The University of Trieste is once again taking part in M’illumino di meno, the Italian National Day of Saving Energy and Sustainable Lifestyles, celebrated on 16th February. As a sign of its commitment, the LED lights illuminating the façade of Building A (Piazzale Europa 1) will be dimmed from sunset on Friday 14th February until dawn on Monday 17th February.

The initiative, launched by the popular Rai Radio2 programme Caterpillar in 2005, was officially recognised by the Italian Parliament in 2022. It has since become an opportunity to promote environmental sustainability and the responsible use of resources nationwide.

The 21st edition highlights the environmental impact of fast fashion, a sector that has been at the centre of growing debate in recent years due to its high resource consumption and the massive production of textile waste. In response to these issues, various sustainable alternatives are emerging, such as clothes swapping parties, upcycling, and the second-hand market.

‘The role of consumers is crucial in driving this change,’ says Chiara Marinelli, a PhD researcher in Circular Economy at DEAMS. ‘Initiatives like M’illumino di meno are essential for raising awareness of the impact of fast fashion and the importance of sustainable alternatives. Talking about the issue is not enough—we need to take action. Consumers must realise that their everyday choices have a direct impact on the environment, and real change requires collective commitment.’

Significant progress is being made in tackling issues related to sustainability, environmental impact, and transparency. On one hand, institutions are introducing new regulations to promote and incentivise more sustainable practices. On the other, technological advancements continue to pave the way for innovative solutions that could transform how we produce, consume, and recycle textiles.

‘At a regulatory level, the European Union is developing its textile strategy, introducing a “European passport” for each garment. This initiative aims to increase transparency regarding the origin and sustainability of clothing, helping consumers make more informed choices. In terms of technological innovation, many companies are developing promising solutions. One example is Bio Fashion Tech, a start-up I had the opportunity to collaborate with. It has developed a biomechanical technology capable of breaking down the polymers in garments and converting them into sugars that can be used in other industries, such as pharmaceuticals,’ Marinelli concludes.

As part of this initiative, UniTS highlights the importance of local projects like Sartoria Lister, a social cooperative that has been upcycling discarded clothing and materials since 2009, transforming them into unique accessories such as bags and backpacks. Sartoria Lister has collaborated with UniTS on an initiative sparked by a simple question: what should be done with the PVC banners printed for various editions of the Researchers’ Night and Trieste Next, which had been stored in university warehouses awaiting disposal? This led to the creation of the Mis-Mas line of bags, each one a unique and sustainable piece. These bags are available for purchase at the National Museum of Antarctica, at the San Giovanni Park (on Via Weiss 21, near the church).

A study has just been published in the international scientific journal Science of the Total Environment, which involved measuring mercury levels in the hair of fisherman and people working in the fishing industry in the Marano and Grado lagoon, one of the largest in Europe. 

The study was conducted by Luca Cegolon (UCO of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine of UniTS) in collaboration with Giuseppe Mastrangelo (University of Padua), the MercuRILab research group of the University of Trieste (directed by Stefano Covelli) and UniTS’s Occupational Medicine Department (directed by Francesca Larese Filon). 

The Marano and Grado lagoon was identified as a Site of National Interest (SNI) due to contamination from centuries-old mercury ore (cinnabar) from the Soča/Isonzo river draining into the Idria mining district in Slovenia (the second largest natural deposit in the world after Almaden in Spain). Inorganic forms of mercury were also present in the contamination, and came from uncontrolled industrial discharge. 

In the eastern sector of the lagoon, at the mouth of the Isonzo river, previous studies detected mercury concentrations of up to 11 mg/kg in sediments, gradually decreasing to 5 mg/kg in the central area and 0.7 mg/kg in the western sector. 

While the contamination of the eastern sector of the Lagoon was mainly attributable to mercury of mineral origin (cinnabar or mercury sulphide) from the Isonzo river, the mercury detected near the mouth of the Aussa-Corno river had an inorganic component, of industrial origin. 

The investigation by the University of Trieste, carried out in early 2024 in Marano Lagunare, compared the concentration of mercury in the hair of 73 fishermen (32 from the open sea, 30 from the lagoon and 11 mixed) and 83 local residents working in the fishing industry, with 93 residents from the Belluno area (mainly farmers). The survey focused on this group of people as they inevitably have greater access and availability to fish consumption than the general population. Residents from a mountainous area were chosen as the comparison category for the opposite reason. 

The average level of mercury detected in fishermen (2.56 mg/kg) and workers of the industry (2.31 mg/kg) was significantly higher than that of farmers in the Dolomites (0.58 mg/kg) and increased with the consumption of local fish, particularly fresh fish. An increase was also detected in categories such as fishermen, fish sellers or restaurateurs.

Although these values are slightly above the limit (2 mg/kg) recommended by the World Health Organisation, these concentrations are still well below 11.5 mg/kg, the limit below which no adverse effects on human health have been observed to date. The current situation, therefore, can be considered balanced, and does not contraindicate the consumption of fish from the lagoon. This is also true since fish carries selenium, a chemical element which offsets the effects of mercury. However, it is recommended that pregnant women and growing children limit their consumption of fresh fish to no more than one meal per week.

Trieste once again takes centre stage as hub of science communication, with the local selections of FameLab 2025 taking place. The competition, which challenges students, researchers and research fellows to introduce a scientific topic in their field of study in just three minutes, will take place on Friday 4th April 2025, from 9:00 to 13:00, in Sala Luttazzi (Warehouse 26, Trieste Old Port). 

Participants will have to capture the attention of a non-expert audience without the aid of projections or videos, relying solely on their own talent and perhaps with the addition of supporting objects that do not require complex set-ups. Each contestant will present two speeches of a three-minute duration: one during the pre-selection phase and, if they qualify, one during the final selection. At the end of the day, the jury will elect the two winners who will go on to the next stage of the competition.

The initiative also includes a free seminar, held on 24th March in the Polo Giovani Toti (Via del Castello 1, Trieste), where science communicator Donato Ramani and actress Daniela Gattorno will offer advice on narrative structure and stage performance. 

Next steps

The winners of the local selection will be invited to Perugia from 13th to 15th June 2025 to take part in the FameLab Masterclass, an intensive workshop where international experts will guide them in refining their communication skills. Afterwards, the two contestants will take part in the national final, also in Perugia, and scheduled for 27th September 2025. Finally, the winner of FameLab Italia 2025 will represent the country in the international final at the end of November, where they will compete against talents from all over the world.

Requirements

The competition is open to researchers, research assistants, research and development professionals (with a master's degree) or post-graduate students born after 1st January 1990. 

Applicants must come from a STEM field, medical or humanities background (e.g., anthropology, archaeology, economics, philosophy, geography, law, linguistics, literature, psychology, political science, sociology, history and art history). 

In addition, people who have already participated in the national final or masterclass in previous editions or who have worked professionally in the field of science communication are not permitted to enter.

Prizes

The winner of the local selection will be awarded a cash prize of € 400 and will have the opportunity to participate in the national final and masterclass. In addition, they will be able to attend a course of the Master in Science Communication ‘Franco Prattico’ at SISSA in Trieste. 

The runner-up will also receive a cash prize of € 200 and attend both the national final and the masterclass.

Registration

Registration is done through an online form, and is open until Thursday 27th March 2025. 

Info on www.immaginarioscientifico.it; info@immaginarioscientifico.it. 

The local selection is organised by Immaginario Scientifico Science Museum, the University of Trieste, the University of Udine, SISSA – International School of Advanced Studies and the Municipality of Trieste, within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding ‘Trieste City of Knowledge’.

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, established by the United Nations in 2015 and observed on 11 th February, recognises the crucial role women play in the global scientific community.

The aim of this day is to promote full and equal participation of women in science, overcoming historical and cultural barriers that have often hindered their access to STEM careers.

According to recent UNESCO data, only 33% of researchers worldwide are women, with even lower figures in key fields such as artificial intelligence and robotics. Furthermore, women are less likely to receive research funding or hold leadership positions in scientific institutions.

The European Commission’s "SHE Figures" report reveals that women make up just 24% of senior positions in universities and research centres across Europe. This gap is even wider in the private sector and industry, where women in leadership roles related to science and innovation remain a minority.

Promoting gender equality in science is not just a matter of social justice; it means valuing diverse talents and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and innovative scientific community, and improving our ability to tackle global challenges effectively.

UniTS in numbers (Source: Italian Ministry of Universities and Research - MUR)
The majority of students at our university are women, accounting for 60% of enrolments.
In the field of Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction, women make up 28%, while in Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, they account for nearly 50%.
In both areas, the presence of women has increased significantly compared to a decade ago.

 

‘Remembering the massacres of the foibe and the tragedy of the Istrian, Fiuman, and Dalmatian exodus encourages critical reflection on nationalism and exclusionary, violent ideologies that tore Europe apart in the last century,’ says Patrick Karlsen, Associate Professor of Contemporary History at the University of Trieste, on the occasion of the National Memorial Day of the Exiles and Foibe. ‘The history of the Adriatic border is inherently transnational and serves as a kind of laboratory of modernity. Understanding it helps to reinforce democratic citizenship and a sense of belonging to our common European home—ties that are essential to keeping our societies cohesive and united in solidarity.’

On the evening of 10th February, the façade of the University main building will be illuminated in the colours of the Italian flag to raise awareness in the city about these events, which so profoundly marked this territory.

The National Memorial Day of the Exiles and Foibe was established by Law No. 92 of 30th March 2004 with the following statement:

‘The Republic recognises 10th February as the National Memorial Day of the Exiles and Foibe in order to preserve and renew the memory of the tragedy of Italians and all victims of the Foibe massacres, the exodus of Istrians, Fiumans, and Dalmatians from their homeland in the aftermath of World War II, and the broader, complex history of the Italian eastern border.’

The same law also established the Museum of Istrian, Fiuman, and Dalmatian Civilisation in Trieste and the Historical Museum-Archive of Fiume in Rome.

Each year, during the official commemorations, descendants of the victims who apply receive a metal insignia bearing the inscription ‘The Italian Republic Remembers’ along with a diploma signed by the President of the Republic.

The new Multidisciplinary Clinic for the Management of Chronic Orofacial Pain is now active.

Established through a collaboration between the Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences at UniTS and ASUGI (the local healthcare services), this innovative service aims to provide an integrated and highly specialised approach for patients suffering from this debilitating condition.

The clinic involves the Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry Department, led by Professor Roberto Di Lenarda, and the Psychiatry Department, led by Professor Umberto Albert.

Chronic orofacial pain presents a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, particularly given the growing demand for effective and coordinated patient care. This type of pain severely impacts the quality of life and daily activities of those affected.

To effectively address this complexity, the new clinic relies on a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including dentists with expertise in oral medicine and psychiatrists, who work in synergy to provide patients with a personalised and comprehensive treatment pathway.

The service is available at the Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry Department (Ospedale Maggiore, Oral Medicine and Pathology Clinic, 1st floor, Staircase G, Room No. 6) and can be accessed by appointment through ASUGI’s official channels. 

For further information, citizens can contact +39 040 399 2102.

The loss of genetic diversity exposes many species to a higher risk of extinction, making them more vulnerable to ongoing environmental changes. However, the good news is that effective strategies can be implemented to counteract this phenomenon, and we can all play a role in supporting them.

This is the key finding of a study conducted by a team of 57 scientists from 20 countries, who analysed over 80,000 scientific papers published in the last thirty years. Their research synthesises evidence of genetic diversity loss in 628 species (including animals, plants, fungi, and chromists) across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The study, published in the prestigious journal Nature (read the article), highlights a concerning decline in genetic variability across many species: a crucial factor for their resilience and ability to adapt to environmental changes.

Among the study’s authors is Chiara Manfrin, a zoologist and researcher at the University of Trieste’s Department of Life Sciences, who contributed to the analysis of genetic variability loss in aquatic species. ‘This was a meticulous process of data collection and filtering, as many studies did not meet the minimum requirements for genetic information and were therefore excluded from the dataset,’ explains Manfrin. ‘My role involved analysing the selected articles using a keyword-based approach.’

‘Each researcher,’ she continues, ‘contributed their dataset to a global collection of genetic data essential for assessing genetic diversity loss. Specifically, I focused on studies concerning aquatic fauna.’

The study revealed that genetic diversity loss is more pronounced in species facing significant environmental pressures. Habitat destruction, urban expansion, intensive agriculture, the introduction of new diseases, the effects of natural disasters such as wildfires and floods, and direct human activities (including hunting and deforestation) are among the primary drivers. Populations with reduced genetic variability are more vulnerable and less able to adapt to new environmental conditions, increasing their long-term extinction risk.

However, the research also shows that conservation strategies can not only mitigate genetic diversity loss but even promote its recovery. Protecting natural habitats and maintaining connections between populations enable genetic exchange between different groups, strengthening their resilience. Targeted restocking with individuals from genetically diverse populations has already yielded positive results in numerous conservation projects.

Advances in genetic monitoring technologies, such as DNA sequencing and advanced data analysis, are providing increasingly precise tools for understanding biodiversity trends and implementing targeted conservation efforts.

The study also emphasises the importance of everyday actions that can help preserve genetic diversity. Protecting biodiversity starts locally, for example, by planting native species in gardens to support habitat connectivity and provide resources for pollinators, choosing traditional agricultural varieties to maintain genetic richness in the food system, or collaborating with conservation groups to protect endangered species. Even small actions, such as avoiding the unintentional transport of plants, seeds, or soil to new areas to prevent the spread of pests and diseases, can contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation.

For a broader, public-oriented overview of the study, The Conversation has published an in-depth article (read the article) explaining the research findings and their implications for biodiversity conservation.

UniTS will also contribute to the rich programme of events planned for Nova Gorica – Gorizia European Capital of Culture 2025 (https://www.go2025.eu/).

The year of events, a mix of music, art, nature and culture kicking off on 8th February, will also include the UniTS Gorizia Campus on Via d'Alviano.

Here we have provided a preview. [AR1] The Events section of UniTS portal will include all the news in the programme and details of the individual events.

27th – 28th March

• Interreg GO!

The European Commission has chosen the Interreg Italy-Slovenia Programme to host the ‘Interreg GO!’ event, which will bring together all the representatives of the active Interreg programmes, as well as representatives of the European Commission. It will be held between Gorizia and Nova Gorica, and special attention will be paid to young people active in associations and interested in European Territorial Cooperation. An event scheduled in the afternoon of Wednesday 26th March will be dedicated to these young people at the UniTS Gorizia Campus, in cooperation with the Department of Political and Social Sciences and the Bachelor’s Degree in International and Diplomatic Sciences.

31st March – 9th May

• GO!2025 Urban Center

Exhibition of educational, project and research outcomes of RRR Lab on Gorizia - Nova Gorica European Capital of Culture 2025

Studies and projects by Collettivo Colgo and Collettivo VAGO

The exhibition brings together the results obtained by RRR Lab (Laboratory of Architecture and Construction Integrated Design) in the last two academic years, in which the design, study and research themes on European Capitals of Culture were central, with a focus on the specific case of Gorizia - Nova Gorica. 

The exhibition showcases the highlights of two years of planning, punctuated by activities, seminars, workshops, conferences and projects for the two cities, as part of a single cross-border urban system. The cities have been preparing to become European Capital of Culture 2025 for the last few years, and will now have to reflect on the ‘after event’. 

• Presentation of the book ‘Il corpo della città. Telo mesto’ (The Body of the City. A Sad Veil) and panel to discuss the cross-border urban system Gorizia - Nova Gorica before, during and after the European Capital of Culture event. 

• Screening of the short film Corno/Koren. Memorie Sommerse (Submerged Memories). Collettivo Vago

• Conference 2024-25 GONGO, with the participation of about 250-300 students and lecturers from UniTS, the Polytechnic University of Milan, Federico II University of Naples and Salerno to talk about the GO!2025 project area, the two cities, the Transalpine Railway, the Nova Gorica railway station and the future of border areas.

• Presentation of the book ‘Mapping the city. Learning from ECOC’, the first systematic and comparative Italian study on cultural capitals from an architectural and urban point of view: legacies and possible futures.

4th April

• Meeting and exhibition on the figure of Otto von Habsburg, Europeanist

The meeting, organised with the Otto von Habsburg Foundation, will historically contextualise Otto con Habsburg’s character and the legacy of his work, which was strongly in favour of European integration. The speakers at the meeting will include Andrej Rahten, former ambassador of Slovenia to Austria and now professor of Contemporary History at the University of Maribor, and Enikö Györi, former ambassador of Hungary to Italy, as well as representatives from the European University Institute.  

26th-27th-28th May

• National Conference on Health Degrees

Health degree representatives from all over Italy will discuss the progress of the field and its training needs.

5th June, on World Environment Day

• Conference ‘Microplastics and Health’

Organised together with ASUGI (local healthcare services), the conference will bring together Italian nanoplastics experts who will discuss available data and challenges for the future. 

June (date to be confirmed) 

• GOSAFE meeting - Gorizia on ‘Safety culture between tradition and innovation’

Organised in cooperation with INAIL (Italian national institute for insurance against accidents at work), the meeting aims to discuss necessities in the field of health and safety and the implementation of the practice with various scholars.

10-13 September, 2025

International Botany Congress “Overcoming Barriers in Plant Science and Beyond”

Organized in Gorizia by the Italian Botanical Society, with the scientific collaboration of the Universities of Trieste and Udine and the Botanical Garden of Ljubljana, the 2025 International Botany Congress is dedicated to the theme of boundaries (biogeographical, between disciplines, between peoples) and their inevitable overcoming. The region of Friuli Venezia Giulia and Slovenia, historically places of meeting and conflict between two worlds (Mediterranean and Central European), two states (Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, later Italy and Yugoslavia), and three major cultures (Italian, Germanic, Slavic), have always been a preferred route for the re-immigration of animal and plant species from the Balkans after the retreat of the glaciers. They have also been transit areas for peoples and are still today a gateway for migrants coming from increasingly distant countries. More than 350 researchers are expected, including many young ones, also from Eastern countries.

October

• Conference ‘From the Helsinki Final Act to Go!2025, Nova Gorica - Gorizia European Capital of Culture’

The meeting, organised in cooperation with the Italian and Slovenian Diplomatic Associations on leave, will retrace the path which across 50 years has changed a climate of political tension into a context of cooperation and open borders.

Date to be confirmed

• Presentation of the results of the Cross-border Survey on the perception of GO!2025 among young people 

As part of the taught course in Cross-border Relations and Local Development held by Prof. Moreno Zago, the students of the Master's Degree in International Diplomacy and Cooperation had the opportunity to design, administer and process in October-December 2024 a cross-border survey on GO!2025 Nova Gorica-Gorizia European Capital of Culture.

Specifically, the questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 415 young people living or studying in the two cities or in their hinterland with the aim of understanding how the event could be an opportunity for connection with places and peers from across the border. The questions also focused on the role of European institutions for young people, the feeling of belonging, the perception of young people from across the border, the role of the border, and the future of relations between the two cities.

 [AR1]I’m not sure what the format of the webpage will be. If it reads in a linear way like in the word document then this sentence is fine. If it’s more a case of clicking on various links in this section of the website I might change it to ‘in this section you will find a preview’. ? You might be able to come up with something better!!

World Cancer Day is observed on 4th February, promoted by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to raise awareness of the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and scientific research in the fight against cancer. It is an opportunity to reaffirm the scientific community’s dedication to tackling a disease that remains one of the greatest global health challenges.

This year, we want to highlight that cancer research is not limited to the medical and clinical fields but involves a vast network of multidisciplinary expertise. Biologists, chemists, engineers, and computer scientists also contribute their knowledge to develop new prevention, diagnostic, and treatment strategies.

From studying the biological mechanisms behind tumour transformation to developing new drugs and biomarkers, and applying computational models to analyse genetic data and identify targeted therapies—science is exploring multiple avenues to combat cancer.

On this occasion, we share the diverse and complementary approaches in oncology research through the voices of UniTS researchers.

Giannino DEL SAL – Applied Biology, Department of Life Sciences

‘We study how cancerous cells communicate with the surrounding tissue, both in the early stages of the disease and during metastasis. We analyse how the signals exchanged in this communication promote tumour growth and enable cancer cells to resist therapies, helping us identify weak points to target.

In this project, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the early phases, when a competition arises between transforming cells and healthy ones in an otherwise normal tissue. Understanding these dynamics will help us develop strategies to intervene earlier and more effectively against cancer.

Our goal is to provide tools to halt cancer in its earliest stages, or even prevent it entirely, as well as to improve treatment strategies for advanced disease and therapy-resistant cases.’

Sabrina PRICL – Chemical Engineering, Department of Engineering and Architecture

‘From high-performance computational design to in vivo experimentation, we collaborate with several international research teams to develop nanomedicines and nanocarriers for cancer diagnosis, therapy, and imaging.

Thanks to funding from AIRC, the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, the European Commission, and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), we integrate in silico techniques with experimental validation to study oncogenes: altered genes that can drive uncontrolled cell growth and contribute to cancer development. This approach opens new avenues for the creation of more effective and targeted treatments.

Our next challenges? Enhancing treatment selectivity, reducing side effects, and translating our discoveries into widely accessible clinical solutions.’

Giulio CARAVAGNA – Computer Science, and Alice ANTONELLO – PhD in Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Geosciences

‘In collaboration with the Aviano Cancer Research and Treatment Centre and San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, we have developed computational models to study the behaviour of certain leukaemias. The results we are finalising are highly promising, helping us clarify molecular mechanisms that drive disease progression over time.

This project, funded by an AIRC grant for researchers under 40, has also sparked new research questions: Can these tools be applied to other cancers? Can we use a systematic approach to characterise disease evolution over time and uncover vulnerabilities?’ (G. Caravagna)

‘In November 2024, I was awarded a three-year AIRC Italy Post-Doc Fellowship for PhD researchers. My project applies artificial intelligence methods to genomic data from DNA to study the relationship between specific mutations and exposure to mutagens—substances or factors that can cause DNA alterations.

This is a crucial first step in identifying risk factors linked to certain diseases and developing strategies to counteract their effects.’ (A. Antonello)

Backed by a PR FESR FVG research and development grant of nearly one million euros, the WINDS, Wing-Implemented Navigation for Decarbonized Shipping project has officially commenced, with the University of Trieste among its key participants.

What is the project about?

WINDS aims to design and implement an innovative system that integrates wind power into maritime propulsion, reducing fuel consumption and lowering pollutant emissions in the shipping industry.

The mareFVG cluster will lead project management and oversee the dissemination of results.

The role of UniTS

The University will conduct a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the vessel involved in the project, following the ISO 14040 standard. LCA is a methodology used to assess the environmental impact of a product, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle.

With UniTS’s contribution, the project will:

• Optimise material selection and production phases wherever possible, reducing the system’s overall impact through a circular ecodesign approach.
• Demonstrate that the developed system complies with international regulations and sustainability targets for the decarbonisation of the maritime sector.
• Identify inefficiencies within the life cycle to lower operational costs and environmental impact, making the system even more attractive to industry operators.
• Lay the groundwork for future development of the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) at the European level, alongside industry-specific certifications and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) – a third-party certification that allows for direct comparison of the environmental impact of similar products. In this case, the Wing Sail Module will be assessed against competing systems.

Finally, as one of the first LCA studies in the maritime sector, and certainly the first focused on wind propulsion technologies for decarbonisation, the research carried out by UniTS is expected to have far-reaching benefits for the entire industry.