EUT, in collaboration with other academic and scientific publishing houses, will participate in Le parole tra noi leggere, the 37th edition of the Turin International Book Fair held from Thursday 15th to Monday 19th May.  

The UniTS publishing house will exhibit its new publications at the UPI – Italian University Press stand in Room 2, Stand F28 at the ‘Lingotto Fiere’ Congress Centre. 

The theme of the 2025 edition of the Exhibition is ‘Le parole tra noi leggère’ (Words [fall] lightly between us, a line from Eugenio Montale’s poem Due nel crepuscolo), a space for reflection which aims to explore how words can help people access both their inner selves and the world around them, with a special look at the raw material of words, which are light, precise and precious.

The event will be spread across 137 thousand square metres of exhibition space, with over 51 rooms and 700 stands.  220 hours of workshops will happen across more than 2,000 events at the Congress Centre, and over 500 in the general area with Salone Off, a space dedicated to training, experimentation and knowledge shares between generations. There will also be a new a lounge area reserved for professionals in the field, named the Publishers Centre.
 

Addressing pediatric emergencies such as arrhythmias and cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, severe abdominal and spinal trauma, as well as effectively managing healthcare teams—these are the central themes of a high-level scientific training activity with an international scope. The initiative is promoted by the University of Trieste and the IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, focusing on advanced management of pediatric emergencies. Approximately 60 residents from the University's Pediatric Specialization School and about 15 healthcare professionals from the Institute participated.

Leading the initiative were two world-renowned experts visiting Trieste for the first time: Professor Marc Berg from Stanford University, a specialist in pediatric simulations and a prominent member of the American Heart Association, and Professor Brent Barber from the University of Arizona, an expert in pediatric and neonatal cardiology. Both have extensive clinical experience in emergencies and are among the authors of international guidelines for pediatric resuscitation.

The event, conceived and coordinated by Dr. Stefania Norbedo, an emergency pediatrician at Burlo and a simulation instructor at the University of Trieste's Specialization School, began on Wednesday, 7 May, with an introductory seminar at Burlo. During the seminar, the two American professors presented and discussed critical clinical scenarios.

Participants engaged in high-fidelity scenarios, managing complex clinical situations in real-time, such as cardiogenic shock, major trauma, poisonings, and respiratory failure. This was made possible through the use of mannequins capable of realistically reproducing the physiological and clinical conditions of pediatric patients.

The 20th edition of the ‘Romana Calligaris’ Trophy, an international long-course (50 m) swimming competition, will take place on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th May. The event promises to entertain spectators at the Bruno Bianchi Swimming Pool – Federal Centre of Trieste. Over 750 participants will compete, representing 41 clubs mainly from Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, Emilia-Romagna, Apulia, Slovenia, Serbia, Hungary, Spain, England and France.

SYNERGY WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF TRIESTE 

This year, researchers and students from the University of Trieste belonging to the Clinical Applied Physiology and Kinesiology research group (Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences), and the Biomedical Engineering group (Department of Engineering and Architecture), will assess the neuromuscular characteristics of some athletes participating in the Trophy. Their aim is to explore the role of shoulder and trunk muscles across different swimming strokes and conditions.

Another objective is to provide tools to support athletes’ technical and medical staff.

The research team, supported by Alessandro Mencarelli, Technical Director of Triestina Nuoto, and biomechanic expert Ivo Ferretti, is led by Alex Buoite Stella, researcher and lecturer in Physiology at the Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences at UniTS.

‘The project,’ explains Buoite Stella, ‘was born a few years ago from the spark of some physiotherapy students who encouraged us to step into the fascinating world of water and swimming sports, which has led us to develop the skills and tools needed to study athletes both in and out of the pool.’

Initial results have already been achieved, but there is still a long way to go: ‘In recent years we have published a series of articles on the role of the swimmer’s shoulder, particularly in terms of managing that joint. We intend to continue working together to study swimming sports through a translational scientific approach – combining clinical and theoretical research with fieldwork – to provide athletes and their support teams, both technical and medical, with useful information to optimise performance, reduce injury risk and aid recovery.’

ATHLETES TO WATCH

Among the most anticipated athletes are, on the men’s side, Olympic double bronze medallist Federico Burdisso and one of the greatest Italian freestyle swimmers in history, Luca Dotto; and on the women’s side, the trio composed of Paris 2024 relay swimmer Emma Virginia Menicucci, Nika Godun (a Moscow native with French citizenship), and Anja Crevar (Serbia).

The Calligaris Trophy has always stood for inclusive swimming as well, with Paralympic athletes capable of taking the spotlight at both World Championships and the Olympics. This edition will see the participation of, alongside the Triestina Nuoto team, Vittoria Bianco (representing the Paralympic Defence Sports Group, gold medallist in the 4x100 freestyle relay at the Tokyo Paralympics and bronze medallist in the 400 freestyle S9 category at the Paris 2024 Paralympics), and Giorgia Marchi (a Triestine athlete from the national Police sports team who competed in the 100 breaststroke S14 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and won bronze at the 2024 European Championships).

Though he will not be competing, one of the most recognisable faces of the Italian Paralympic swimming team, Antonio Fantin (Police sports team), will be present at Sunday afternoon’s award ceremony. Fantin, from Latisana in Friuli, has won 7 Paralympic medals, 8 World Championship golds and 10 European Championship golds in the S6 category.

The University of Trieste today awarded an honorary master's degree in psychology to Julio Velasco, one of the most influential figures in international sport in recent decades, in recognition of the originality and consistency with which he has integrated psychological principles into training, group management and performance culture.

This is the first honorary degree conferred by an Italian university on ‘Maestro’ Julio Velasco, a coach who has led national teams to Olympic gold and silver medals, two World Championships, five World Leagues, one World Cup and six continental titles including European, Asian and Pan American Championships.

The honorary degree was awarded on the initiative of the University of Trieste’s Department of Life Sciences, which for 25 years has hosted a Laboratory of Sport Psychology.

The ceremony took place in a packed Aula Magna, also thanks to the strong presence of representatives from federations and sporting associations – a testament to the extraordinary cultural impact that the La Plata-born coach has had in his field and to what he represents, in terms of image, mindset and innovation, for the entire Italian sporting movement.

The event opened with speeches by Rector Roberto Di Lenarda, Luca Ubaldeschi, editor-in-chief of the NEM group’s publications, and Fabrizio Brancoli, deputy editor responsible for the local newspaper Il Piccolo and events. All highlighted, through the metaphor of sport, the human and cultural impact of Velasco’s vision, which has the power to speak to a wide audience with words that are both simple and profound.

In the citation read by Professor Ivan Donati, Head of the Department of Life Sciences, Velasco is recognised as a communication and management model who has succeeded in developing both individual and collective potential in sport and organisational settings, promoting a culture of performance that is conscious, ethical and sustainable. His ideas have reached well beyond the playing field, inspiring fields that may seem distant, such as business, education and managerial training.

The academic laudatio by Professor Tiziano Agostini, Professor of General Psychology and head of the Laboratory of Sport Psychology, retraced an exceptional human and professional journey: from the difficult years of post-dictatorship Argentina, to his arrival in Italy and the leadership of the ‘Generation of Phenomena’; then his return to success with national teams on three continents, culminating in the 2024 Olympic gold medal with the Italian women’s team. A powerful example of how sport can become a space for growth, responsibility and cultural transformation.

'My wish,' said Julio Velasco, addressing the students of the University, especially those studying Psychology, 'is that you may not only successfully complete your university studies, but above all, be able to fully live what you have studied. Because the real challenges begin after university, and that's where more strength is needed. My wish, therefore, is that you may truly practice your profession, practice psychology, and make it a living part of your life.'

‘With this award,’ said Rector Roberto Di Lenarda, ‘the University of Trieste recognises the value of an individual of exceptional stature, capable of combining rigour, vision, and human sensitivity. His thinking and his example have had an impact far beyond the world of sport: they have spoken to generations of enthusiasts, educators, managers, students, and citizens, contributing to a profound reflection on the role of motivation, merit, and trust in the growth of individuals and communities.’

By awarding the honorary degree to Julio Velasco, the University of Trieste not only honours a figure who, through his thinking and actions, has been able to trigger important transformations in his field, but also renews its commitment to sharing with the world of sport initiatives focused on the well-being of individuals and the growth of young people, promoting the values of education, human development, and community living.

Donata Vianelli will be the first female Rector of the University of Trieste!

An economist born in Vicenza and full professor of Business Economics and Management, she secured 552 votes, surpassing the absolute majority threshold of 505 in the first round.

The second candidate, Ilaria Garofolo, received 341 votes.
Vianelli is currently Director of the Department of Economic, Business, Mathematical and Statistical Sciences and served as the Rector’s Delegate for Student Orientation and Job Placement from 2013 to 2019.
Voter turnout reached 89.20%, marking a 10% increase compared to the 2019 elections, a sign of strong engagement and participation from the academic community.

“I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to the new Rector, Professor Vianelli, the first in the history of the University of Trieste. I will be handing over the baton to her on 1st August 2025,” commented outgoing Rector Roberto Di Lenarda. “We leave behind a healthy, dynamic and efficient University, well equipped to support the new governance through the challenges that lie ahead over the next six years. The exceptionally high turnout is further testament to the strength of our community, which over the years has shown an ability to renew itself, to come together and to actively contribute to the growth of our university. I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to the other candidate, Professor Garofolo, for her willingness to take part in this highly democratic and participatory process.”

All information on the electoral process: https://amm.units.it/elezioni/ele-53036 
 

The University of Trieste has inaugurated the experimental ‘Community Justice’ multi-service hub: an innovative project that brings together universities, institutions, third-sector organisations and the public to promote social inclusion and restorative justice.

The initiative is the result of an agreement between the University of Trieste and the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, with the support of the Italian Ministry of Justice - Cassa delle Ammende. The hub will be housed on the premises of the former Casa del Marinaio in Via Principe di Montfort 3 and represents an important point of connection between the world of criminal law enforcement and the community.

The centre will be the operational hub of the ‘Ripar(t)iamo’ and ‘INclusione, CONfronto, TRAttamento’ projects, which are co-funded by the Region. The projects aim to foster the socio-occupational reintegration of people who are subject to restrictions of freedom during criminal investigations, offering concrete support to crime victims and promoting programmes for restorative justice and victim-offender mediation. This work is in line with the principles of the Cartabia Reform (Italian Legislative Decree No 150/2022), which emphasises restorative justice as a tool for reintegration, reconciliation and empowerment.

The new hub will be open at least three days a week, guaranteeing welcome, support and training activities for people subject to restrictions of freedom during criminal investigations, victims of crime and practitioners. Within the hub, public bodies, third-sector organisations and academic staff will collaborate with the aim of offering innovative services and strengthening the link between institutions and citizens.

The Rector, Prof. Roberto Di Lenarda, the Regional Councillor for Health, Social Policies and Disability, Prof. Giovanni Grandi, and Dr. Gianna Zamaro attended the inauguration.

The University of Trieste has inaugurated the new ‘Antonio Longinelli’ Stable Isotope Laboratory, dedicated to the analysis of stable isotopes and their applications in environmental, geological and interdisciplinary research. Located in the basement of Building ‘O’ at the San Giovanni Campus, Via Weiss 6, the laboratory falls under the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Geosciences (MIGe) and is coordinated by Professor Stefano Covelli, with Daniele Karlicek as the technical lead.

The new scientific facility is equipped with a next-generation Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (IR MS), an instrument that enables the analysis of stable isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen in solid, liquid and gaseous samples. The acquisition of the equipment was made possible thanks to a special funding call issued by the university in 2022 for the purchase of scientific instruments, with a total allocation of 4 million euros. The proposal was the result of an interdisciplinary collaboration involving academic staff from the MIGe, DSV and DSCF departments.  

Stable isotopes – atoms of the same element that differ in the number of neutrons and therefore in mass – are invaluable tools for studying a wide range of natural phenomena. In Earth Sciences, for instance, stable isotopes of oxygen and carbon are used to reconstruct past temperatures and climate changes by analysing rocks, sediments and ice. Hydrogen and oxygen isotopes help to investigate the origin and movement of surface and groundwater, providing key insights into the water cycle and interactions between water and soil. Isotopes are also used to identify sources of pollution and to monitor the degradation processes of pollutants. In Environmental Sciences, the analysis of carbon and nitrogen isotopes allows for a deeper understanding of ecosystem functioning, nutrient sources and plant growth mechanisms. In archaeology, the study of isotopes in human and animal remains provides information about diet, mobility and ancient cultural contexts. Isotopes also play a key role in verifying the origin and authenticity of food products such as wine and extra virgin olive oil, helping to detect fraud, adulteration and counterfeiting.

The laboratory is named in memory of Professor Antonio Longinelli, a pioneer of isotopic geochemistry in Italy and Full Professor at the University of Trieste from 1983 to 1998. A leading figure in the international scientific community, Longinelli established isotopic geochemistry laboratories in Pisa, Palermo, Trieste and Parma. His extensive body of research covered fields ranging from palaeoclimatology to hydrogeology, from oceanography to environmental science and biomedicine. A member of the European Academy and the Lyncean Academy, he is remembered not only for the value of his scientific contributions, but also for his charismatic personality and enduring influence on the scientific community. 

The collaboration agreement between the U.S.-based company Performance Medical Technology (PMT) and the University of Trieste was signed at the Palazzo della Regione, with the involvement of the Central Health Directorate of the Regional Administration.

"The agreement involves three departments of the University of Trieste (Department of Life Sciences; Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences), which will conduct research, analysis, and pilot clinical studies aimed at developing a new drug for Parkinson’s disease,” explained the Rector of the University of Trieste, Roberto Di Lenarda. “The scientific activities carried out at the University, in collaboration with PMT (Performance Medical Technologies), will serve as the foundation for the NDA (New Drug Application) required for the drug’s commercialization. We are at the beginning of a stimulating scientific challenge with great social impact, which we will pursue using the skills and outstanding facilities at our disposal.”

The agreement paves the way for PMT’s establishment in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. Headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, PMT specializes in developing new therapeutic options for neurodegenerative diseases—particularly early-stage Parkinson’s—and will launch a series of joint activities in the field of medical research.

A journey through centuries of Byzantine history takes digital form: the University of Trieste has officially presented the Nomismata Database, a research project of excellence and a significant advancement in the field of Digital Humanities. 

The database, which currently includes more than 210,000 data entries from around 5,000 sites, represents the first large-scale, systematic effort to catalogue finds of Byzantine coins minted between 498 and 1453, both within and beyond the borders of the Empire.
Developed with the support of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, the Department of Humanities, the UniTS International Relations Office and the 2022 PRIN (Research Projects of National Interest) programme, the project is the result of collaboration among numerous internationally renowned scholars and researchers, including Cécile Morrisson, Vivien Prigent, Gheorghia Alexopoulou, Vujadin Ivanišević, Ermanno Arslan, Stefan Krmnicek, Alessia Rovelli, Erika Trbojević, Stoyan Mihaylov, Nikolaus Schindel, Luca Zavagno, Andrea Gariboldi, Giulio Carraro, Cristiano Rossetti and Kateryna Sorochan.

Equally fundamental was the IT contribution of Giorgio Donato, Jordan Piščanc and Davide Franch, along with the communication design curated by Pamela Theodotou and Giulia Basso.

During the presentation, a prestigious new donation was also announced: Giorgio Conetti, Professor Emeritus at the University of Insubria and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Trieste (1984–1992), has donated his personal collection of coins from medieval Serbia, the Latin Empire and 19th-century Balkan states to the University. This enriches the numismatic heritage available for research and public engagement.

A section dedicated to the study of Byzantine seals from archaeological excavations will also be integrated into the database, in collaboration with the Research Centre for Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Art of the Academy of Athens, represented by Olga Karagiorgou.

The database, which is part of the University Museum Services (SMATS), will be accessible online at www.smats.units.it, where it will be maintained, continuously updated and further developed, also through the application of artificial intelligence tools.

The University of Trieste and the University of Udine signed a new Framework Agreement together with AUSIR – the Authority for Water and Waste Services in Friuli Venezia Giulia and the region’s leading water and environmental service providers. In addition to AUSIR, the agreement includes the following partners: AcegasApsAmga, Acquedotto del Carso – Kraški vodovod, CAFC, HydroGEA, Irisacqua, Livenza Tagliamento Acque, A&T 2000, Ambiente Servizi, GEA – Gestioni Ecologiche e Ambientali, Isontina Ambiente, MTF, and NET.

The agreement, signed today by all partners in the Predonzani Room of the Regional Government Building in the presence of the President of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, renews and expands the earlier protocol signed in 2019. It reaffirms the shared commitment to collaborate on sustainability and innovation in the management of the integrated water and waste cycle.

The new framework promotes applied research projects, joint advanced training initiatives, participation in competitive funding calls, and the valorisation of shared data, experience, and technical infrastructure.

The University of Trieste brings a strong interdisciplinary approach to the partnership, represented by Professor Paolo Bevilacqua (Department of Engineering and Architecture) and Professor Fabio Barbone (Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences), who serve as the University’s scientific coordinators. The agreement also supports inter-university masters already launched in collaboration with public service providers, including those in ‘Technology and Management of the Integrated Water Cycle’ and ‘Circular Economy and the Integrated Waste Cycle.’

‘This agreement,’ said Roberto Di Lenarda, Rector of the University of Trieste, ‘offers a concrete opportunity to launch new multidisciplinary research capable of addressing the challenges of sustainable resource management in innovative ways. Collaboration will range from the study of aquifer systems and infrastructure networks to wastewater and sludge treatment, from the economic and regulatory analysis of public services to the reuse of waste within a circular economy framework. Just as crucial is our commitment to communication and training, which are strategic levers for raising awareness and driving change at both the technical and societal level.’