What do we do?

2014:
The Liceo Scientifico “A. Roiti” of Ferrara begins collaborating with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) through the Global Teaching Lab (GTL) project, promoting
international teaching experiences based on the learning while teaching approach.

2015:
As part of this collaboration, Prof. Trevissoi is awarded a MIT training scholarship and attends the Science and Engineering Program for Teachers (SEPT), with a strong focus on Hands-on Physics at the MIT Edgerton Center.
This experience lays the pedagogical foundations for what will later become HoPE.

2018
The Hands-on Physics Experience (HoPE) is officially launched with the support of the MIT- Edgerton Center, the National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN, Ferrara division) and the Physics Department of the University of Ferrara with his Director Prof. Roberto Calabrese.
The project begins with an intensive hands-on workshop, during which Ed Moriarty and his MIT Edgerton Center team were invited to work with students, laying the foundations for what would become HoPE.
During an intensive week of workshops with Ed Moriarty and the MIT Edgerton Center team, students complete their first hands-on physics and engineering project and present it publicly, fully led by the students themselves.
During the summer, two “A. Roiti” students are selected to participate to the Engineering Design Workshop (EDW) at the MIT Edgerton Center.

2019
HoPE grows into a fully student-led program, developing internal mentoring systems and student leadership structures.
International collaborations expand, involving schools and students from Germany, Spain, and America, and reinforcing HoPE’s identity as an open, collaborative learning community.

2022
With the end of the pandemic, HoPE fully returns to in-person international experiences.
“A. Roiti” HoPE students once again attend the Engineering Design Workshop (EDW) at the MIT Edgerton Center during the summer, while experts from the Edgerton Center return to the Liceo “A. Roiti” to lead intensive “Edventure” weeks, renewing and strengthening hands-on collaboration.
2023
Thanks to the INFN support, HoPE begins its national expansion, involving the Liceo “Leonardo da Vinci” of Maglie and opening the program to a broader Italian school network.

2024–2025
HoPE enters a new phase of development as an INFN pilot educational project, strengthening its national dimension and institutional framework.
Dr. Enrico Calore is appointed National Coordinator, supporting the growth, coordination, and scalability of the HoPE model across Italy.
During this period, the project further expands with the inclusion of the Liceo “Antonio Labriola” of Ostia, reinforcing collaboration with INFN and consolidating the national network.
2025
In 2025, HoPE is officially recognized as a National INFN Educational Project, marking a major milestone in the consolidation, credibility, and long-term sustainability of its educational model.
The first HoPE Hackathon is held at the University of Ferrara, bringing together students, teachers, MIT researchers, and Italian university tutors.
At the end of the academic year, eight students from across Italy are selected to participate in the 2025 Engineering Design Workshop (EDW) at the MIT Edgerton Center.