Prince Albert II of Monaco at the Reggia di Venaria for the 241st Academic Year of the Accademia di Agricoltura di Torino

Yesterday, Monday 18 May, Albert II of Monaco took centre stage at the Reggia di Venaria during the inauguration ceremony of the 241st Academic Year of the Accademia di Agricoltura di Torino.

The presence of the Sovereign of Monaco gave the event a strong international profile, transforming a historic academic ceremony into a high-level meeting focused on science, sustainability, and cultural diplomacy.

The event took place in the stunning Galleria Grande of the Royal Residence of Venaria, attended by representatives from academia, politics and the scientific community. Among the key figures were the President of the Piedmont Region Alberto Cirio, the President of the Consortium of Savoy Royal Residences Michele Briamonte, the Director of the Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences Andrea Schubert, and the President of the Accademia di Agricoltura di Torino Marco Devecchi.

Prince Albert II: a leading figure in science, sustainability and international dialogue

Prince Albert II’s participation once again highlighted the Principality of Monaco’s strong commitment to environmental protection, scientific research and sustainable development.

During the ceremony, a publication dedicated to Stanislao Grimaldi del Poggetto was presented to the Sovereign. The gesture symbolically reinforced the historical and cultural ties between the Grimaldi family and the Piedmont region.

The visit to Venaria Reale also came shortly after Prince Albert II and Charlene of Monaco attended the prize ceremony of the Monaco E-Prix on the Formula 1 circuit in Monte Carlo.

Cristina Prandi’s keynote lecture on “the power of symbiosis”

A key highlight of the ceremony was the keynote lecture delivered by the Rector of the University of Turin, Cristina Prandi, titled “The power of symbiosis: from molecular dialogue to cooperation between nations”.

The lecture explored the concept of symbiosis as a model for collaboration between organisms, extending it to international relations, scientific cooperation, and global sustainability challenges.

Professor Giancarlo Isaia also emphasized the importance of scientific communication in promoting healthy ageing and public awareness.

The Accademia di Agricoltura di Torino: over two centuries of scientific tradition

Founded in 1785 by Victor Amadeus III of Sardinia, the Accademia di Agricoltura di Torino is the oldest agricultural academy in Italy.

Throughout its 240-year history, it has hosted distinguished members such as Amedeo Avogadro, Louis Pasteur, Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, and Luigi Einaudi.

The ceremony at the Reggia di Venaria reaffirmed the Academy’s role as a bridge between tradition, research and international cooperation, made even more prestigious by the presence of Prince Albert II of Monaco.