When academic research serves to counteract discrimination

Presented the project led by the European University of Rome and promoted with the contribution of Lottomatica Foundation that aims to develop social cohesion at school

“Countering discrimination by promoting social cohesion. A psycho-socio-educational intervention for the upper secondary school.” This is the title (and the goal) of the research project conducted by theEuropean University of Rome, and promoted with the support of Lottomatica Foundation, which was presented at the campus of the capitoline university in Via degli Aldobrandeschi.

The initiative aims to promote social integration and combat ethnic discrimination within Italian secondary schools. To this end, during the academic year 2023-2024, a research-intervention project is being held at the Liceo “Ettore Majorana” in Latina, by a researcher selected through a public call for proposals, which is aimed, on the one hand, at investigating and better understanding the group dynamics existing among enrolled students and, on the other hand, at carrying out an activity to support social cohesion, with the aim of reducing possible discrimination in all cases where this is necessary. A project that also involves the use of new technologies such as virtual reality and mindfulness techniques. The initiative-which will result in scientific publications and conference proceedings on the topic-was presented this morning at a public conference attended by students from the university’s psychology faculty.

The discussion was introduced by Lottomatica Foundation President Riccardo Capecchi and the university’s vice chancellor Alberto Gambino. This was followed by speeches from Latina Majorana High School principal Domenico Aversano, professor of social psychology at the European University of Rome Angelo Panno, the project’s head and scientific supervisor, and research fellow Claudia Russo, who is personally conducting the research-intervention. The morning then continued with an institution-based debate introduced by Roma Capitale’s Heritage and Housing Councillor Tobia Zevi and concluded by the Lazio Region’s Councillor for Social and Personal Services. Massimiliano Maselli, in the course of which, the coordinator of the degree program in Psychological Sciences and Techniques at the European University of Rome also took part Claudia Navarini And the deputy vice president of the National Youth Council. Francesco Marchionni.

“Especially in this post-pandemic phase, marked by a significant growth in youth distress, as even some terrible news events have reminded us, it is crucial to offer girls and boys the tools they need to live in harmony with each other, respecting each other regardless of whatever differences may exist and cooperating together to promote mutual well-being,” Professor Navarini commented in this regard. “We work every day to create an environment in which everyone, regardless of their ethnic background, feels accepted and valued: social cohesion is the beating heart of our community, and together we can preserve it and make it grow,” highlighted Councillor Maselli, who then noted further, “Through shared projects, active listening, and mutual respect, we can overcome differences and build a more harmonious future for all.” “Institutions can and must do a lot, starting with schools: ours is a multicultural community and we need to make diversity an asset,” was echoed by Capitol Councillor Zevi, who then added, “A priority that applies all the more so on the housing and heritage policies front that I am in charge of on Capitol Hill.” “We are happy to be able to collaborate with Lottomatica Foundation for such an important academic and social purpose: from combating discrimination and promoting social cohesion at school passes a fundamental part of the process of building a more equitable and livable and less violent society,” Professor Gambino noted for his part. “Supporting scientific research is an absolutely integral part of the mission we pursue every day with Lottomatica Foundation, on a par with supporting local communities and committing to integration,” said Capecchi, finally, who concluded, “This commonality of priorities with the European University of Rome makes us particularly proud of this project.”

The debate was moderated by Tg1 reporter Mario De Pizzo.