Trieste, 23rd October 2024 - The programme for the 2024-2025 academic year of the project 'The Lincean Academy for new teaching methodology in schools', in which the University of Trieste plays a leading role, has been presented.

The Trieste Hub of the initiative's national network, with the collaboration of the Foundation 'The Lincean Academy for Schools', the Regional School Office of Friuli Venezia Giulia and the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, has been engaged for six years in organising refresher and advanced training activities for school teachers in the four disciplines covered by the project: Italian, mathematics, digital and science.

‘Primary and secondary school teachers from all over Italy take part in the project every year,’ explains University of Trieste lecturer Roberta Bulla, coordinator of the Trieste Hub. ‘From 2021 to date we have had a total of 1,000 teachers enrolled.’

‘At a complex time for the Italian university and school system such as the one we are currently experiencing, the role of support for the training of school teachers played by UniTS within the framework of the Lincean project is of strategic importance," says Rector Roberto Di Lenarda. "I would like to thank the Region for the support that it once again guarantees our university and all of our teachers involved, who add these activities to their ordinary ones with great passion and commitment.’

‘The presence of the Lincean Hub in Trieste represents a great opportunity for the education system in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Teachers who train and update their knowledge improve not only their own preparation, but also the school within which they teach and the system as a whole. If, as confirmed by the data from the Invalsi 2024 tests, school education in FVG is of high quality and the drop-out rate is among the lowest in Italy, we certainly owe this to projects like this one, which the regional administration will continue to support, as an investment for the younger generations, in the years to come,’ adds Alessia Rosolen, Regional Councillor for Employment, Training, Education, Research, University and Family.

‘In an ever-changing society, continuous teacher training is of fundamental importance to ensure the quality of education. It represents an opportunity for effective professional development and growth of the teaching profession. With a view to promoting continuous training, the FVG Regional School Office has signed an agreement with the FVG Region and the Universities of Trieste and Udine in which it commits itself to disseminating the training activities organised by the two university centres as part of the project ‘The Lincean Academy for new teaching methodology in schools’ and to cooperating in identifying tutor teachers among the local educational institutions to support teaching and workshop activities,’ concludes Daniela Beltrame, Head of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Regional School Office.

The project stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Lincean Academy, the Ministry of Education and Merit, and the Ministry of Universities and Research, with the aim of supporting and encouraging the improvement of the national education and training system through numerous initiatives aimed at promoting a renewal of teaching-learning processes in the scientific and humanistic disciplines.

The programmes proposed for the 2024/2025 academic year are highly structured.

"History in the City" starts again with “Resistances and Liberations in Europe”

First meeting on Monday, October 28 at 6 p.m. in Baciocchi Hall with lecturer Tullia Catalan on the theme of Jewish Resistance

The Resistance and the fight against Nazi-Fascism in different parts of Europe will be the theme of the new edition of "Storia in città/History in the City", a series of meetings organized by the "Istituto Regionale per la Storia della Resistenza e dell'Età Contemporanea nel Friuli Venezia Giulia (Irsrec FVG)" together with the Department of Political and Social Sciences of the University of Trieste. The initiative, curated by Raoul Pupo, Gabriele Mastrolillo and Patrick Karslen, will be divided into 7 meetings to be held from Monday, October 28 to Monday, December 16 in Baciocchi Lecture Hall (headquarters of the Department of Humanities, Androna Baciocchi), always starting at 6 p.m.

"History in the City ” this year ties in with 2025, the year in which the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Italy and Europe from Nazi-fascism will fall. The organizers intend to commemorate it with an initiative with a scientific and, at the same time, popular character. The formula of the review thus follows the previous editions, proposing themes from university teaching, particularly from the Contemporary History course active at the Department of Political and Social Sciences. The struggle against Nazi-fascism will be recounted, in this context, as a plural and transnational phenomenon that affected, albeit with different intensities and in specific forms depending on the case, much of Europe occupied by German and to a lesser extent Italian troops (the Balkan context). In this edition university professors and historians from different Italian universities will examine the events of the main struggles for liberation from Nazi-fascism in Europe, following their development in different geographical areas. In the final panel discussion the focus will be on the phenomenon as a whole, while keeping in mind its transnational dimension.

Audios of the lectures and any materials provided by the speakers will be available for free listening and downloading at the following link: https://shorturl.at/k2QJI

For further information: irsrec@irsrecfvg.eu; tel. 040 44004; www.irsrecfvg.eu 

During the University of Trieste's 100th Anniversary, art has become a tool of celebration and dialogue thanks to two unprecedented initiatives. ‘Shine Bright Like a Diamond’ focused on artist residencies and involved all departments, creating a new relationship between artists, lecturers and students. The ‘Relazioni d’arte’ project, on the other hand, embellished libraries, classrooms and workshops with the works of local and international artists. 

The two events inspired the ten UniTS heads of department to tangibly mark their institutional activity by approving the purchase and donation of a work by Serse Roma. The canvas, which is part of the 'Diamanti' series exhibited as part of the first phase of ‘Relazioni d’arte’, was officially handed over on 22nd October during a meeting in the Cammarata Hall, attended by Rector Roberto Di Lenarda. 

This gesture represents not only an acknowledgement of the University, but also a significant contribution to the enhancement of the University of Trieste's artistic heritage. The work ‘Diamante’ thus becomes a lasting symbol of the connection between high quality art, science and education, enriching the University’s cultural heritage for future generations.

The first public meeting last Monday 21st October saw the start of the project ‘1954: Trieste after America. Between a call for tradition and a push for innovation’ of which the Arts and Culture Circle of Trieste (CCA) is the leader. The University of Trieste, linked to the CCA by a three-year framework agreement, will share in the dissemination and promotion of events of recognised educational value, collaborate in the organisation of a round table and participate in the work with expert speakers on various historical-humanistic topics.

The project as a whole promotes and celebrates the 70th anniversary of the reunification of Trieste with Italy, with the aim of retracing and reminding the local community, and above all the new generations, of the complex events and some salient features of that troubled and, at the same time, stimulating period. The proposed scenario will be tackled with an approach that is as objective, multidisciplinary and far removed from ideologies as possible.

The initiative as a whole comprises two lines of action: a set of events with a strong popular impact, concentrated in the proximity of the fateful date of the anniversary (26th October); a series of more in-depth seminars, aimed at consolidating the knowledge of historical facts and maximising the assimilation of the project's cultural message. The latter section will continue until mid-2025.

The next events include the photographic-educational exhibition ‘Trieste USA 1945 - 1954’, which will be inaugurated on 28th October at 11:00 on the premises of the Arts and Culture Circle of Trieste. The exhibition, first proposed by the Associazione Italo Americana FVG / American Corner Trieste in 2014, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Trieste's return to Italy, features a wide range of shots depicting everyday scenes and significant events such as weddings and crucial political moments, including the visits of John F. Kennedy and Clare Boothe Luce. The exhibition culminates with some iconic images, such as the famous kiss by Trieste photographer Ugo Borsatti and the photographs that made history in a packed Piazza Unità on 26th October 1954. 

The open day will be held in Piazzale Europa from 16th to 18th October

A total of 13,020 prospective students have registered to attend open days for first-level courses (bachelor's and integrated master's degree courses) at UniTS – the highest number ever recorded!

The three-day open day will bring students from all over the region as well as from Veneto, Lombardy, Emilia Romagna, Apulia and Campania to Piazzale Europa. Attendees are also expected from Slovenia and Croatia.

‘The enormous interest aroused by Porte Aperte 2024 is a testament to UniTS's commitment to constantly renewing its educational offerings and student services,’ emphasises Lucio Torelli, Deputy Rector for Educational Counselling. ‘During the three-day event, students will receive all the information they need to enrol and get the most out of their university experience from lecturers, young tutors and the Unit for Prospective Student Support.’

Between presentations, prospective students can also take a guided tour of the Central Campus in Piazzale Europa.

In addition to presentations on individual courses, there will also be a classroom dedicated to presentations from the International Mobility Office on Erasmus, the Career Service on job orientation, the UniTS Disability and DSA Service, ARDiS - Regional Agency for the Right to Study on scholarships and accommodation, the University Sports Centre (CUS) -, and the ‘Luciano Fonda’ University College of Merit. Information desks will also provide details about all these important aspects of university life without the need for appointment.

The project ‘Stelutis Alpinis. The Cosmos from the mountains of Carnia’, named after the Friulan word for the alpine star-shaped flower Edelweiss, is nearing its conclusion. The initiative has been promoted by the University of Trieste to bring public engagement in science together with the enhancement of the mountainous region. Until 19th October, the initiative will offer activities for schools and a public conference at the observatory in Zuglio (Udine), bringing the project’s rich programme of events and achievements to a close.

The project has actively involved the local community and engaged a number of participants, demonstrating how science can contribute to revitalising an area, both culturally and in terms of tourism. Coupled with the ‘Celestial Lights/Terrestrial Roots’ festival, it has offered a varied programme, with art installations, shows and specially designed stargazing routes, enriching the visitors' experience.

During the week of 14th to 18th October, local schools will be the focus of activities. Classes IV and V of the ‘Linussio – Matiz’ Comprehensive Institute of Arta Terme and Paluzza will take part in the creation of an ‘Almanac of the New Poetic Astrophysical School’, under the guidance of artists from the L'Amalgama Collective, with a special contribution from the poet Bruno Tognolini.

The project will culminate on Saturday 19th October with a lecture by the professor of astrophysics at the University of Trieste and scientific lead of the project, Prof. Alexandro Saro, followed by an observational astronomy event which is open to the public.

‘Stelutis Alpinis’ was realised thanks to the support of the University of Trieste, with the Physics Department as lead partner, within the framework of the call for public and social engagement.

The paper ‘The potential of histories as a form of counter-accounting’, published in 2023, has won the prestigious ‘Best 2023 International Scientific Paper’ award by the Italian Society of Professors of Accounting and Business Economics (Società Italiana dei Docenti di Ragioneria e di Economia Aziendale – SIDREA). It was written by Eleonora Masiero, Lecturer and Researcher in Business Economics at UniTS, and Riccardo Stacchezzini and Alessandro Lai, Full Professors at the University of Verona.

This study explores the unconventional accounting activity carried out by the director and accountant of a late 19th-century children's home. The activity challenged dominant discourses and highlighted their weaknesses. The study thus contributes to critical accounting research by revealing the potential of genealogical enquiry as an alternative and meaningful tool for analysing and questioning prevailing assumptions, shedding light on the historical and discursive foundations of controversial issues.

Read the full paper 

Only a few days until the #100UniTS Corsa dei Castelli! The race is scheduled for Sunday 20 October along the beautiful route linking the Miramare Castle and San Giusto Castle.

As announced at the Municipality of Trieste, this year’s running event is dedicated to the UniTS Centenary. Over 2000 runners are set to participate including more than 800 students, teaching staff and administrative technicians from the University.

Organised by Asd Promorun, the event is designed not only for running enthusiasts but also for those who want to enjoy the extraordinary route by taking part in the ‘Non-competitive Ten’ and the ‘8 km Family Run’.

Participants come from all over the world: Albania, Austria, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Egypt, Estonia, France, Ghana, Ireland, Israel, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Slovakia, Ukraine, Hungary and the USA.

As many as 45% of the participants are women.

Registration for the non-competitive races is still open:

Thursday 10 October, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Registration Point in Piazza della Borsa

Friday 11 and Saturday 12 October, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Registration Point in Piazza della Borsa

Sunday 13 October, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Registration Point in Piazza della Borsa

From Thursday 17 to Saturday 19 October, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Registration Point in Piazza Unità d'Italia

Registration for the #100 UniTS Corsa dei Castelli is still open from Friday 18 to Saturday 19 October, from 10am to 7pm at the Registration Point in Piazza Unità d'Italia.

On the 19th and 20th October 2024 the University of Trieste will open the Rectorate Art Gallery's doors on the occasion of the 13th edition of the FAI Autumn Days, an event promoted by the National Trust for Italy (Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano - FAI). The visits, available only by reservation, will be in three sessions, at 11:00, at 12:00 and at 16:00, offering the public the opportunity to explore a hidden art treasure.

Through a route winding between the two foyers, the Cammarata Hall, the Rectiorate’s corridor and the Bachelet Hall, visitors will be able to discover the Pinacoteca's rich collection. The works, acquired following the Esposizione Nazionale di Pittura Italiana Contemporanea (National Exhibition of Contemporary Italian Painting), held in the University's Main Hall in December 1953, reflect the various Italian art movements of the post-war period, with paintings by artists such as Giuseppe Santomaso, Afro Basaldella and Nino Perizi. Today, the Pinacoteca houses a total of 37 works, representing an important testimony to the richness and variety of 20th century Italian painting trends.

Info and bookings trieste@faigiovani.fondoambiente.it.

The 10th October marks the 33rd World Mental Health Day, promoted by the World Federation for Mental Health. The theme of the 2024 edition, ‘It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace’, highlights the importance of promoting mental wellbeing in professional settings, a priority supported by the scientific community and activists in the field.

People with mental health problems and psychosocial disabilities also face reduced life expectancy compared to the general population, often due to issues with their physical health. A study conducted by the Psychiatric Clinic at the University of Trieste and lead by Prof. Umberto Albert, President of the Italian Society of Psychiatry (FVG section), revealed that a significant proportion of patients from Trieste’s Mental Health Centres do not regularly participate in regional cancer screening programmes, risking late diagnosis and serious consequences.

Stigma remains a significant obstacle, limiting access to essential care and negatively affecting its quality. Discrimination and harmful stereotypes within families, schools and workplaces can prevent people from forming healthy relationships, hinder social interaction and block inclusive environments necessary for the well-being of every member of society.

It is crucial that the right to optimal mental health is recognised as a basic human right and that all countries commit to ensuring universal access to mental health services. Additionally, access to better living conditions, safety, food and shelter are necessary for people's mental health and a universal right for all citizens of the world.

The University of Trieste participates in World Mental Health Day by lighting the façade of the Central Building in green, the symbolic colour of good mental health. This initiative is part of a nationwide network of solidarity and awareness-raising that will see the illumination of monuments and important public buildings across Italy, many of them institutional headquarters, thanks to the mobilisation launched throughout the country by the Italian Society of Psychiatry.