Thirty-four science institutions located in Trieste and the surrounding region formally signed an accord calling for "greater coordination among national and international research centres in Trieste and Friuli-Venezia Giulia." The signing ceremony took place in the main auditorium of Area Science Park on 27 January. Roberto Antonione, Italy's deputy foreign minister; Guido Possa, Italy's deputy minister of education; and Riccardo Illy, governor of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, were in attendance. The consortium-which has been spearheaded by Maria Cristina Pedicchio, president of Area Science Park-hopes to improve cooperation among the region's scientific institutions and, ultimately, to develop joint projects of mutual interest. For additional information, see www.area.trieste.it.