Scientific Aperitivo | From Stardust to Life? The Secrets of Astrochemistry
with Linda Podio and Piero Ugliengo
Moderated by Alberto Vecchiato and Caterina Boccato

Friday, May 2, 2025 | 6 PM
Snodo | OGR Torino

An event by OGR Torino and INAF, in collaboration with Pleiadi. This event is part of the program created for the Time Machines exhibition.

Free admission

The new Scientific Aperitivo From Stardust to Life? The Secrets of Astrochemistry, on May 2 at Snodo, explores the fascinating field of astrochemistry, which blends chemistry, astronomy, and physics to study how and where chemical compounds, both simple and complex, form in space. Speakers Linda Podio and Piero Ugliengo will guide the audience through the exciting discoveries about chemical processes occurring in space, with a focus on organic molecules, the potential "building blocks" of life, found in regions of star and planet formation. This is a unique opportunity to explore how astrochemistry is providing insights into our origins and the connection between stardust and life on Earth.

The talk will focus on the intersection between astronomical observations and chemical simulations, exploring how molecules form in interstellar gas clouds and how these compounds may relate to the origin of life. Technological advancements in infrared and millimeter-wave observations, as well as computational simulations, are leading to revolutionary discoveries, but many questions remain unanswered.

SPEAKERS BIO

Piero Ugliengo is a computational chemist at the Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, where he is a professor of Physical Chemistry. His approach involves using high-performance computers to simulate chemical processes without relying on traditional chemical laboratories. His research interests range from molecular interactions with material surfaces, such as catalysts or biocompatible materials, to the chemical processes relevant to the origin of life and molecular evolution in interstellar space.

Linda Podio is a researcher in astrophysics at the Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri (INAF), specializing in astrochemistry, particularly studying chemistry in star-forming and planetary regions. She is an expert in infrared and millimeter-wave observations, using ground-based and space telescopes to detect organic molecules, which may be the precursors to life. Her research involves close collaboration with experts in computational chemistry and laboratory work.