Alternative languages to narrate science and scientific research in schools: Art & Science across Italy

Art&Science Across Italy is a national project by INFN and CERN aimed at Italian high school students aged 16 to 18. Since its launch in 2016, more than 10,000 students have participated. The initiative is grounded in the idea that creativity and imagination are essential in both science and art. Scientists and artists alike are often called upon to look beyond what is immediately visible, to envision hidden aspects of reality, and to adopt unconventional perspectives. The project puts into practice the core philosophy of the STEAM approach, where science, tech- nology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are combined with the arts—not in competition, but in true collaboration. The goal is to engage students with scientific concepts through artistic ex- pression, regardless of their academic background or prior knowledge. By doing so, Art&Science Across Italy fosters a deeper and more personal connection with scientific research