It ended yesterday, at theUniversità Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, the conference "The precautionary principle: a rule of law or a meta-legal principle?", two days of work, 12 and 13 November, dedicated to the evolution of a key principle in relationship between health, innovation and business competitiveness, with particular attention to the pharmaceutical and food sectorsThe initiative, promoted within the framework of the PRIN PNRR project Integral WELLbeing for human flourishing: healthcare and food from an ethical and legal perspective (I-WELL), led by the teacher. Francesco Bruno, also represented the national event of theAIDA – Italian Association of Food Law, with the involvement of theGeorgofili Academy – Central West Section andUniversity of Pisa.
The proceedings were opened by the Magnificent Rector, prof. Rocco Papalia, who highlighted how "the precautionary principle, when well-founded on evidence and proportionality, is not a constraint but a lever for responsible innovation. True sustainability of progress is measured today in the balance between scientific prudence and entrepreneurial freedom," a vision that reflects the mission of the Campus Bio-Medico University: promote the meeting between research, training and industry for growth that holds together economic development, health protection and ethical responsibility.
Among the protagonists, Daniele Melis, Commander of the Carabinieri for Agri-food Protection; Gianfrancesco Romeo, the General Director of Consumer Affairs and Market of the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy; Isis Cesarini, General Manager Mase Coruc; and Antonio Gullo, Vice-Rector for Teaching with responsibility for three-year and single-cycle master's degrees and for the coordination of post-graduate studies at the Luiss Guido Carli.
"Food chemistry, risk assessment and governance meet here: a dialogue thatUniversità Campus Bio-Medico di Roma promotes the translation of science into good practices", explained the prof Chiara Fanali, Dean of the Departimental Faculty of Science and Bio-Technology.
Leading the scientific debate, the teacher. Francesco Bruno, Professor of Environmental and Food Law and IP of the I-WELL project, which highlights: "The precautionary principle is not an excuse, but a legal method that integrates science, ethics, and economics. A well-calibrated precautionary approach allows agri-food and healthcare supply chains to innovate responsibly, offering public decision-makers verifiable criteria and businesses regulatory certainty."
The conference confirmed the role of theUniversità Campus Bio-Medico di Roma including national hub for discussion on regulatory sustainability issues, of risk management and responsible innovation, at a time when these aspects are crucial to the competitiveness of the country system.
