Universities for Giulio Regeni, an initiative for freedom of research: Insubria is taking part in the national day of action on 7 May with a screening of the documentary film and a debate

On 7 May at 9.30 am, in the Aula Magna at Via Ravasi 2 in Varese, there will be a special screening of the documentary "Giulio Regeni – Tutto il male del mondo" (Giulio Regeni – All the Evil in the World), produced by Fandango and Ganesh Produzioni, followed by a discussion on the themes of academic freedom and freedom of research. The event is organised by the University of Insubria as part of the initiative ‘Universities for Giulio Regeni’, promoted by senator and scientist Elena Cattaneo ten years after the young researcher’s disappearance in Egypt: 76 universities and 15,000 people involved in two months of meetings and screenings on freedom of research.

The initiative, presented in the Senate during a press conference attended by, among others, Senator Cattaneo, Giulio Regeni’s parents, lawyer Alessandra Ballerini and the documentary’s director Simone Manetti, alongside authors Emanuele Cava and Matteo Billi, consists of a series of events to be held between April and May 2026 at no fewer than 76 universities across Italy for an audience of over 15,000 people, including students, researchers, academic staff and members of the public.

“The story of Giulio Regeni,” recalled senator Elena Cattaneo, “did not end with the discovery of his lifeless body in Cairo ten years ago, thanks to the courage and strength of his family: on the contrary, Giulio continues to live on and to ‘make a difference’ through a movement of people who identify with the fundamental value of freedom. The very same value that Giulio defended as a scholar.”

“We are honoured and grateful for this initiative,” said Giulio’s parents, Paola Deffendi and Claudio Regeni, “which involves numerous universities, with professors, students and PhD candidates who, we must remember, must always be protected. The documentary highlights both Giulio’s character as an upright and passionate researcher and the violations of his rights that were committed against him.”

On 7 May, Insubria University is taking part with a morning of reflection open to the academic community and the general public, from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm, under the academic coordination of Loredano Pollegioni, the delegate for research and innovation. Following an introduction by Rector Maria Pierro, there will be a screening of the documentary ‘Giulio Regeni – Tutto il male del mondo’, followed by a video message from his parents, Paola Deffendi and Claudio Regeni.

The focus of the event will be the debate ‘There is no research without freedom’, dedicated to the value of academic freedom and the role of research in contemporary society, moderated by Giorgio Grasso, the Rector’s delegate for the right to education and substantive equality.

Four presentations reflecting on the world of research are scheduled: ‘The right to education and freedom of research: the perspective of the younger generations’ with Edoardo Mauriello, Vice-President of the General Student Council; ‘Freedom of research and science within the constitutional framework’ with Giorgio Grasso; ‘The scientific method’ with Loredano Pollegioni; ‘The role of the PhD programme’ with Mauro Fasano, coordinator of the Doctoral School.

“Universities for Giulio Regeni” is supported by the Elena Cattaneo Ets Foundation, in collaboration with Fandango and Ganesh Produzioni. The hashtag chosen for social media is #UniversitàperGiulio. At Insubria University, students on the Communication courses are also involved in an awareness-raising initiative aimed specifically at PhD students, for whom Giulio Regeni is a significant figure.