News from the Institute
Archive
Our samples reach orbit
The samples for our space project on brine shrimp (Artemia salina, see news from March 25th, 2026) reached orbit last April 11th, via the Falcon 9 | Block 5 Cygnus CRS-2 NG-24 S.S. Steven R. Nagel resupply and research mission.
Docking with the International Space Station took place on April 13th, and the samples will remain in orbit until October.
Samples from the Institute in orbit
Our SPEL samples reached the space station
!
Collaborator Dr. Esteban Hermosilla with samples now aboard the International Space Station
April, 11th 2026
Invited seminar at the synchrotron
Talk about octopi at Trieste’s synchrotron
On March 31st 2026, the Institute held an invited seminar at Elettra Synchrotron Trieste
!
Schematic representation of Octopus vulgaris, crafted by the founder
March, 31st 2026
The seminar, held in person at Elettra Synchrotron Trieste, discussed an ongoing collaboration between the Institute and Elettra regarding the study of a possible magnetosensitive organ in the octopus, which would enable it to navigate via the Earth's magnetic field. The presentation addressed potential future experimental developments at a second European synchrotron, Sweden's MAX IV.
Taking part in a space mission
Research from The Vinci Institute of Sciences on cross-generational genetic effects of space in the brine shrimp, in collaboration Dr. Esteban Araya Hermosilla, has been selected for an upcoming International Space Station (ISS) mission coordinated by the University of Chile, Space and Planetary Exploration Laboratory (SPEL).
We will be sending dry, latent cysts to the ISS for six months of exposure. Upon return, we will assess germinal genetic consequences, a priority for future space colonies. The mission is led by Prof. Marcos Díaz and funded by ASID, with additional support from INACH, CORFO, and AFOSR.
From the Institute to space... and back?
With dormant crustacean cysts, the Institute participates in an orbital mission from Chile
!
Samples ready for loading, photographed by collaborator Dr. Esteban Araya Hermosilla
March, 25th 2026
The Vinci Institute is born
Istituto Vinciano per le Scienze – The Vinci Institute for Sciences was founded as a startup initiative for academic education and research, thanks to the self-entrepreneurship course YesIStartUp, offered by Polo Tecnologico di Navacchio (Pisa) and promoted by Ente Nazionale Microcredito.
Right from its start, the Institute embraces the three fundamental functions of a university, namely teaching, research, and outreach.
Just born but already seasoned... of course
The Institute was born within the YesIStartUp course of the Technology Hub of Navacchio
!
The cartoon is a humorous portrait of the founder, by colleague and friend Prof. Ali Sadeghi
September, 10th 2025
Istituto Vinciano per le Scienze
Excellence for students and scientists
PRIVACY POLICY
© 2025. All rights reserved
owned by Andrea Degl'Innocenti, VAT number IT07486280485
Are you a scientist willing to work or collaborate with us?
WE ARE GLAD TO HEAR FROM YOU
This notice is provided by Istituto Vinciano per le Scienze, owned by Andrea Degl'Innocenti, with registered office at via Cattaneo 15, 50059 Sovigliana-Spicchio, Vinci (Florence), Italy, VAT number IT07486280485, email andrea.deglinnocenti@istitutovinciano.it . The data collected through the contact form includes: first name, last name, phone number (optional), and email address (required). This information will be used solely to respond to inquiries submitted via the contact form. All data is stored securely and will not be disclosed to third parties, except as required by law. At any time, users may exercise their rights to access, rectify, delete, or restrict the processing of their data by sending a request to the email address above. This policy may be updated; any changes will be posted on this page.