His Majesty King Charles III, The King of the United Kingdom, met scientists from Italian scientific institutions, including ICOS Ecosystem Thematic Centre and ICOS Italy. The meeting took place on 10 April 2025 during His Majesty’s visit to Rome, where he attended a series of demonstrations showcasing scientific approaches and measurement tools used by the global network of Living Labs of the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance (CBA). The visit included demonstrations of scientific approaches and measurement techniques used in ICOS Ecosystem measurements.
The event was organised in the gardens of the British Residence in Rome, where CBA CEO Marc Palahí and Chief Scientist Giuseppe Scarascia-Mugnozza introduced the king to different methods and techniques that CBA is considering to implement. The Circular Bioeconomy Alliance is a multi-stakeholder platform, established by His Majesty King Charles III, that aims to accelerate the transition to a nature-first circular bioeconomy that is climate neutral, inclusive and powers prosperity.
ICOS measurements were presented by the ICOS Ecosystem Thematic Centre Director Dario Papale, ICOS Italy Focal Point Carlo Calfapietra and Silvano Fares, PI of the Castelporziano station. They presented a typical ICOS eddy covariance setup and other flux measurement systems, which the CBA is considering implementing.
The ICOS Italy researchers had a brief exchange with the king, discussing the importance of continuous, standardised and long-term greenhouse gas monitoring and open access data. Also the possible partnership and collaboration, including join activities, between ICOS and CBA have been discussed with the king and Marc Palahì. The visit also included presentations on biodiversity, landscape regeneration, and the relationship between nature and human health.
Scientific tools for measuring carbon, water and soil were demonstrated in the Embassy gardens. Photos courtesy of Thomas Toti / British Embassy Rome.
“We are very happy to be in Rome with The King to present our latest scientific results and ideas for future projects across the world. Italy is an important country for the CBA. Many of our scientists are based in Italy and I am a very proud honorary member of the Italian Forest Academy of Sciences", says Marc Palahí, CEO of the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance.
“The possible collaboration between ICOS and CBA is very interesting and could bring new measurements in key ecosystems part of the CBA’s Living Labs. As ICOS ETC Director I expressed the full availability, also through the CNR and the University of Tuscia, to discuss possible synergies, training events and support to the CBA network", says Dario Papale, Director of the ICOS Ecosystem Thematic Centre.
Read more about the visit National Research Council of Italy (CNR) homepage. Learn more about the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance here.