On Friday 1st August, the final meeting of the first cycle of seminars entitled ‘A scuola di cittadinanza, un percorso condiviso’ will take place at Gorizia Prison as part of the University of Trieste’s Public and Social Commitment Project, conceived and coordinated by Prof. Elisabetta De Giorgi of the Department of Political and Social Sciences. 

The project is aimed at inmates at Gorizia Prison. Its aim is to tackle the issue of legality and try to understand why respecting the rules is so important, since living within a community involves having rights which we often ignore and duties which we sometimes perceive only as obligations. 

During this first cycle of seminars, academic speakers addressed various topics. These included rules in general, who makes them and why they exist, with Prof. Elisabetta De Giorgi, democracy, participation and the right to vote, with Prof. Mattia Zulianello, equality and social rights, with Prof. Chiara Bergonzini, and labour law and the right to work, with Prof. Roberta Nunin. The starting point for each meeting was the binomial rights/duties, in order to highlight the relevance of legal norms in everyday life through the concrete experiences of the participants. 

The feedback given by participants was extremely positive, demonstrating how much interest was aroused by the proposed topics and the opportunity to discuss them with experts. Attendance remained constant over time, despite the fact that the sessions sometimes coincided with other more practical courses, which are abundant at Gorizia Prison, a prime example of the good management and treatment of prisoners.

It is with a special mention of the Gorizia Prison that this first phase of the University of Trieste's collaboration with a penal institution comes to a close. It is thanks to the prison administration, and especially the prison director, Caterina Leva, and Margherita Venturoli, head of the education department, that it has been possible to start this valuable project, which will continue in the autumn with another series of seminars whose topics will be decided with the prisoners. Finally, special recognition goes to Massimo Bressan, a tireless volunteer at the prison, whose support has been fundamental throughout the process.

At such a dramatic time for Italian prisons, it is significant to recall the words of President Sergio Mattarella during his meeting at the Quirinale with the Head of the Department of Prison Administration and a delegation from the prison police: 'Prisons must not become training grounds for new crimes, nor places of hopelessness, but must be effectively geared towards the rehabilitation of those who have made mistakes. Every rehabilitated prisoner is an advance in security for the community, as well as being the goal of a commitment that is well known and constitutional.'

Universities can and must also play a role in achieving this goal.

“Starting September 1st, ARDIS – the Regional Agency for the Right to Education – will manage the complex of the former Military Hospital in agreement with the University of Trieste. The site will become a new Student Residence within the Trieste university campus. The agreement aims to increase the number of accommodations for talented and financially disadvantaged students on regional scholarship rankings, even before the major renovation works at Residence E4 are completed. Meanwhile, we are also working on the construction of a new large student housing complex in the former Rossetti Barracks, which will offer at least 50 beds along with communal living spaces.”

These were the words of Alessia Rosolen, Regional Councillor for Education, commenting on the additional resources allocated in the budget adjustment for university housing.

“The regional investment in student accommodation totals around €50 million,” she specified, “plus an additional €3.5 million approved yesterday with the budget amendment.”

“These are strategic interventions for our university system,” Rosolen added, “that concretely strengthen the right to education and respond to the increasing demand for student housing, helping make Friuli Venezia Giulia more and more attractive for those choosing to study in our region.”

The new residence hall at 76 Via Rossetti, designed primarily for medical students, will offer over 50 beds, while the former Military Hospital complex at 40 Via Fabio Severo will host an additional 176 students under the renewed agreement between the Regional Administration and the University of Trieste.

Both buildings are located near the University of Trieste and the Maggiore and Cattinara hospitals, and will be managed by ARDIS under multi-year agreements.

For the Rossetti Barracks project, the Regional Administration has already allocated €13.5 million (€10 million in 2023 and an additional €3.5 million with the newly approved adjustment law). The intervention includes the construction of new housing units featuring single rooms and shared mini-apartments, along with study rooms, shared kitchens, and a dining hall.

The Via Fabio Severo building will be managed by ARDIS through a renewable five-year agreement with the University of Trieste. It will temporarily replace the E4 Student Residence, which previously provided 124 beds. Beginning in the 2025/2026 academic year, the agreement will also allocate 63 additional accommodations to students from the Collegio Universitario di Merito Fonda.

“We are working to increase the number of student accommodations throughout Friuli Venezia Giulia,” Rosolen added. “We recently approved the Three-Year Guidelines for the Right to University Education, which foresee an increase of around 266 beds across the region in the coming years. Providing out-of-town students with access to university, along with full coverage of scholarships, remains a priority in ensuring everyone’s right to study.”

“Expanding student housing is a top priority for the University of Trieste,” stated Rector Roberto Di Lenarda. “It’s not only a valuable service, but also a way to increase the university’s appeal for talented and motivated students at a time when our institution is rapidly expanding. The new academic offerings, particularly in Master’s degree programs, are generating significant interest among students who see Trieste as one of the most appealing destinations for higher education. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Regional Councillor Rosolen for her ongoing sensitivity to the needs of our university system.”

The Firefighters Department, Public Rescue and Civil Defence – Provincial Command of the Trieste Fire Brigade will conduct fire prevention, firefighting, and emergency management training courses over the next three years for designated UniTS staff.

The Agreement provides both Level 3 fire safety officer training courses (formerly high-risk activities), lasting 16 hours (12 hours of theory and 4 hours of practice), and 8-hour refresher courses (5 hours of theory and 3 hours of practice).

Upon completion of each course, the Provincial Command will issue a technical qualification certificate.

With the coordination of its Prevention and Protection Service and in a perspective of continuous improvement of safety standards, the University of Trieste has appointed over 130 Level 3 Fire Safety Officers across its facilities. Thanks to this Agreement, staff will attend the required refresher courses at the scheduled five-year intervals. Further appointments are planned in the near future to cover staff turnover.

In the field of health safety and first aid emergency management, the University has also appointed and trained, in close collaboration with ASUGI, 160 employees as First Aid Officers, qualified to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use semi-automatic defibrillators (BLS-D). The University currently provides around 60 defibrillators, some of which are located in mobile surveillance vehicles.

Completing the emergency management framework, UniTS has a 24/7 professional security service, with staff trained to handle various types of emergencies.

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.

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.

Last night, a packed Piazza Verdi hosted the University of Trieste's Graduation Day, held in the heart of the city for the first time ever. The academic ceremony celebrating 170 new PhD graduates from UniTS turned into a public event open to the public, featuring science outreach, music and other university proceedings. 

Included in the official Triestestate calendar, the evening also marked the last public event for Rector Roberto Di Lenarda, who chose to end his term alongside young researchers and fellow members of the public. 

‘We wanted to bring Graduation Day to the city centre,’ said Di Lenarda, ‘to once again emphasise the strong bond between the University and Trieste, which we have consolidated thanks to the University’s 100th Anniversary celebrations. I am both delighted and honoured to conclude my services to the academic community alongside the young people who represent the excellence of our education system and our fellow citizens, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of our research. I end my rectorship with the message that knowledge must be implemented, shared, communicated and, above all, sustained, because only by investing in the education of young people and research will we ensure a prosperous future for our country.’

The keynote speaker was Rosario Rizzuto, former rector of the University of Padua and now president of the National Centre for Gene Therapy and Drugs based on RNA Technology, one of the strategic infrastructures of the NRRP promoted by the Italian Ministry of University and Research. His speech, entitled ‘RNA and gene therapy: new technologies for personalised medicine’, offered a glimpse into the challenges and potential of the biotechnological revolution that is transforming contemporary medicine. At the heart of his reflection was the need to accelerate the transfer of scientific research results to clinical applications through the development of new platforms capable of generating innovative RNA-based drugs and gene therapy treatments. This perspective will require significant investment in research, interdisciplinary collaboration and industrial innovation to make personalised medicine increasingly advanced, sustainable and accessible.

The ceremony highlighted the international atmosphere and vitality of the University's doctoral programmes. The 170 new PhD graduates represent the highest number in the history of the University of Trieste, with an increase of 28% compared to the previous year. The students’ origins, spanning Europe, Asia, Africa and America, also include researchers from countries affected by serious international crises, testimony to the role of science as a resource for building spaces for dialogue and peace.

During Roberto Di Lenarda's term as rector, the University's PhD programmes have seen significant growth in scholarship numbers, total enrolments and the appeal of the programmes on offer. 'Between 2019 and 2024,' says Prof. Alessandro Baraldi, Deputy Rector for Scientific Research and Doctorates, 'the number of places available has increased from 138 to 185 (up by 34%), the total number of enrolments in doctoral programmes has grown from 348 to 549, an increase of 57.8%, while the number of candidates for admission tests has increased from 667 to 1,268, an increase of 90.5%.’

This growth has come alongside a strengthening of employment prospects. One year after graduation, 85% of UniTS PhD graduates are employed, with 26% in the private sector and 15% engaged in industrial innovation. And while 17% of graduates have started their careers abroad, 68.2% are currently contributing to the economic and social growth of Italy’s North-East.

Hosted by journalist Marinella Chirico, the evening went from institutional speeches – with greetings from the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, the Municipality of Trieste and Fondazione CRTrieste – to educational proceedings and musical interludes with Ben & the Soul Sisters, composed of Joy Jenkins, Michela Grilli and Sara Roversi, accompanied on piano by Marco Ballaben. The event concluded with the traditional cap toss, a symbol of the end of one’s studies and obtaining a PhD degree.

Graduation Day was organised with the contribution of Fondazione CRTrieste and was part of the Triestestate summer festival, promoted by the Municipality of Trieste – Department of Culture and Tourism, with the collaboration of the Department of Education and Family Policies, the Department of Territorial Policies, PromoTurismoFVG and the Trieste Convention & Visitors Bureau.

This morning saw the presentation of the progress of the restoration works on Villa Sevastopulo – also known as the "Castelletto di Monte Valerio" – located within the university grounds of the University of Trieste. The event was attended by Roberto Di Lenarda, Rector of the University of Trieste, and Massimo Paniccia, President of Fondazione CRTrieste. They were joined by Paco Ferrante, Director of Works.

The restoration, which began in 2023 and is scheduled for completion by spring 2026, involves the conservative rehabilitation of the building, the upgrading of facilities to current regulations, and the restoration of its decorative and historical features. The project goes beyond conservation, representing a significant opportunity to enhance the cultural and educational value of one of Trieste’s architectural treasures. Each element recovered, each fresco brought back to light, reopens a page of history to be shared with future generations.

Closed since 2010, Villa Sevastopulo’s restoration also strengthens the long-standing collaboration between the University and the Foundation, already active in scientific, medical and technological fields. This partnership once again demonstrates how institutional cooperation can generate cultural, social and educational value for the wider community.

The presentation also served as a reflection on the deep relationship between the Foundation and the University in view of the upcoming handover of leadership on 1st August from Roberto Di Lenarda (Rector since 2019) to Donata Vianelli, elected as the University’s first female Rector in May. Between 2019 and 2025, resources totalling €11,649,746.00 have been made available.

Fondazione CRTrieste remains strongly committed to supporting projects in the arts and cultural heritage sector, in the belief that preserving historical memory enriches the territory and strengthens its collective identity. It is within this framework that the Foundation has contributed €800,000 towards the restoration of Villa Sevastopulo, in addition to the building’s total project budget of €5,000,000.

Project Details: “Castelletto” Restoration

The full restoration plan includes structural rehabilitation, asbestos removal, installation of accessibility features, fire safety upgrades, and the integration of new service and technical systems.

The specific restoration works focus on the ground and first floors, targeting original ceilings, frescoed and painted walls, wood and mosaic flooring, and original stone slabs. Historical windows and external decorative finishes will also be carefully restored.

Villa Sevastopulo: A Historic Residence

Villa Sevastopulo was built in 1862 to designs by architect Feliciano Vittori. It is a prime example of the eclectic neo-Gothic style that flourished in late 19th-century Europe, especially among the emerging bourgeoisie seeking to express their status through architecture reminiscent of medieval nobility, yet equipped with the comforts of modern life.

Originally the private residence of industrialist and patriot Angelo Valerio, the villa spans five levels with a total floor area of approximately 550 square metres. Its asymmetrical layout features battlements, octagonal towers, turrets, buttresses, rounded arch windows and sharp corners – a dynamic, jagged composition with strong Lombard-Venetian Gothic influences.

The interiors are richly decorated. The main floor includes a frescoed salon featuring painted panoramic views of Trieste and Monte Valerio, reflecting the romantic taste for landscape and historical memory.

Acquired in 1962 by the University of Trieste, the villa subsequently housed the Biological Institutes of the Faculties of Science and Pharmacy.

Statements

“The restored Castelletto will be returned to our university in all its original splendour, highlighting both its history and its potential for future use,” said Rector Roberto Di Lenarda. “Thanks to the invaluable support of Fondazione CRTrieste – a testament to UniTS’s strong ties with the local area – the Piazzale Europa campus will once again host a true gem, one in which not only our university community, but the entire city, can take pride.”

“The Foundation is proud to contribute to the revival of a place so steeped in history and beauty,” commented Massimo Paniccia, President of Fondazione CRTrieste. “This is not merely a restoration, but an investment in knowledge, culture and the education of future generations. Our collaboration with the University of Trieste demonstrates how institutional synergy can generate meaningful value for the community.”