited lectures and contributed oral presentations. The official languages of the Congress will be Italian and English.
During the meeting, SISFA will also confer the Award for the Best Graduate Thesis in the History of Physics or the History of Astronomy (Premio di Laurea SISFA 2026).
Topics
Proposals for oral communications should primarily address themes in the history of physics and astronomy, including their connections with related fields such as mathematics, chemistry, and the broader history of science and culture. Contributions focusing on historical scientific instruments and documentary sources relevant to these areas are also welcome. Equally pertinent are studies exploring the role of the history of physics and astronomy in science education and in the design and interpretation of museum exhibitions.
Thematic sessions
The Physics of the Cat: One Hundred Years of the Schrödinger Equation
A historical and conceptual reflection on the Schrödinger equation and its legacy in contemporary physics, with particular attention to interpretations, debates, and cultural implications.
The Historical and Scientific Legacy of Giuseppe Piazzi
A session dedicated to the figure of Giuseppe Piazzi, his role in the history of astronomy, and the documentary and instrumental heritage associated with his work.
Physics and Physicists of the Twentieth Century in Naples
An in‑depth exploration of the Neapolitan scientific tradition in the twentieth century, focusing on its schools, leading figures, and national and international networks of collaboration.
The Development of Meteorology and Volcanology
A session devoted to the historical evolution of meteorology and volcanology in Italy, examined from a scientific‑historical perspective.
History of Physics and Astronomy from the Seventeenth to the Nineteenth Century
Insights into the figures, instruments, observational practices, and theoretical developments that shaped three centuries of the physical and astronomical sciences.
Dialogue Between History, Education, and Public Outreach in Physics and Astronomy
A session devoted to the intersections between historical research, the teaching of scientific disciplines, and the public communication of science.
Museums and Scientific Collections of Physics and Astronomy in Italy and Worldwide
Contributions on the preservation, enhancement, cataloguing, and educational use of historical collections, with particular attention to exemplary museological practices.
Registration and abstract submission
The conference is open to both members and non‑members. However, non‑members who have never attended a SISFA conference are also required to submit their CV to congresso@sisfa.org
Registration is mandatory for all participants and will open once the abstracts have been accepted. Non‑invited speakers must complete their registration after paying the conference fee. The fee will cover lunches and coffee breaks and will contribute to the publication costs of the conference proceedings, which will be published online in open access by FedOAPress.
Titles and abstracts of oral communications must be submitted in English. Abstracts should be between 100 and 250 words and should not include a bibliography. All submissions will undergo peer review on behalf of the SISFA Scientific Committee.
Important Note
To submit an abstract, please use your INDICO or IDEM account. If you do not already have one, you may request it at indico.ict.inaf.it/login by writing For the SISFA Congress in the form on the webpage. Your account will be activated promptly.
Per inviare un abstract, è necessario utilizzare il proprio account INDICO o IDEM. Se non ne possiedi già uno, puoi richiederlo all’indirizzo indico.ict.inaf.it/login scrivendo nel modulo: Per il congresso SISFA. L’account verrà attivato rapidamente.
