In September 2024, the IEEE Photonics Society Italy Chapter celebrated a milestone in the history of telecommunications by honoring the legendary Guglielmo Marconi in a special session titled From Marconi to the Cloud. Held in Bologna during the Italian Physical Society’s annual meeting, the event paid tribute to Marconi’s pioneering contributions to modern communication, reflecting on how his groundbreaking work continues to shape the technologies that connect the world today.
Marconi, born in 1874, revolutionized global communication with his development of the wireless telegraph, marking the birth of wireless communication. His inventions laid the foundation for technologies that would follow, including radio, wireless communication, and optical technologies that are at the heart of modern networking. To commemorate his 150th birthday, this event gathered 70 leading scholars, researchers, and experts in the field to explore the lasting impact of his work—from its historical roots to its continued influence on contemporary technologies like satellite communications.
A Glimpse into the Program
The session began the first day promptly in the morning with opening remarks from Antigone Marino, President of the IEEE Photonics Society Italy Chapter, and Angela Bracco, President of the Italian Physical Society. Their introductions set the tone for a day of insightful discussions and thought-provoking presentations that highlighted the evolution of wireless communication technologies, from Marconi’s early innovations to the cutting-edge advancements shaping our digital world today.
The session featured an impressive lineup of speakers, each offering a unique perspective on Marconi’s legacy and its ongoing relevance:
- Barbara Valotti (Fondazione Marconi, Bologna) – The Wireless Boy: Guglielmo Marconi 1874/2024
- Miriam Focaccia (CREF, Roma) – Marconi, Corbino, and the Institute of Physics in Via Panisperna
- Ernesto Ciaramella (Sant’Anna, Pisa) – Wireless Optical Communications
- Marco A.C. Potenza (Statale Milano) – Optical Connections Between Basic Research and Industry
- Silvio Pardi (INFN, Sezione di Napoli) – From Zero to Tbit/s
Following these stimulating presentations, the attendees enjoyed a coffee break, giving them an opportunity to network and discuss the topics covered so far.
The afternoon session brought a panel of experts together on the future of communication technologies. The panel focused on how Marconi’s work has influenced modern advancements in wireless and optical communications, with particular attention to the potential of light-based satellite systems.
The session wrapped up with a light networking lunch, courtesy of the IEEE Photonics Society Italy Chapter, allowing attendees to continue their conversations and share insights from the day.
As the Society celebrates 150 years since Marconi’s birth, this commemorative event served as a powerful reminder of how his groundbreaking innovations laid the foundation for the digital and optical communication networks we rely on today. Marconi’s legacy continues to drive cutting-edge advancements in fields such as satellite communication and fiber optics, reaffirming that the impact of the “father of wireless communication” remains just as relevant and transformative as it was over a century ago.
From his pioneering wireless transmission to the technologies that now power the cloud, Marconi’s vision has catalyzed progress, enabling a level of global connectivity he could only have imagined. In honoring his legacy, we are reminded of the immense power of innovation to shape the future, much like his invention of the wireless telegraph revolutionized communication in the late 19th century.
This event was a heartfelt tribute to Marconi’s lasting influence, emphasizing the dedication of the IEEE Photonics Society Italy Chapter to preserving and celebrating his remarkable legacy. His pioneering spirit continues to inspire and guide new generations of researchers, engineers, and innovators, motivating them to explore new frontiers in technology and communication, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the digital age and beyond.
