Luca Arfini
Luca Arfini is Italian communications professional based in Amsterdam, passionate about telling impactful stories that connect with diverse audiences. In 2023, he founded Creative Tractus L.A to mainly focus on science communication. Luca studied Political Science & International Relations and European Studies, and is completing a part-time master's degree in Science Communication and Public Engagement, further enriching his skills and knowledge on how to bring science closer to the lay public. Writing about health, sustainability, innovation, European affairs and human rights.-
When AI becomes a trusted companion: Is Europe prepared to safeguard young users?
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are increasingly integrated into teenagers’ daily lives, helping with homework, general information, and personal questions. According to a recent report from the Austrian Safer Internet Centre on Austrian teenagers, 94% of 11- to 17-year-olds use these chatbots. While... -
A scientist's opinion: interview with Dr Laura Vandenbosch on AI and young people
Laura Vandenbosch is an associate professor at KU Leuven (Belgium) and director of the Media Psychology Lab. The core subject of her research is the relationship between media and well-being, leading to international publications in several fields including developmental psychology, sexology, body image,... -
A scientist's opinion: interview with Stefan Ebenberger on AI and young people
Stefan Ebenberger is board member of the pan European Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA), and Secretary General of the Austrian ISPA. As part of the European Safer Internet Initiative, in which ISPA is involved, they conduct an annual survey. The last one was on AI chatbots, and 500 people... -
Heatwaves: how can Europe make its cities healthier and be better prepared?
Extreme weather events such as heatwaves are no longer merely an environmental concern; they are recognised as a global public health emergency. According to the WHO, approximately 175,000 deaths annually in the European region are linked to extreme heat. As these harmful events become more frequent,... -
A scientist's opinion: interview with Prof. Roel Vermeulen on extreme weather and the impact on our health
“We should treat extreme weather events as an important health issue in Europe,” says Prof. Roel Vermeulen, professor of Environmental Epidemiology and Exposome Science at the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences at Utrecht University, the Netherlands. Across Europe, we’re seeing more extreme weather... -
A scientist's opinion: interview with Dr Paulo Morgado on extreme weather and the impact on our health
Dr Paulo Morgado is associate professor at the Institute of Geography and Spatial Planning of the University of Lisbon (Portugal). He studies smart cities and how city design affects the human brain and health. We often talk about the physical health effects of extreme weather. How does it also affect... -
The changing attitudes of Generation Z towards substance use and risky behaviours
For approximately 30 years, the Italian National Research Council has partnered with the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) to survey more than 113,800 students aged 15–16 across Europe to monitor adolescent risk behaviours. The latest findings reveal that, although cannabis, alcohol, and traditional... -
A scientist's opinion: interview with Dr Margreet de Looze on adolescent health and risk behaviours
Margreet de Looze is an Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Social Science at Utrecht University. Her research examines how social and cultural contexts shape young people’s health and well-being, with a particular focus on adolescent substance use, mental health, and sexual health. Over the past...