Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Colleagues, Dear Researchers,

It is a great honor and a sincere pleasure to welcome you to La Thuile.

I would like to begin with a heartfelt remembrance of Bruno Baschiera, who envisioned and strongly supported the creation of the Rencontres de Physique de La Thuile. His idea was both simple and bold: to bring the excellence of international physics to the heart of the Alps, and to create here a place where scientific dialogue could flourish in freedom, depth, and mutual respect.

His passing just one month ago has deeply moved us. We owe him not only the organizational initiative behind these Rencontres, but the conviction that even a small region such as the Aosta Valley could become, year after year, a meeting point for the global scientific community. Seeing you gathered here today is the most meaningful tribute to his vision.

For the Aosta Valley, hosting a conference of such high international standing is a true privilege. During these days, our region becomes a laboratory of ideas — a space where fundamental questions about the nature of the universe are explored through rigorous debate and collaboration.

Physics represents one of the few truly borderless dialogues in our world. It transcends national identities, political tensions, and cultural differences. The laws of nature belong to no single country, and scientific progress has always depended on openness and cooperation.

In a time marked, unfortunately, by renewed conflicts and global divisions, meetings such as these carry a significance that goes beyond their academic dimension. They remind us that knowledge can remain a space of freedom, respect, and shared responsibility. The scientific community continues to demonstrate that collaboration is not only possible, but essential.

Allow me to underline another important aspect. The value of the Rencontres does not end with the excellence of the scientific program. It also lies in their cultural impact on the region and, in particular, on younger generations.

When world-class researchers gather here, a natural bridge is created toward schools and students. Curiosity is born when excellence becomes visible — when young people can see science as a living, human, international endeavor.

I know this from personal experience. As a high school student, I attended these meetings with emotion and curiosity. It was a decisive moment in my life: I witnessed science in the making, listened to leading researchers, and discovered the international dimension of physics. Years later, I returned as a physics graduate. Today, I stand before you as Regional Minister for Culture. This personal journey is a small but concrete example of how the presence of great science can inspire vocations and shape lives.

Scientific culture is an essential part of our broader cultural identity. Supporting events like this means investing in freedom of thought, in dialogue, and in the future.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all the organizers, whose dedication and commitment make these Rencontres possible; to the Scientific Committee, for ensuring the outstanding quality of the program; and to everyone working behind the scenes who contributes to the success of this conference.

Let me conclude by warmly welcoming you.

Welcome to the Aosta Valley.
Welcome to La Thuile.

I wish you fruitful discussions, inspiring exchanges, and also the opportunity to enjoy La Thuile and the beauty of our region — its mountains, its culture, and its spirit of hospitality.

I wish you all a successful and memorable conference.