The logo chosen means to represent the main IESO topics. The marble column symbolizes  the connection between art and Earth Science.

The theme of this edition is the Earth Science Renaissance. Italy is famous for the Renaissance, a cultural movement that grew in Tuscany, Florence, and then spread all over Europe. It was an important time of intellectual transformation and widespread of educational reform. Even Earth Sciences need a renewal to grow their importance all around the world as it is happening with the International Year of Planet Earth. Renaissance age is famous all over the world especially as far as arts are concerned. There are strong connections between Earth science and art, a lot of Earth Science Departments are starting  to collaborate with archaeologist colleagues to study the archaeological site,  examine the materials used in building, decoration, monuments. There are Earth scientists dealing with investigating the quarry used in the past, studying the mineral inside clay and stone. Weathering affects monuments and buildings as the rocks in the natural environment. This is just to give some examples.

In Italy there is a huge artistic and cultural heritage. Analysing the link between art, environment and Earth Science is a new approach never used before, that could show and focus on new aspects of Earth science.