UniTS remembers David Clyde Snelling, an extraordinary teacher and humanist, a lover of history and languages, art and music, who has recently passed away.

Having moved to Trieste from England in the early 1970s, he soon joined the then School for Interpreters (SSLMIT) as a lecturer in simultaneous interpretation.

He would remain there for more than 40 years, leaving an indelible mark on the School, of which he also served as Director, and on generations of interpretation students, many of whom went on to become conference interpreters and, thanks in part to his teaching, reached the highest levels of the profession.

His versatility, intellectual vitality, analytical precision, teaching rigour, generosity in his relationships with colleagues and students, and his extensive international network made a fundamental contribution to the life of the institution, helping to consolidate and enhance its prestige worldwide.

Four women and one man, five books exploring science from invisible microorganisms to the sense of touch. Antonella Fioravanti takes readers into the unseen world of microorganisms that sustain the planet's delicate balance (Journey into the Invisible World). Vincenzo Levizzani shows how fog, wind and storms have shaped the course of human history (The History of the World in Ten Storms). Daniela Minerva gives voice to women's knowledge that remained on the margins of mainstream medicine for centuries (Plural Women's Medicine), while Beatrice Mautino explores the uncertainty and vulnerability of those who turn to science at one of life's most fragile moments—illness—in Vertigo. Completing the shortlist is Marta Paterlini's The Thinking Skin, which brings touch—the oldest and perhaps most overlooked of our senses—back to the heart of what makes us human.

These are the five finalists for the fourth edition of the Trieste Next – Science Book of the Year Award, promoted by ItalyPost and the Municipality of Trieste – Department of Education, Schools, Universities, Research, Employment and Innovation, under the scientific leadership of the University of Trieste. Presented as part of the Trieste Next festival, the award celebrates the most significant recent publications that explore and interpret the world of science.

The shortlist was selected by the Award's Scientific Jury, which chose five titles from more than 60 books submitted by publishing houses. The shortlisted authors will take part in the fifteenth edition of Trieste Next, entitled "The Shape of Thought. Interactions between Brains and Intelligences," taking place in Trieste from 25 to 27 September. Throughout the festival, each finalist will present their book in a dedicated event introduced by a member of the Scientific Jury. The winner will be chosen by the Readers' Jury, made up of more than 200 science enthusiasts from across Italy, and will be announced during the award ceremony on Sunday, 27 September at 11:30 a.m. on the Trieste Next main stage.

The Scientific Jury is chaired by Donata Vianelli, Rector of the University of Trieste, and includes: Gabriele Beccaria (Tuttoscienze, La Stampa), Fabrizio Brancoli (Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Gruppo Nem Nord Est Multimedia), Maurizio De Blasio (Councillor for Education, Schools, Universities, Research, Employment and Innovation, Municipality of Trieste), Leonardo De Cosmo (ANSA and Le Scienze), Paola Del Negro (Director General, National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics – OGS), Fabio Pagan, Marco Panara (la Repubblica Affari & Finanza), Nicla Panciera, Paola Pica (Corriere della Sera Innovazione), Caterina Petrillo (President, Area Science Park), Nico Pitrelli (SISSA, Trieste), Davide Re (Avvenire), Fabio Sottocornola (Corriere della Sera), and Camilla Valletti (Managing Editor, L'Indice della Settimana).

"Once again this year, the science books competing for the award reflect a wide range of fields of knowledge that have a profound impact on society. Bringing them to the attention of the ever-growing audience of Trieste Next is precisely our goal: fostering greater awareness of the role science plays in everyday life is essential," said Donata Vianelli, Rector of the University of Trieste.

Silvia Marchesan, Full Professor of Organic Chemistry at the Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (DSCF) of the University of Trieste, has been elected a Member of the Chemistry Division of the European Academy of Sciences (EurASc).

This prestigious recognition acknowledges Professor Marchesan's pioneering contributions to the field of nanomaterials science, particularly her research on the role of chirality in peptide self-assembly, which has provided fundamental insights for the design and development of functional peptide-based nanomaterials. Her election also recognizes her commitment to promoting interdisciplinary research, science communication, and dialogue across disciplines, cultures, and genders.

"I am deeply honoured to join the Chemistry Division of EurASc," said Silvia Marchesan. "This recognition marks an important milestone for my research group and for our commitment to building collaborations that transcend the boundaries between disciplines and scientific communities. I am delighted to contribute to the Academy's mission of promoting scientific excellence and international cooperation."

The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) is an independent international organization that brings together some of Europe's most distinguished scientists and engineers to promote excellence in fundamental and interdisciplinary research, strengthen international scientific cooperation, and advance science and technology for the benefit of society. EurASc works alongside and complements the activities of national academies and the European Academies' Science Advisory Council (EASAC).

Professor Marchesan joins EurASc's Chemistry Division alongside several distinguished colleagues from the University of Trieste already serving in the Academy: Professors Paolo Fornasiero and Federico Rosei, members of the Materials Division from the Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Maurizio Prato, Professor Emeritus at the University of Trieste.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has presented the largest and most detailed image ever produced of the centre of the Milky Way, the so-called Galactic Bulge: an extremely bright region densely populated with stars. This extraordinary “photograph” opens up new possibilities for scientists, who will be able to confirm the possible existence of exoplanets in this region and measure their mass through the tiny variations in starlight over time.

The Euclid Space Telescope acquired this enormous image in around 26 hours. It is a mosaic made up of nine pointings of its visible-light camera, each covering a portion of the sky larger than the full Moon.

In this image, Euclid captured more than 60 million stars, together with nebulae and star clusters. This extremely populated region of our galaxy is an ideal environment for the search for exoplanets through microlensing.

The news from Euclid is extraordinary: mapping the Galactic Bulge with such precision opens up unique prospects,” commented Gabriele Cescutti, UniTS Professor of Stellar Astrophysics. “Although this specific observing campaign was designed to exploit microlensing and search for exoplanets, such a density of stellar data is also extremely valuable for our research lines at UniTS. In our Department of Physics, we have been working for years on chemical evolution and ‘galactic archaeology’. We use spectroscopic and chemical data from stars to reconstruct, through theoretical models, the early history, formation timescales and origin of the elements in the bulge and nucleus of the Milky Way. High-resolution mosaics, such as the one produced by Euclid, are fundamental to understanding the precise distribution and nature of these stellar populations.

The University of Trieste is responsible for the operations of the two scientific instruments at the heart of the Euclid mission: VIS (Visible Instrument) and NISP (Near Infrared Spectrometer Photometer). In detail, UniTS researchers hold responsibility and coordination roles in several Key Projects dedicated to the scientific exploitation of Data Release 1 (DR1), expected around mid-2027, which concerns the study of cosmology through the statistical properties of the distribution and evolution of galaxies. UniTS also contributes to the production of cosmological numerical simulations based on High Performance Computing methodologies.

Image credits: European Space Agency - ESA.

The Audace Sailing Team of the University of Trieste has once again established itself as one of the leading teams at the SuMoth Challenge, the international competition held in Malcesine, on Lake Garda, bringing together university teams engaged in the design, construction and sailing of high-performance, low-environmental-impact foiling boats.

The UniTS team completed the event with outstanding results: first place in the S1 Design category, ahead of UNICA Sailing Team from the University of Cagliari and Impetus from the Technical University of Munich; third place in the S2 Manufacturing category, behind Politecnico di Milano and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology; and first place in the S3 Regatta category, with a lead of more than 20 points over the runner-up.

On the water, Audace Sailing Team successfully combined sailing expertise with the work carried out over months of preparation. After a cautious start, the crew gradually strengthened its position, securing seven first-place finishes in 17 races. The contribution of the two helmsmen proved decisive: Centuori in the regattas and Mutti in the speed tests, both able to make the most of the boat’s characteristics in stronger winds as well as in lighter conditions, when the boat was among the first to lift out of the water.

The result confirms the value of a project that brings together university education, technological innovation, sustainability and nautical culture, showcasing in an international setting the skills developed within the University and Trieste’s sailing tradition.

The SuMoth Challenge 2026 therefore ends with a highly positive outcome for the team, which is already looking ahead to the next edition with the aim of continuing to develop increasingly efficient, sustainable and competitive solutions.

The University of Trieste, the Department of Medical Sciences, and the School of Specialization in Forensic Medicine express their deep sorrow at the passing of Dr. Fulvio Costantinides, former Researcher in Forensic Medicine.

A graduate in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Trieste, Dr. Costantinides was among the first members of the Trieste School to obtain a Specialization Diploma in Forensic Medicine (1981). From the very beginning of his career, he dedicated himself to crime scene investigations and post-mortem examinations, including external inspections and autopsies. He carried out these activities on behalf of the Judicial Authorities with great commitment and enthusiasm throughout his professional life.

A knowledgeable and empathetic educator, he was a forensic pathologist distinguished by a rigorous methodological approach and exceptional analytical, synthetic, and intuitive abilities. His colleagues remember him as a highly skilled and meticulous forensic physician when dealing with expert assessments and medico-legal cases. In this field, discussion and debate were always welcomed, conducted openly and honestly, while maintaining the strictest adherence to procedural rules.

Always present, approachable, and willing to contribute, he taught Forensic Pathology to at least two generations of forensic medicine specialists, leaving a lasting impact on his students and colleagues alike.

From 13 to 16 June, Trieste will celebrate the literary genius of James Joyce with the 17th edition of #BloomsdayTrieste, this year focusing on the second chapter of Ulysses, Nestor, and on the great dilemmas of identity and history.

The University of Trieste, through the Department of Humanities, remains one of the key pillars of the event, curating not only its solid scientific framework but also its creative dimension, thanks to the contributions of professors Laura Pelaschiar and Paolo Quazzolo.

Through exegetical insights in historic cafés, guided tours and an evocative theatrical adaptation that will bring University professors, graduates and PhD students onto the stage of the Rossetti Theatre, UniTS turns one of the great works of twentieth-century literature into a living heritage shared with the whole community.

Events promoted by the University of Trieste in the PROGRAMME of this edition:

• SATURDAY 13 JUNE

11:00 | Antico Caffè San Marco
Via Cesare Battisti 18
Nestor in Half an Hour

The now traditional and much-anticipated flash-format event dedicated to individual chapters of Ulysses focuses this year on Nestor. The meeting is designed to reveal the structure, symbols and meanings of the second chapter of Joyce’s masterpiece in an agile and accessible format. This exegetical journey will be led by Laura Pelaschiar, professor at the University of Trieste and curator of the Joyce Museum, in the historic setting of Caffè San Marco.

20:00 | Teatro Politeama Rossetti
Largo Giorgio Gaber 1
Circe & Nestor – Theatrical adaptation

A central event in the evening programme, the performance offers an ambitious dramaturgical reworking that brings together the chapters Circe and Nestor. The text adaptation and direction are jointly by Laura Pelaschiar and Paolo Quazzolo, professors at the University of Trieste. The production stands out for its strong academic synergy: in addition to its scientific and directorial guidance, the staging brings to the Rossetti stage a group of PhD students and graduates from the University of Trieste — Elisa Mariuz, Valeria Piraino, Federica Rufolo and Tommaso Piccolo — turning literary research into stage action.

• SUNDAY 14 JUNE

11:00 | Spazio Forum – Museo LETS
Piazza Hortis 4
Joyce Museum Tour

A themed guided tour inside the rooms of the Joyce Museum to explore the dense network of relationships, influences and real-life traces that connected the Irish writer to the city of Trieste. The itinerary through documents and archive materials will be led by Laura Pelaschiar, University of Trieste, who will illustrate the decisive impact of Joyce’s Trieste years on the genesis of Ulysses.

12:00 | Spazio Forum – Museo LETS
Piazza Hortis 4
JJ Walking Tour

Immediately after the museum visit, a walking itinerary will begin through the symbolic places of James Joyce’s Trieste. The city landmarks, buildings and streets frequented by the author will become the setting for an itinerant narrative. The cultural walk will be led by Laura Pelaschiar, with the contribution and participation of Professor Paolo Quazzolo, University of Trieste, offering the public a rigorous yet accessible field-based analysis.

20:00 | Teatro Politeama Rossetti
Largo Giorgio Gaber 1
Circe & Nestor – Theatrical adaptation | Repeat performance

To close the days dedicated to the Joycean celebrations, the evening repeat performance of the theatrical adaptation will be staged. It will offer the public a further opportunity to attend the performance born from the scientific and artistic collaboration of professors, researchers and students of the University of Trieste.

The University of Trieste mourns the passing of Antonio Bava, former Full Professor of Physiology.

A graduate of the University of Catania, Professor Bava devoted his scientific career to the study of the neurophysiological mechanisms of language, its functional foundations, and the principal brain regions involved in its processing. His research also contributed significantly to the understanding of cerebellar functions and their relationships with other structures of the central nervous system, as well as to the fields of clinical neurophysiology and neuropathology.

A scholar of recognized distinction, he organized the first National Congress of the Italian Society of Primatology, of which he also served as President for several years. At the University of Trieste, he carried out an extensive teaching activity in health sciences and psychology degree programs, passing on his passion for Physiology to generations of students.

His colleagues remember him for his broad intellectual interests, scientific rigor, and intellectual generosity; his students for his infectious enthusiasm and his extraordinary ability to teach and communicate knowledge.

The first edition of the Raman Spectroscopy Summer School: Principles and Applications (RAMSS 2026) has successfully concluded. The event was hosted in the Chapel Hall of the former Military Hospital in Trieste, home to the University of Trieste’s Luciano Fonda Honors College.

All 20 available places were filled by PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and professionals from across Italy, confirming the strong interest of the scientific community in this analytical technique.

Raman spectroscopy is an analytical method that allows scientists to determine the composition of a material and understand how its molecules are organized without damaging or altering the sample. The technique works by illuminating the selected sample with a laser beam. Most of the light is reflected unchanged, but a small fraction interacts with the material’s molecules and undergoes slight energy shifts. By analyzing these variations, researchers obtain a sort of molecular “fingerprint” that enables them to identify the chemical composition of the sample.

The Summer School combined lectures, hands-on sessions using real instrumentation, and a workshop dedicated to spectroscopic data analysis. The teaching staff brought together eight specialists. Representing the University of Trieste were Alois Bonifacio, Stefano Fornasaro, Vanni Lughi, and Valter Sergo. They were joined by Ivano Alessandri (University of Brescia), Stefano Legnaioli (CNR-ICCOM, Pisa), Barbara Rossi (Elettra – Sincrotrone Trieste), and Giorgia Sciutto (University of Bologna). Their expertise covered a wide range of fields, including biomedicine, materials science, catalysis, and cultural heritage conservation.

The school received the patronage of the Italian Chemical Society (SCI) through its Divisions of Analytical Chemistry and Chemistry for Technologies, which provided four scholarships covering the registration fees for four outstanding participants.

The event was organized by the local committee of the University of Trieste, composed of Alois Bonifacio, Gianpiero Adami (co-directors of the school), and Stefano Fornasaro.

The University of Trieste reaffirms its commitment to promoting innovation and youth entrepreneurship through initiatives that foster dialogue between research, education, and business development. In this context, the Innovators Community Lab (ICL) hosted the event “Self-Employment Program for Central and Northern Italy: Turn Your Idea into a Fundable Project” at the former Military Hospital premises.

The event, organized in collaboration with BIC Incubatori FVG, Invitalia, and the Self-Employment Program for Central and Northern Italy, was aimed at students, graduates, PhD candidates, researchers, young professionals, startups, and project teams interested in developing innovative entrepreneurial initiatives and exploring the support opportunities available to transform them into reality.

During the meeting, participants were introduced to the incentives and support measures offered under the Self-Employment Program for Central and Northern Italy. Particularly appreciated was the opportunity to engage directly with Invitalia experts through dedicated one-on-one meetings, allowing attendees to discuss their project ideas in depth and receive practical guidance on how to make them eligible for funding.

“The project design phase with a view to establishing a company represents a critical decision-making moment, especially for young aspiring entrepreneurs,” emphasized Prof. Erik Vesselli, Delegate for Technology Transfer and Relations with Research Institutions. “The support programs and initiatives offered by Invitalia through the Self-Employment Program for Central and Northern Italy align particularly well with a specialized training pathway such as ICL, opening up constructive opportunities for collaboration.”

The event is part of the broader effort led by the University of Trieste through the Innovators Community Lab to enhance skills and innovative ideas, fostering strategic connections with institutional partners and stakeholders within the innovation ecosystem.