Galileo Galilei, the first modern scientist who introduced the scientific method and laid the foundations for modern science; Einstein, the man who revolutionized (and still revolutionizes) modern physics by giving birth to relativity; Darwin, the father of the theory of evolution and natural selection: all these historical figures from past centuries profoundly transformed science and society.

What if we could host these great scientists in our classrooms, each with their own personality, way of speaking, and unique perspective? What if these historical figures could actually teach lessons themselves—interacting directly with students, answering their questions, and proposing experiments to be carried out in the classroom?

Talking Scientists is an innovative GenAI-based application project that aids at digitally bringing back to life some of the greatest scientists of all times, hosting them into classrooms and showing them up to the general public. This is done through digital twins, dynamic digital copies that use AI based avatars to speak, think, answer and interact exactly as the great scientists of the past would have done.

In its first prototype version, the project Talking Galileo was submitted to a funding call in Italy (currently awaiting for formal approval), and is being developed by ArkadIA, an innovative startup founded in 2024. The project involves collaboration with INAF, the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics for the scientific and educational aspects, and with Afliant experts in LLMs technologies.

In this talk, we will present in detail this first version of the project, which aims to create a freely accessible web platform hosting a digital twin of Galileo Galilei. This twin, developed using AI and cutting-edge technologies, is faithfully trained on Galileo’s original writings, lectures, and experiments. The digital Galileo—who will also resemble the historical figure—can be used by teachers through structured learning projects and thematic lessons. During these sessions, Galileo will perform his experiments together with the students, allowing them to understand their impact on science and the world.

In the second phase of the project, the platform will be expanded to include other great scientists from the past. It will be accessible to schools, students, and the general public, offering a unique educational and outreach experience that combines history, science, and technology in an interactive and engaging way.

Keywords: AI, digital avatars.