The University of Trieste has signed a four-year Framework Agreement with the ‘Mattador’ Association to acquire, preserve and promote the cultural works created over its first 15 years of activity in the audiovisual and creative fields.

The association is the creator of the International Mattador Screenwriting Award dedicated to Matteo Caenazzo, aimed at young screenwriters, directors and concept designers aged between 16 and 30, both Italian and international. Over the years, this Trieste-based initiative has gained international recognition and prestige.

Through UniTS Museum Services (smaTs), the University of Trieste will gradually acquire the screenplays, short films, backstage videos and published books, overseeing their restoration, preservation, digitisation and promotion. A dedicated multimedia archive will be established – the Matteo Caenazzo fund and Mattador Award – which will serve as the foundation for cultural activities, public and social engagement initiatives designed to involve young people and the university community in the audiovisual and creative sectors.

The ‘Mattador’ cultural association has, over the course of its work, awarded more than 130 young authors, 80% of whom have found employment in the film industry. It has also granted over 80 scholarships and organised 15 Artist Prizes.

The initiative is dedicated to Matteo Caenazzo, a talented and eclectic young artist from Trieste, who graduated in decorative painting at the city’s art school and was awarded an honorary degree in film by Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. He expressed himself through painting, photography, video and writing, eventually embracing screenwriting. His artistic and professional dream was tragically cut short by his premature death at just 23 years old. By fostering creativity, research and outreach in the audiovisual sector, the University of Trieste will contribute to enabling new young talents to flourish in the spirit of Matteo’s poetic vision and passions.

A five-year agreement was signed today between the University of Trieste and the Trieste Court to allow two individuals on ‘probation’ (a legal measure offering an alternative to criminal prosecution) to carry out community service activities within the University.

The probation measure allows defendants, under certain conditions, to avoid criminal proceedings by completing a period of supervised rehabilitation, the length of which is determined by a judge. This involves making amends for the harm caused by the offence, including offering one’s time and skills free of charge in service to the community through socially useful work.

Probation is one of several ‘community-based’ measures which, in Italy and across Europe, have been shown to reduce reoffending. These measures create alternative paths to justice for defendants and convicted individuals, encouraging lawful reintegration and fostering a sense of accountability towards victims and society.

The activities agreed with UniTS will be carried out free of charge at one of the university’s sites and include reception services, support for staff and administrative work, maintenance of green spaces and cleaning of outdoor areas, minor maintenance tasks, safeguarding of libraries and internal spaces, and assistance in ensuring the accessibility and protection of the university’s cultural and archival heritage. The role may also include welcoming and assisting university users and supporting event preparation. In addition to these, participants may propose other tasks aligned with their specific skills.

The agreement was signed by the Rector of the University of Trieste, Roberto Di Lenarda, and the President of the Court of Trieste, Igor Maria Rifiorati.

The European MammoWave trial has begun at Cattinara Hospital. It involves the use of an innovative breast imaging technology based on non-ionising microwaves. The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of this new system for breast cancer screening.

The study is open to asymptomatic women in the screening age group (45–74 years) who have had a mammogram within the last 30 days or have one scheduled.

Participation is free and voluntary.

The examination is carried out at the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at Cattinara Hospital, directed by Professor Maria Assunta Cova, in the clinic dedicated to the MammoWave study.

The centre is one of ten selected across Europe to take part in this international clinical trial, which will involve over 10,000 women in five countries.

What is MammoWave?

MammoWave is a medical device that uses very low-power microwaves to create a map of breast tissue, with no need for compression or contrast agents.

The examination is quick, safe and non-invasive.

Thanks to advanced software and artificial intelligence algorithms, the system can detect any abnormalities in the tissue, classifying them as either “suspicious” or “non-suspicious”.

A step forward in prevention

Taking part in this study means actively contributing to the development of new methods for early breast cancer detection – methods that are more accessible, safer and suitable for repeat use over time.

Where and how to take part

Participation includes:

• a brief eligibility interview
• the examination (approximately 15 minutes)
• no use of ionising radiation or breast compression.

Info:

Tel. 0403994862; mammowavetrieste@gmail.com

UniTS has climbed two places in the Censis rankings of Italian universities (2025-2026 edition, based on data from academic year 2024-2025), reaching 5th place among medium-sized universities (10,000 to 20,000 enrolled students).

In particular, the University of Trieste improved its score for graduate employability and quality of facilities. Ratings for student services and internationalisation remain stable.

According to the Censis sector analysis, overall university enrolments are up 5.3 per cent compared with March 2024. The trend, however, is uneven across the country: universities in the central regions show the strongest growth (+14 per cent), followed by those in the South (+6.1 per cent). Changes in the North is more modest: +2 per cent in the North-East and -0.9 per cent in the North-West.

UniTS bucks the wider northern trend, reporting +15 per cent enrolments as of November 2024 and an impressive +40 per cent compared with the pre-pandemic year 2019-2020.

The Censis university rankings, while not a complete measure of institutional quality, provide a detailed analysis of the Italian university system. Universities (public and private) are grouped by size and assessed across key indicators: available facilities, student services, scholarships and financial support, degree of internationalisation, communications and digital services, and graduate employability. Additional rankings cover subject groupings for bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and integrated master’s degrees, based on student progression and international engagement. In total, 70 league tables are compiled from 962 variables, offering students and families a useful tool for making informed decisions about higher education pathways.

Matteo Parenzan, UniTS student and Paralympic table tennis champion, adds another gem to his extraordinary sporting career by winning the Para Showcase in Las Vegas, an invite-only tournament that brought together the world's top eight athletes in class 6 Paralympic table tennis. 

It was a flawless victory, with five wins in as many matches, topped off with a perfect final against the American Ian Seidenfeld, who was defeated 3-0.

The triumph in the glittering Orleans Arena reaffirmed the talent and even more so the mental strength of the young champion from Trieste, who delivered a polished performance throughout the tournament, particularly in the final. ‘It was tough mentally,’ he said, ‘but I managed to stay focused and defuse my opponent's game. Even if it doesn't count in the rankings, this win gives me confidence, because I competed against all the strongest players and they were all highly motivated.’

At 22, Parenzan has already won everything and will be called upon to prove himself again: after becoming world champion in Granada in 2022, European champion in Sheffield in 2023 and Paralympic gold medallist in Paris in 2024, he is now defending his leading role on the international scene. But it is through his daily determination and desire to improve that he continues to build his career.

A student of Political and Administrative Sciences at the University of Trieste, Matteo is a prime example of the illustrious dual student-athlete career: dedicating the same care, concentration and passion to both sports competitions and his university studies. From Las Vegas, to Paris, to Piazzale Europa.

Seven student-athletes from the University of Trieste will represent Italy at the upcoming FISU World University Games, scheduled from 16th to 27th July in the German region of Rhine-Ruhr. 

The top international competition dedicated to university sports, heir to the historic Universiade, will see one of the largest Italian contingents ever, with 219 athletes from 57 universities competing in 15 disciplines.

UniTS will contribute with Ilaria Corazza (Political and Administrative Sciences), already a gold and silver medallist in Chengdu in 2023, who will compete in single scull (solo rowing), while Tommaso Vianello (Strategy, Consultancy and Business Logistics) will take to the water in the mixed quadruple sculls (mixed rowing). The national water polo women’s team will be counting on the goals scored by Pallanuoto Trieste's members Giorgia Klatowski (Law), Emma De March (Science and Technology for the Environment and Nature) and Guya Zizza (Psychology). In compound archery, Elisa Bazzichetto (Biology) and Antonio Brunello (Naval Engineering) will take to the platform.

The competitions will take place in six cities, including Bochum, Duisburg and Essen, with Italy determined to prove its leading role in world university sport after finishing fourth in the medal table at the previous edition.

For many students, participation in the World University Games represents the pinnacle of a route that combines academic commitment and sporting ambition, against the backdrop of a veritable university Olympics. 

The University of Trieste, which strongly supports the dual careers of its student-athletes by providing support that allow them to balance the demands of both competitive sport and university education, is preparing to enthusiastically follow the adventures of the ‘magnificent 7’ at the upcoming World University Games.

A new international study, coordinated by Francesca Malfatti, Professor of Microbiology at the Department of Life Sciences of the University of Trieste, has revealed how black carbon can significantly influence microbial communities in the marine environment, with important implications for the global carbon cycle and the functioning of ocean ecosystems. The research, published in the journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research, involved a team of researchers from the Oceanography Department of the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS), Elettra and several French and Austrian research institutions.

Black carbon, the focus of the study, is a residue resulting from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, wood, biomass or biofuels. It makes up a significant fraction of atmospheric particulate matter and can reach the ocean through rain, wind or river runoff. Due to its ability to absorb heat, it also contributes to global warming.

Through experiments carried out in the Ligurian and Adriatic Seas, the researchers simulated high concentrations of black carbon (24 mg per litre) to observe how marine microbial communities reacted to its presence. The results showed that black carbon can stimulate the growth of heterotrophic prokaryotic microorganisms, which feed on organic matter in the water, and increase the production of organic carbon, making it available to other marine organisms.

However, the same experiments showed a decrease in enzymatic activity, which normally promotes the degradation of organic matter, and a reduced presence of viruses. This suggests that black carbon alters the microbial balance, creating environmental micro-niches in which microorganisms with specific metabolic functions proliferate.

These results help to better understand the functioning of the so-called ‘microbial carbon pump’ (MCP), a mechanism that transforms organic matter into more stable forms, capable of remaining in the ocean for long periods and thus contributing to carbon storage. Studying the role of black carbon, especially that of anthropogenic origin, is therefore essential for improving climate change models and developing effective mitigation strategies.

The Italian Cultural Institute in Cairo hosted a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the bilateral agreement between Italy and Egypt on scientific and technological cooperation, on the occasion of Italian Research Day in the World (giornata della ricerca italiana nel mondo).

The University of Trieste was represented by Vice-Rector Valter Sergo, who spoke during the session dedicated to opportunities for collaboration between universities and industry.

In his speech, Sergo presented Trieste as ‘a city with one of the highest densities of researchers in relation to its population’, emphasising the role of the University as the central hub of an integrated scientific system, open to international engagement and strongly oriented towards innovation.

It is not only an ideal learning environment for students and researchers, but also an attractive environment for high-tech companies interested in investing in research and development.

The event was promoted by the Italian Embassy in Cairo in collaboration with the Science, Technology and Innovation Funding Authority (STDF), the department of the Egyptian Ministry of Research responsible for implementing the three-year executive programme provided for in the agreement.

In addition to presenting the projects in progress in the period 2024–2026, the celebration fostered discussion on strategic issues between universities and companies from both countries: from artificial intelligence to space technologies, and from cultural heritage to medicine, the global challenges of climate and the water-energy-food nexus.

The University of Trieste's participation is part of the broader framework of the University's international relations, which for years has promoted scientific and academic cooperation with partners in the Mediterranean, Africa and the Middle East.

On Thursday 17th July, the Universities of Trieste and Udine will welcome to their Gorizia campus the 32 participants of the 31st edition of the Bovec Summer School, representing seven universities from the Alpe-Adria region. This year, the school, organised by the University of Klagenfurt, focuses on the theme ‘Nation and narration in Europe: language, culture and identity in the pursuit of Europeanisation’. The initiative is international, interdisciplinary and multilingual, held in German, Slovenian, Italian, Friulian and Croatian, and involves students and lecturers from the universities of Udine, Trieste, Koper, Klagenfurt, Ljubljana, Rijeka and Osijek. The day will provide an opportunity to reflect on the role played by Gorizia and Nova Gorica, as European Capital of Culture 2025, in promoting the values of European citizenship.

The first session, at 14:00, will take place at the University of Trieste campus, in via Alviano, featuring an interactive seminar on science diplomacy led by Simone Arnaldi, Professor of Sociology in the Department of Political and Social Sciences.
‘Science diplomacy,’ explains Professor Arnaldi, ‘is a field of study that defines the bidirectional relationship between science and diplomacy, each with its own clearly defined role. In this context, diplomacy acts as a tool to facilitate scientific progress, while science becomes a resource supporting international policy.’

The University of Trieste is a national reference point in the field of science diplomacy, having recently published a strategic policy document on the subject. Within this framework, the interactive seminar will invite participants to explore the crucial role of international scientific cooperation in tackling the major global challenges facing our societies. They will also reflect on the changing institutional, economic and political landscape in which today’s scientific community operates, and on the enduring value of the universal principles science upholds in overcoming divisions and conflicts that continue to affect Europe.

At 16:00, the summer school will move to the Santa Chiara campus of the University of Udine. The session will open with remarks from Renata Kodilja, Coordinator of the degree programmes in Public Relations and Integrated Communication for Business and Organisations. Patrizia Artico, Gorizia’s Councillor for Go!2025, will bring greetings on behalf of the Municipality. 

Participants will take part in interactive activities inspired by the brain writing technique and in a multilingual focus group – a communication-based approach that fosters European citizenship. The exercise will gather and highlight the perspectives emerging from the discussion and use them to generate further insights. The workshop aims to promote informed European citizenship among young people by strengthening critical thinking and the ability to analyse contemporary social and political challenges, with particular attention to defending democratic values and encouraging active participation.

‘Universities,’ explain Professors Iris Jammernegg and Renata Kodilja, who coordinate the session at the University of Udine, ‘play a key role in promoting research and education that strengthen human rights, diversity and European citizenship. The Bovec Summer School is an opportunity to inspire awareness and active participation among students within the European community.’ 

The Bovec Summer School

This year, the summer school aims to critically examine the role of national narratives in shaping European identity, with a focus on the intersections between language, culture, memory and belonging. In an era marked by the increasing fragility of the European project, the programme offers a space for interdisciplinary and cross-cultural dialogue, exploring how public discourse and collective representations influence democratic cohesion, social inclusion and the safeguarding of fundamental rights.

Drawing on contributions from scholars across multiple disciplines, the programme addresses key issues such as the relationship between language and power, memory politics, the construction of otherness and the current resurgence of identity-driven narratives.

‘The geographical and cultural context of the Alpe-Adria region, historically characterised by linguistic diversity and a dense network of cross-border relations, provides particularly fertile ground for reflecting on the potential of the European project,’ notes Cristina Beretta, Professor at the University of Klagenfurt and Scientific Director of the Summer School.

‘In this respect, the example of Gorizia and Nova Gorica, united by a fruitful and collaborative relationship, epitomises this complexity and richness,’ adds Fiorenza Ninin, Project Manager of the initiative. ‘The Summer School is therefore not only an educational experience but also,’ Ninin stresses, ‘a critical laboratory where participating students can develop intellectual and civic tools to face the challenges of our time with greater awareness.’

A strategic architectural and functional redevelopment project is taking shape within San Giovanni Park, breathing new life into the F1 and F2 buildings. The University of Trieste is undertaking a major urban regeneration initiative, fully respecting the historical heritage of the former psychiatric hospital complex, with the aim of enhancing its cultural significance and giving it a renewed scientific purpose.

The works, awarded in 2021, began in 2022 following an initial structural revision made necessary by the severe state of deterioration of the buildings. Further design amendments became necessary over time, including after asbestos-containing materials were discovered and removed in parts of the buildings that had not been visible during the planning phase.

F1 and F2: between history and innovation 
Originally built in the early 20th century as pavilions of the former Provincial Psychiatric Hospital, the F1 and F2 buildings bear witness to a chapter in the healthcare history of Trieste. F1, known as the ‘Pavilion for Tranquil Men’, housed male patients in stable condition, while F2 served as the complex’s kitchens. After the closure of the psychiatric hospital and a long period of abandonment, these spaces were acquired by the University of Trieste to accommodate teaching, research and service activities in support of the academic community, while also returning to the city an important piece of Trieste’s 20th-century history.

F1: a space for research and innovation 
With a surface area of approximately 2,100 m², the F1 building will host advanced education activities, research and inter-institutional collaboration. The pavilion is currently awaiting connection to the fire prevention water supply system, as well as clearance from the Friuli Venezia Giulia Superintendency for Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for works on the external areas. Once these are obtained, the University will quickly move on to the interior fit-out and relocation of offices.

The work, now substantially complete, already showcases highlights such as the reconstruction of the canopy over the main entrance and the restoration of floral decorative motifs on the façade, which enhance its eclectic style.

Inside, there will be offices for teaching staff and innovative psychology laboratories, along with a spacious two-level study area incorporating the striking veranda overlooking the greenery of the park. The goal of this project is to create a stimulating environment for students and researchers, fostering interaction and engagement with the outside world.

F2: a centre for services and inclusion 
With an area of around 1,980 m², the F2 building is being repurposed mainly for teaching activities, communal spaces and initiatives aimed at the university community and beyond. The plans include a modern Great Hall and four large classrooms.

At this stage, work is underway in collaboration with Acegas to install the medium-voltage electrical substation. Here too, final clearance from the Superintendency is awaited to determine the colour scheme for the façade, the window frames and certain artistic details, such as the frieze under the roof ledge. Completion of the works is expected by spring 2026.

An investment in the future The total cost borne by the University of Trieste for these works exceeds €10 million, €7 million of which comes from the Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Progress to date has been significantly influenced by the timelines required by the Superintendency, with the University acting promptly to comply with the body’s directives.

San Giovanni Park: a resource for the city and the University 
The redevelopment of buildings F1 and F2 marks an important step in the revitalisation of San Giovanni Park, which is being transformed into a hub of culture, research and wellbeing for the entire community. The University of Trieste is renewing a historical asset, preserving the memory of the past while looking to the future with interventions designed to meet the needs of accessibility, innovation and openness to the local area.

The next steps will involve the restoration of pavilion F3, for which full funding has already been approved, and the Gregoretti 2 building, for which the call for the final design phase will be published shortly.

These projects are part of a broader strategy to enhance the Park as a space of connection between the University, culture and the city, promoting staff wellbeing, social responsibility and the attractiveness of our university.