Donne & Technologies: e-Nutrizione (2013)

The international conference Women&Technologies ^® It has a dual objective: first of all, to increase individual awareness (regardless of nationality, gender, age, social background, type of culture and specific skills) regarding the importance of issues related to the protection of the planet and the future of the new generations that are closely linked to innovation in the field of technology; secondly, to motivate young people, the "2015 generation" towards professional choices based on the transversality of technologies and the acquisition of knowledge and skills through appropriate learning paths both formal (school and university) and informal. In fact, the challenge of preparing the "2015 generation" for the future world requires the promotion of skills based on the integration between the typical knowledge of formal disciplines, such as mathematics and logic, and those derived from human sciences such as psychology, social sciences, cognitive sciences, pedagogy, anthropology, linguistics, and literary studies.

The world of business in its transformation from the centrality of the product to that of the service, requires professionalism that takes into account the needs of the individual, the environment, social interactions, solidarity, and values. Consequently, the same form of change must be introduced as a "best practice" in public administration. What creates innovation are not only technologies but people, with their ability to conceive problems differently and identify new goals. The conference also aims to highlight the specific contribution of women to this approach for progress: women have shown not only to be attentive users of technologies, expressing remarkable wisdom and creativity in adapting them to their system of social relations and the need for sustainability, but also to be able to make an ever greater contribution to the creation of technologies and the introduction of innovations. It is therefore fundamental to increase the number of women who consider technologies, whatever profession they have chosen, as a field and opportunity around which to develop creativity and innovation. An integral part of the conference is also the "Technovisionary" award. ^® "which aims to enhance women capable of "inventing the future" by creating technologies, women who through their work have demonstrated the ability to combine creativity, innovation, and quality of life.

Donne & Tecnologie ^® 2013 continues the journey of the three-year period dedicated to nutrition, which began with the 2012 edition, a theme strongly related to health, sustainability, and innovation.

The setting of the Conference includes a debate on the application of science and technology in favor of a conscious diet (and lifestyle). The goal is to provide a holistic view (accessible to the end consumer) of the new frontiers and challenges for the definition of a diet aimed at prevention, for the development of sustainable agriculture and production capable of promoting small and medium-sized enterprises in the sector that represent excellence to be protected, for the promotion of innovative research involving the development of eco-friendly technologies and approaches in different sectors related to food, as well as to improve communication to the consumer and in particular the transparency and truthfulness of the information associated with nutrition.

These aspects will be addressed through 3 thematic tables:

• Nutrition and Health
  It is widely proven that nutrition and lifestyle in general significantly influence health, contributing to reducing or increasing risk factors for the development of major chronic-degenerative diseases. On one hand, the choice of protective dietary patterns, on the other hand, the pursuit of an adequately active life seem to be at the basis of health promotion. Therefore, there is a need to better understand the function of certain foods and/or their components as well as the effects of physical activity in relation to the potential impact on health and well-being in general.
• Nutrition and sustainability
  Thanks to recent advances in Sustainability Science, it is now possible to identify new and priority frontiers of innovation and research through which to ensure the safeguarding of resources on which the quality of life depends. Deeper analyses, more integrated product innovations, more careful and conscious planning will guarantee a renewed management of the delicate relationship between nutrition and territory, countryside and city, food security and resource conservation, local markets and international markets.
• Nutrition and Innovation
  The proposals of the research carried out by companies regarding the demand for traditional and/or innovative high-quality food with nutritional and functional characteristics for the promotion of health, and critical discussion on issues related to consumer communication: from labeling to nutritional claims to the topics of nutraceuticals and integration. Innovation in the food sector exemplified through examples of packaging technologies and eco-sustainability.

In each of the three round tables, qualified speakers from the fields of research, business, and consumers will be present.