On 14 and 15 November 2024, more than 100 researchers from different Italian regions and research institutions gathered at the CNR-ISMAR in Venice for the 24-monthly Spoke 2 meeting of the National Biodiversity Future Centre (NBFC).

The meeting provided an important opportunity for discussion on the progress of Spoke 2 activities, exploring central themes such as emerging pollutants, fisheries, ecological restoration, aquaculture, maritime spatial planning and omics.

The two days, full of speeches and discussions, consolidated the future perspectives of the NBFC and the Gateway, thanks to the contributions of the various speakers, the scientific director of the NBFC, Massimo Labra, the Gateway Designer Luca De Biase, and the Spoke 2 coordinators, Mariachiara Chiantore and Gian Marco Luna, with whom the shared vision of the project's trajectories was discussed.

During the meeting, the SAVEMAR Consortium, winner of the Cascade Call for Proposals, was presented, an initiative that has opened up new opportunities for collaboration and integration with Spoke 2 activities, fostering the exchange of ideas and knowledge.

A further keynote speech was given by Alberto di Minin, who illustrated the prospects of the UpSkilling project, highlighting the importance of young talents with an entrepreneurial nature for the development of innovative high-tech activities.