Dear Colleagues and Friends,

Welcome to the 26th Riunione Nazionale di Elettromagnetismo, RiNEm 2026, in L’Aquila, fifty years after the first RiNEm was held here.

Fifty years on, it is worth asking what place electromagnetics occupies today in a technological landscape that is changing rapidly. Artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced communications, sensing and space systems all rely, in different ways, on electromagnetic science. Our field continues to provide many of the physical and technological foundations on which these developments are built. The question for our community is how actively we intend to contribute to their future direction.

The programme of RiNEm 2026 reflects both the continuity and the evolution of our discipline. It includes the established areas of electromagnetic research together with topics that are opening new scientific and technological directions. Artificial intelligence is part of this discussion, both as a research tool and as a factor that is beginning to change the way we work and teach. RiNEm 2026 is also jointly organized with the 2026 URSI Italian National Meeting, strengthening the connection between the “Società Italiana di Elettromagnetismo” – SIEm community and the wider field of radio science.

A special session on Teaching Electromagnetic Fields in the AI Era was devoted specifically to the impact of artificial intelligence on education in electromagnetics. The issue goes well beyond the introduction of new software tools. AI is changing the way students approach modelling, simulation, problem solving and access to technical knowledge. This makes it particularly important to preserve the role of physical understanding, mathematical reasoning and critical judgement in the education of future electromagnetic engineers.

The invited contributions by Marco Di Renzo, Lucio Tirone, Roland Ryf and Massimo Comparini brought to RiNEm different scientific and professional experiences, ranging from academia to major research infrastructures and advanced industry. Together, they offered an opportunity to look at several of the directions in which electromagnetic science and technology are developing.

Two round tables broadened this discussion.

The first brought together the Life Members of SIEm. Fifty years after the first RiNEm, their contribution provided an important opportunity to look at the evolution of our community, to understand what has proved valuable over time and to discuss what should change in the way we conduct research, educate students and develop academic careers.

The second brought together the Presidents of the seven national scientific societies of Information Engineering for the presentation and discussion of the Manifesto of Information Engineering, developed with the participation of all seven societies. Information Engineering is now involved in many of the strategic choices facing the country, from higher education and research to technological innovation and industrial competitiveness. The Manifesto was an opportunity to express a shared view of the role that our scientific communities can play in these areas.

RiNEm also devoted attention to scientific communication. The second SIEm initiative on this subject addressed a competence that has become increasingly important for researchers: the ability to explain complex ideas clearly and rigorously to colleagues, students, institutions, companies and the wider public.

The same attention to the relationship between our community and the outside world was behind Industry Meets Young EM Researchers. It was important for young researchers to understand how their scientific expertise can develop beyond the university environment, to meet people working at the interface between research and technological innovation, and to become familiar with professional paths that increasingly connect academic and industrial experience.

The programme of collateral events provided further opportunities to discover L’Aquila and its scientific, industrial and cultural environment. Visits were planned to the Thales Alenia Space facilities, the MUNDA – National Museum of Abruzzo, and the Castle of L’Aquila. These activities were also part of the RiNEm tradition: scientific meetings are made not only of lectures and technical sessions, but also of informal exchanges and of the relationship with the place that hosts them.

My thanks go to Professor Piero Tognolatti, General Chair of RiNEm 2026, to the Promoting Committee, to the Local Organizing Committee, to the SIEm Board of Directors, and to all those who contributed to the organization of the meeting.

RiNEm has always been an important occasion for our community to meet, compare ideas and discuss the development of our discipline. I hope that these days in L’Aquila offered the same opportunity, while also helping us to reflect on the scientific and technological changes that are already shaping the future of electromagnetics.

I wish you all a stimulating and rewarding RiNEm 2026.

On behalf of the Steering and Organizing Committees, I was delighted to invite you to the 26th edition of the Riunione Nazionale di Elettromagnetismo (RiNEm), which took place in the beautiful city of L’Aquila from September 6 to 9, 2026.

L’Aquila was named the Italian Capital of Culture 2026, and a special programme of events was held throughout the year. During the days of RiNEm 2026, attendees also had the chance to experience prominent local traditions, such as the city’s renowned jazz festival.

Furthermore, the surrounding region of Abruzzo offers numerous scenic itineraries — ranging from environmental and historical tours to food and wine tastings. These paths wind through green hills, stretching from the Adriatic coast to the peaks of the Gran Sasso and Morrone mountains, crossing historic villages that preserve centuries-old architectural and gastronomic traditions.

This year, RiNEm was organized by the University of L’Aquila Unit of SIEm (Società Italiana di Elettromagnetismo). The symposium was held at the “Luigi Zordan” Conference Centre, located inside the historic Monastery of San Basilio in the heart of the city centre.

A special thank you goes to Prof. Fernando Bardati, who originally gave rise to this initiative that remains so dear to all of us. I would also like to express my gratitude to colleagues Cristian Antonelli, Alessandro Di Carlofelice, and Emidio Di Giampaolo, whose dedication made the organization of this event possible.

I look forward to welcoming you to the conference!