Science Festival Sponsorship Dispute Erupts Over Leonardo's Participation

28-09-2025


Leonardo SPA, the Italian defense and aerospace conglomerate, has withdrawn from the upcoming Festival of Science in Genoa following a petition by academics and researchers seeking to exclude the company as a sponsor. The festival, scheduled to run from October 23 to November 2, had requested that Leonardo not participate in planned activities for this year's edition, marking the first such exclusion in the company's seven-year sponsorship history.

In a strongly worded statement, Leonardo's foundation expressed disappointment with the decision, characterizing it as based on "wrong, serious and damaging associations made without knowing the reality of the facts." The company emphasized its long-standing commitment to supporting the festival's programming, noting it had "convincingly supported and contributed" to the event for years. The withdrawal represents a significant shift in the relationship between the scientific community and one of Italy's major industrial sponsors.

The controversy stems from allegations circulating for several months that Leonardo sells weapons to Israel. While acknowledging the sensitivity of the topic and the public's right to seek clarity, the company firmly rejected these claims as untrue. Leonardo stated it understands and shares concerns about arms exports but maintains that the allegations against it are unfounded.

Leonardo defended its position by citing Italy's Law 185 of 1990, which regulates arms exports and represents what the company calls a "milestone of action for peace and disarmament." The law specifically prohibits the export and transit of weaponry to countries in armed conflict, nations whose policies conflict with Article 11 of the Italian Constitution, and governments responsible for verified violations of international human rights conventions. The company stated unequivocally that it has not sold weapons to Israel since the conflict began, positioning itself as compliant with both Italian law and international humanitarian standards.

Recommended news

Breakthrough ADC Therapy Shows Promise Against Aggressive Breast Cancer

2025-10-20T12:00:59.574Z

Significant advances in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer, were highlighted at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) congress. New data from Phase 3 clinical trials demonstrate that antibody-drug conjugates...

Read more


Angelina Jolie's 'Couture' Explores Fashion World's Personal Battles

2025-10-20T12:01:22.004Z

Angelina Jolie made a striking appearance at the Festa del Cinema di Roma, walking the red carpet for the premiere of her new film 'Couture,' which she both stars in and co-produces. The actress chose a dramatic black backless gown that showcased her extensive back tattoos, including a...

Read more


Structural Failure in Southern Italy Leaves Three Children Hospitalized

2025-10-20T12:01:37.554Z

A retaining wall collapse in the Fiume neighborhood of Gioia Tauro, in Italy's southern Calabria region, left three siblings injured while they were playing in a courtyard near their home. The incident involved two eight-year-old twins and their thirteen-year-old brother, who were caught by...

Read more


Mafia Infiltration in Aeolian Islands Cruise Business Uncovered in Major Asset Confiscation

2025-10-20T12:02:38.132Z

Italian financial police in Catanzaro have executed a definitive confiscation order for assets valued at over €1.6 million from an individual connected to the Accorinti crime clan of Briatico. The seizure includes a land parcel with an overlying building and ownership shares in a local...

Read more


Simeone's Torino Future Secured as Cairo Reveals Automatic Purchase Clause

2025-10-20T12:02:16.450Z

Torino president Urbano Cairo has confirmed that striker Giovanni Simeone is effectively already a permanent signing for the club, revealing that the Argentine's loan deal includes an "easily triggered" mandatory purchase clause. Speaking on Rai Radio 1's Radio Anch'io Sport program, Cairo...

Read more