Galileo Ferraris Institute

Did a young Galileo Ferraris ever imagine that his name would one day grace the walls of a renowned electrotechnical institute? The Galileo Ferraris Institute, formerly situated in Corso Massimo d’Azeglio until 2006, stands as a testament to this Italian innovator’s lasting impact on the world of electricity. The institute, a hub for electrical research and study, carries forward the spirit of its namesake, a man who valued scientific advancement over personal gain. Ferraris, though not driven by financial gain, was instrumental in developing a vital component of modern electrical systems: the alternating current (AC) system. His work on the rotary magnetic field led to the invention of the induction motor, a device that efficiently converts electrical power into mechanical power. This invention, based on the principle of a rotating magnetic field, is the driving force behind most electric motors we use today. While history often credits Nikola Tesla with the induction motor’s development, Ferraris’s contributions are crucial. He publicly displayed his models and findings, exemplifying his belief in the free exchange of knowledge. The Galileo Ferraris Institute, much like its namesake, continues to be a place where scientific exploration and discovery take precedence.