The Italian Medicines Agency - AIFA has given the green light for the world's first clinical trial of the drug Mirtazapine in Rett Syndrome,  MirtaRett, after receiving approval from the national ethics committee for paediatric studies. 

The trial is coordinated by the University of Trieste and will be conducted in the main Italian referral hospitals for patients suffering from Rett Syndrome. It is entirely supported by non-profit grants, particularly the non-profit project ‘Angelini for future ’ from Angelini Pharma SpA, together with the Canali Onlus, Ico Falck Onlus and Amadei and Setti Onlus Foundations. The trial will be managed by the consortium for biological and pharmacological evaluations (Consorzio per Valutazioni Biologiche e Farmacologiche, CVBF), a non-profit organisation providing services for clinical research in Italy. 

The actual start of the trial will take about two months, during which UniTS, the coordinating centre, and the four clinical centres in Milan, Genoa, Siena and Messina, will set up the organisational machinery for the recruitment and treatment of the patients. The patients are exclusively female, as Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects 1 in 10,000 girls and is the second most common cause of intellectual disability in females worldwide (Petriti et al. Systematic Reviews (2023) https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-023-02169).

The trial will involve a total of 54 patients aged between 5 and 40 years. They will be divided into three groups of 18 with varying age brackets (5-10, 11-17 and 18-40 years).

Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by unpredictable mutations of the MECP2 gene in the reproductive cells (spermatozoa or oocytes) of completely healthy parents. Symptoms appear in the second year of life when girls begin to speak and walk, displaying rapid regression of speech and the inability to make voluntary hand movements. In later years, girls develop epileptic seizures and respiratory difficulties, which are the main cause of death. Many patients reach adulthood, albeit with severe physical and cognitive disabilities. 

Restoration experiments on the mutated gene conducted in animal subjects have demonstrated that the disorder can be completely reversed, but to date there is still no definitive cure. 

The project started in 2009, thanks to funding from Telethon, Fondazione San Paolo, Fondazione Casali, Beneficentia Stiftung and the parent associations AIRETT Onlus and ProRett Ricerca Onlus. Across15 years of study carried out in the laboratory directed by Prof. Enrico Tongiorgi at the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Trieste, abundant experimental evidence of Mirtazapine's efficacy in the recovery of certain symptoms has been collected. Further evidence in favour of the drug was then gathered through a retrospective investigation in collaboration with the Rett Reference Centre at Le Scotte Hospital in Siena, where the drug was administered as standard treatment for anxiety, repetitive behaviour and sleep disorders for a period of 1 to 5 years in 40 adult Rett patients. In addition to the beneficial effects the drug had on anxiety and sleep, the study also revealed it as being beneficial to slowing the progression of Rett syndrome, demonstrating improvements in some typical symptoms such as self-harm, irritability, motor difficulties and loss of communication skills. 

‘At the moment, no one has been able to test the effects of this drug in girls suffering from Rett syndrome yet,’ said Prof. Tongiorgi, ‘We therefore believe it is necessary to proceed with a rigorous clinical trial like the one proposed in the MirtaRett project. We have set ourselves the goal of keeping this project entirely in Italy, involving the main referral clinical centres. The trial will test the efficacy of the drug on general symptoms and in particular on motor skills, such as the use of the hand, the ability to communicate and on psychological disorders. We will also monitor the quality of sleep and the basic parameters of breathing and the heart, thanks to a new Italian-made smart T-shirt that we have tested, allowing us to make important discoveries on breathing defects in these patients.’ 
The study also involves monitoring the stress levels of caregivers and detecting biomarkers in the blood, such as neurotrophic factors, which are useful for assessing the effects of the drug on developmental recovery and plasticity of the nervous system.

Every clinical trial has high costs, but thanks to the non-profit nature of the project, it has been possible to reduce them considerably and, thanks to the generosity of donors, the hospitals in Messina, Milan and Siena will also be equipped with the instrumentation to conduct the actigraphy, and 54 smart T-shirts will be purchased. 

Centres and researchers involved in the experimentation:

Coordinator - Prof. Enrico TONGIORGI, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste.
Partner 1 – Prof. Maria Paola CANEVINI, Dr. Ilaria VIGANÓ, ASST Ospedale Santi Paolo Carlo - Via di Rudinì 8; Milano; Prof. Aglaia VIGNOLI (MD) ‘Statale’ University of Milan.
Partner 2 – Prof. Lino NOBILI, Dr. Giulia PRATO – Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa - Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Research Hospital, Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa.
Partner 3 – Dr. Salvatore GROSSO, Dr. Claudio DE FELICE – Rett Syndrome Research and Experimentation Centre - Paediatric/Neuropaediatric Unit, Mother and Child Department – Polyclinic ‘Santa Maria alle Scotte’, Siena.
Partner 4 – Prof. Gabriella DI ROSA, Dr. Antonio NICOTERA - ‘Gaetano Barresi’ Department of Human Pathology of Adults and the Age of Development, ‘G. Martino’University Polyclinic, University of Messina.

Preparations are already underway for Trieste Next – Festival of Scientific Research, whose fourteenth edition will take place from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th September.

The 2025 edition of the Festival will be dedicated to ‘Life Within: Dialogues Between Science and Technology.’

Since its first edition, Trieste Next has tackled key topics in scientific and cultural debate, from food and water to energy and the relationship between humans and technology, as well as the theme of sustainability. The 2025 edition will offer an opportunity to explore the scientific agenda for the coming years and to reflect on the new frontiers of research and innovation, along with their limitations, including ethical ones.

Trieste Next will feature three days of conferences, seminars and workshops, with over 100 events on the programme, 300 speakers and a distinguished lineup of guests. There will also be exhibition spaces in Piazza Unità d’Italia and activities dedicated to schools.

For the third consecutive year, the ‘Trieste Next Prize: Science Book of the Year’ will be awarded, celebrating the masters of scientific communication. Last year's winner was Piero Martin with ‘Storie di errori memorabili’ (Laterza).

https://www.triestenext.it/

Creating materials that behave like living tissue is an ever closer prospect thanks to a University of Trieste – Keio University (Japan) study just published in Advanced Science.

The international research team that conceived the paper consists of Pierangelo Gobbo, Professor of Organic Chemistry at the Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences at UniTS, Prof. Taisuke Banno and PhD student Tomoya Kojima from Keio University.  

The scientists have developed an innovative method for assembling ‘prototissue’ fibres from microscopic vesicles, demonstrating how it is possible to synthesise materials that mimic the behaviour of human body tissue from scratch. The process exploits the adhesion between two types of oppositely charged vesicles, which are joined by ‘salt bridges’ acting as a kind of natural glue. 

The innovation has multiple applications and is likely to revolutionise various fields from 3D bioprinting and the design of engineered tissues to the development of soft robotics for the creation of flexible and adaptable devices inspired by living organisms. 

In the clinical field, for example, it will be possible to graft such synthetic fibres tissues in vivo to support sick living tissues. Notably, some of the prototypes developed are able to detect the presence of glucose and produce a fluorescent ‘signalling’ molecule. In future, these fibres could be engineered to produce insulin in response to increased glucose, meaning it could be applied in interesting ways in the treatment of diabetes. 

The fibres could also be engineered to respond not only to chemical but also physical stimuli, such as temperature or light, and, by combining them in bundles, obtain new ‘smart’ biomimetic materials for muscle tissue repair.

The study was funded by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, the European Research Council (Starting Grant PROTOMAT) and the Next Generation EU programme (NRPP PRIN project 3D-L-INKED).
 

In the Picture: Prof. Pierangelo Gobbo, UniTS

From today, the University of Trieste and the University of Udine are connected by a quantum link running over fibre optics.

This connection marks the beginning of an infrastructure that is expected to grow rapidly, aiming to become a model for both Italy and Europe. The result of a five-year study, it is one of the key objectives of the Quantum FVG project, coordinated by the University of Trieste and funded by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region.

The first milestone was the inauguration of the QCI Laboratory in 2024. Based at the CNR facility on the Basovizza campus within Area Science Park, the lab is dedicated to developing quantum solutions for the secure exchange of information.

The Rector of the University of Trieste, Roberto Di Lenarda, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating that those leading technological development, in which quantum research plays a fundamental role, have the power to shape economic processes and contribute to a safer and fairer society. Through the Quantum FVG project and its future developments, the university aims to play a central role in this transformation by excelling in teaching, research, and technological innovation within this strategic field.

Similarly, the Rector of the University of Udine, Roberto Pinton, emphasised that quantum physics represents an important frontier of knowledge. He noted that, with the activation of this quantum link between Udine and Trieste, the universities of the region are making a significant contribution to research in this field. The technical expertise and experience gained over decades, dating back to the early days of the internet, have now enabled the creation of a system based on sophisticated and innovative technologies, positioning the region at the forefront of quantum communication in Italy.

The Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia has committed further funding through the 2025 Stability Law for a project called EQUIP-FVG (Extended Quantum Infrastructure Project for Friuli Venezia Giulia). This initiative will establish a permanent fibre-optic infrastructure for secure communication using quantum technology, with applications in maritime, port, and logistics operations. This experimental phase is part of a broader strategy to enhance cybersecurity and technological competitiveness. In the future, it will be extended to other critical infrastructures and cross-border projects, strengthening the security of the region’s entire logistics network and reinforcing Friuli Venezia Giulia’s leadership in strategically significant areas for the country. Regional Councillor for Labour, Education, Research, Universities, and Families, Alessia Rosolen, explained that this initiative represents one step in a wider regional effort.

In addition, Councillor for Information Systems, Sebastiano Callari, noted that this achievement has been made possible above all thanks to investments by the Region, which has developed the Regional Public Network (RPR). This fibre-optic network spans 1,600 km as a backbone and includes over 500 km of access networks in urban and industrial areas, connecting more than 1,300 public offices. For years, the regional administration has been working to improve and expand digital infrastructure, and quantum communication will now allow these networks to support highly secure applications between key nodes, including universities.

The quantum link between the two universities guarantees both security and stability. It allows for the generation of ultra-secure cryptographic keys to encrypt document exchanges, and it is not simply a demonstration of the technology. Instead, it is a permanent and stable connection, intended to be integrated into future operational services.

The University of Trieste and the University of Udine will continue collaborating to enhance its performance and integrate it into classical infrastructure such as the internet.

To establish the connection, both the acquisition of quantum communication equipment and the securing of the necessary fibre-optic network were required. The purchase of equipment was made possible thanks to the Quantum FVG project, supported by the Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s Department for Labour, Education, Research, Universities, and Families. The fibre-optic infrastructure, on the other hand, was provided with the support of the Department for Public Assets, State Property, General Services, and Information Systems. 

A key role was played by LightNet, which will also be responsible for the technical management of the infrastructure.

This quantum link is part of a broader vision. The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, through the QuFree project, has allocated additional funds to explore quantum communication via free-space optics, the equivalent of radio links, instead of using fibre optics. The goal is to secure communications for recipients who cannot be connected via fibre, such as ships.

Finally, preparations are underway for a European project that will extend the quantum network eastward to include Slovenia.

In the photo: a shot from the presentation of the conference at the University of Trieste

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.

 

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.

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.