In a significant step towards fostering local and regional cooperation, CTAO Director General Stuart McMuldroch, Emilia-Romagna Region Vice-President Vincenzo Colla, and University of Bologna Vice-Rector for Research Stefano Fanti, met on February 20 in Bologna, home of the CTAO’s Headquarters. The meeting focused on exploring collaboration opportunities, leveraging the Observatory’s expertise and international scope, and the region’s strong industrial, educational and scientific network.

The CTAO Headquarters, hosted by the Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica (INAF), is located in Bologna within the Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy, in a building shared with the Bologna University Department of Physics and Astronomy. The Headquarters is the central office responsible for the overall management of Observatory operations, where the Director’s, Project, Project Science and Administration Offices are located.

“As a world-class international organisation, the CTAO is committed not only to achieve groundbreaking scientific discoveries, but also to creating positive societal impacts in the countries where we operate,” said McMuldroch. “We value this opportunity to engage with the Emilia-Romagna Region, and look forward to fostering synergies with the regional government.”

“The presence of the CTAO in Bologna strengthens the role of Emilia-Romagna as a center of scientific and technological excellence at an international level. This will also encourage the growth of local skills and collaboration with universities and other research institutes,” added Colla.

The meeting reinforced the spirit of collaboration and laid a strong foundation for future joint actions that support scientific and technological development while benefiting local and regional communities.