On March 7 at the Galileo Museum, the Inauguration of the Neuroaesthetics Laboratory
LENS and the Galileo Museum: A Strategic Collaboration Strengthened by the Tuscany Health Ecosystem (THE) Project
The collaboration between the European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS) and the Galileo Museum opens new research perspectives through the Tuscany Health Ecosystem (THE) project. At the heart of this synergy is neuroaesthetics, a neuroscience discipline that studies the biological mechanisms underlying aesthetic perception, combining scientific rigor with the authenticity of artistic experience.
The research group led by Prof. Francesco Pavone has already established a strong foundation for neuroaesthetics research at LENS and the Department of Physics at the University of Florence. The collaboration with the Galileo Museum now offers the opportunity to extend this research into a real museum setting, where art merges with daily experience to promote well-being.
The project, part of Spoke 3, Subproject 7 of THE, and funded by the Ministry of University and Research within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), aims to develop new clinical support pathways that include the use of “art on prescription” and meditation sessions, highlighting the role of the museum as a place of healing.
The official inauguration of the Neuroaesthetics Laboratory at the Galileo Museum, the first national scientific laboratory established within a museum, will take place on March 7. The event will begin with a morning session featuring speakers such as:
- Fabrizio Cobis, from Office II DG Research, representing the Ministry of University and Research;
- Alessandra Petrucci, Rector of the University of Florence;
- Elisabetta Cerbai, Director of LENS;
- Francesco Pavone and Roberto Ferrari, respectively President and Executive Director of the Galileo Museum.
This session marks the beginning of a dialogue between institutions and represents a significant step toward creating an international network dedicated to neuroaesthetics, with discussions outlining the research objectives and future prospects.
The initiative also aims to objectively measure the impact of cultural and artistic experiences on well-being, enriching public policies in the fields of health and innovation.
