The eleventh edition of the Summer Learning Modules, the orientation initiative promoted by the University of Trieste for students in their third and fourth year of high school, officially opened today.

Topics explored in this first session’s 17 modules range from mental health to the design of human-centred spaces, from analysing the world through a gender lens to uncovering engineering transformations, from the mysteries of matrix calculus to biomedical analysis, and from global economic forecasts to the shaping of biographical and autobiographical narratives.

The Summer Learning Modules offer high school students an immersive experience of academic life, helping them explore their interests and make a more informed choice about their future university studies. Participation may also be recognised as PCTO (transversal skills and orientation activities) by students’ home schools.

Following last year’s success, the initiative has once again attracted a large number of students, with 700 taking part, and continues to attract students from beyond the regional borders. Participants come not only from Friuli Venezia Giulia but also from Veneto (Treviso, Venice, Belluno), Lombardy (Milan, Bergamo), Emilia-Romagna (Bologna), Tuscany (Florence, Grosseto), and from further afield, such as Puglia (Bari) and Calabria (Cosenza, Crotone, Reggio Calabria). There are also a number of international attendees.

The Summer Learning Modules will continue throughout the week. A second session is scheduled for September, before the start of the school year.

As part of UniTS’s summer orientation programme, prospective students can also take part in guided tours of Piazzale Europa Campus led by student tutors. These tours offer a valuable opportunity to gather information and explore the university's setting, spaces and facilities. To take part in a guided tour, booking in advance is required.

A full immersion in business culture and industrial innovation: the students of the Innovators Community Lab (ICLab) at the University of Trieste took centre stage in a study visit to the headquarters of the Marcegaglia Group in Gazoldo degli Ippoliti (Mantua).

The group was welcomed by Emma Marcegaglia, Chair & CEO of Marcegaglia Holding and former President of Confindustria (2008–2012), and Antonio Marcegaglia, President & CEO of Marcegaglia Steel, who shared the story of a family business that has grown into one of Europe’s leading industrial groups in the steel sector.

During the visit, the ICLab students had the opportunity to engage directly with the company’s top executives on key issues such as business model transformation, relationships with suppliers and investors, crisis management, and the environmental and economic sustainability of green projects.

One of the most memorable moments was the visit to Casa Marcegaglia, the company museum inaugurated in 2023 and dedicated to the history, values and vision of the Marcegaglia entrepreneurial family. A striking digital installation gives voice to Steno Marcegaglia, the company’s founder, who recounts his humble beginnings and rise in the industrial world.

The museum offered UniTS students an immersive experience where art and industrial heritage blend with the idea of enterprise as a common good, in a narrative that uses technology to interweave identity, memory and social responsibility.

The visit concluded with a tour of the historic plant in Gazoldo degli Ippoliti, which today employs more than 1,700 people and remains a strong symbol of the Group’s deep local roots.

The initiative forms part of the training programme of the Innovators Community Lab, which in this edition has expanded its role modelling opportunities to provide students with inspiring examples, hands-on experiences and valuable professional contacts to better understand the dynamics of innovation, business and the world of work – through direct interaction with key players in the production system.

The virtual exhibition Italy in Antarctica is now online, created to mark the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM XLVI) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP XXVI), hosted in Milan for the 2025 edition.

The exhibition explores Italy’s scientific presence in Antarctica, highlighting operational infrastructure, the governance model of the National Antarctic Research Programme (PNRA), and Italy’s strategic role in international cooperation on the continent.

Among the contributors to the project is the National Museum of Antarctica, which has exhibition sites at the Universities of Trieste, Genoa and Siena. The Museum serves as a national hub for the promotion and dissemination of scientific knowledge about Antarctica.

The initiative provides a valuable opportunity to share the findings of research conducted in the White Continent, with a particular focus on:

• environmental protection and management of ASPAs (Antarctic Specially Protected Areas)
• studies on the Marine Protected Area in the Ross Sea
• research on ecosystems and climate change
• pollutant monitoring
• results from Antarctic ice core drilling

The exhibition is accessible via direct link or by scanning the attached QR code. 

The University of Trieste is strengthening its commitment to research and training in the fight against primary liver cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. In collaboration with Italian Liver Foundation (FIF), the Italian League for the Fight Against Cancer – Provincial Association of Trieste (LILT), and the local healthcare service ASUGI, the University is set to establish a shared operational protocol for the creation of themed working groups.

The agreement was announced during a multidisciplinary seminar held at FIF’s headquarters in Trieste, as part of an initiative dedicated to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The event brought together researchers, clinicians and students with the aim of promoting an integrated approach to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

Professor Saveria Lory Crocè, Professor of Gastroenterology at the University of Trieste and Director of the Departmental University Clinic of Liver Diseases, highlighted the importance of technological innovation in tackling liver cancer:
"In today’s diagnostic and clinical landscape, there is a lack of standardised biomarkers and clinical indicators for the early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. New tools based on artificial intelligence will undoubtedly play a key role, a major area of research at our university.”

"Throughout the day," added Claudio Tiribelli, Scientific Director of the Italian Liver Foundation, “the focus was placed on the importance of primary and secondary prevention, early diagnosis, and multidisciplinary care of patients, as well as the need to invest in education and scientific outreach to raise public awareness about chronic liver diseases. The meeting ended with a clear message: only by pooling expertise, resources and vision can we improve the prevention and treatment of liver cancer, for the benefit of both patients and the wider community.”

The operational protocol between UniTS, FIF, LILT and ASUGI marks a significant step forward in establishing a structured collaboration, based on joint scientific research projects, academic training and public health initiatives that serve both the region and the scientific community.

Just a month before his 71st birthday — he was born in Livorno on May 24, 1954 — Mario Fiorentini passed away. He was Professor of Roman Law and Foundations of European Law at the Department of IUSLIT of the University of Trieste.

After earning his Law degree with honors in 1981 from the University of Pisa, he joined the first cycle of the PhD program in Roman Law and the Law of the Eastern Mediterranean (University of Rome La Sapienza, 1983–1986), focusing his research on culti gentilizi, the subject of his first monograph (1988). In 1991, he won a national competition for a research position at the Faculty of Law of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, where he remained until 1996. That year, he transferred to Trieste, where he would later be appointed Associate Professor in the early 2000s, following the publication of Fiumi e mari nell’esperienza giuridica romana (2003).

Though afflicted for some time by a painful illness, he continued his studies until the very end, driven by an unshakable passion for antiquity. A profound scholar, he was able to move effortlessly between legal, archaeological, literary, and historical dimensions. In the last decade, his research activity intensified, resulting in numerous refined essays and two substantial monographs: Il giurista e l’eretico (2016) and Natura e diritto nell’esperienza romana (2022).

Colleagues remember him as courteous to all and always ready with a witty remark; seated in his office, hunched over his computer from late morning into the evening, his door always open to welcome students, with whom he had a bond of total dedication and sincere affection — a sentiment clearly echoed on a Facebook page in his honor: Quelli che amano il Prof. Fiorentini.

Enrolment is now open for degree programmes at the University of Trieste for the 2025/2026 academic year. Prospective students can register online at: https://portale.units.it/it/studiare/immatricolarsi.

With over 80 active degree programmes, including bachelor’s, master’s and single-cycle degrees, UniTS stands out on the national stage for the breadth and diversity of its academic offering. Covering all major fields of knowledge such as science, technology, healthcare, economics, law, humanities, social sciences and languages, the University continues to see steady growth in student enrolments, in contrast to national trends, thanks to the high quality of its teaching and services.

NEW DEGREE PROGRAMMES

The upcoming academic year will see the launch of four new degree programmes, designed to meet the evolving demands of the job market and to train highly qualified professionals in key sectors such as environmental sustainability, healthcare, applied psychology and European political science.

In addition, the existing Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygiene, currently available in Trieste, will also be offered at the Pordenone campus. This decision responds to strong and consistent demand in recent years, with applications regularly more than double the number of available places.

New programmes launching in 2025/26:

Earth Sciences for Sustainable Development
Language: English 
Location: Trieste

This Bachelor’s Degree provides a solid foundation in geosciences with an innovative focus on georesources and geological risk in the context of global sustainability. The

programme includes extensive lab work and field activities, with a limited intake of 50 students to ensure a high-quality learning experience. Unique in Italy for both its language of instruction and thematic content, the course qualifies graduates to sit the State Examination for Junior Geologist and to continue on to master’s or doctoral studies.

Rehabilitation Sciences of Healthcare Professions
Language: Italian 
Location: Trieste

This Master's Degree trains professionals with advanced skills in teaching, management and research in the field of rehabilitation. Aimed at graduates in rehabilitation-related healthcare professions, the course prepares students for leadership roles, university-level teaching and research pathways. It features innovative teaching and research content, including tele-rehabilitation, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, robotics and sustainable healthcare models. The curriculum is aligned with the latest developments in the profession and the modern healthcare landscape.

Applied Social and Cognitive Psychology
Language: Italian (with some modules in English) 
Location: Trieste

This Master's Degree trains professionals to work in non-clinical psychology settings, integrating social and cognitive expertise with a strong applied orientation. Students can tailor their learning by choosing from four application areas: community and wellbeing, work and organisations, ergonomics and technology, and people–environment–animals–society. The degree qualifies graduates to practise as psychologists and prepares them for roles across the public, private and third sectors. It stands out for its integrated approach and its focus on topical issues such as sustainability, inclusion and psychosocial wellbeing.

Political Science – Integration and Governance (PoSIG)
Language: English 
Location: Gorizia

PoSIG is an international Master’s Degree taught entirely in English for graduates in political and international studies. Developed by a consortium of thirteen European and Balkan universities, it requires students to attend at least two partner institutions and awards a joint degree. The curriculum covers areas such as comparative politics, European integration, international relations and political theory. The University of Trieste hosts the second semester of the first year, with courses focused on conflict mediation, democracy and European identity. The programme includes policy-making activities and offers opportunities for internships and international mobility.

EMPLOYABILITY AND CAREER OUTCOMES: STRONG RESULTS FOR UNITS GRADUATES

The effectiveness of UniTS’s academic offering is reflected in graduate employment figures, as shown in the latest AlmaLaurea survey.

One year after graduation, nearly 85% of bachelor’s graduates who do not continue their studies are employed — a rate above the national average of 78.6%. The University also performs well in terms of salary, with a net monthly average of €1,522, higher than both the Italian (€1,492) and Friuli Venezia Giulia (€1,497) averages.

Results are even more striking for master’s graduates: the employment rate one year after graduation reaches 87%, versus 78.6% nationally. The average net monthly salary is €1,607, compared to €1,488 nationally. After five years, the employment rate rises to 93%, exceeding both the regional (92.7%) and national (89.7%) averages. Graduates earn an average of €1,988 per month, with figures reaching €2,014 for two-year master's graduates and €1,949 for those in single-cycle programmes.

STUDENT SUPPORT AND FINANCIAL AID

For the 2025/2026 academic year, UniTS reaffirms its strong commitment to supporting the right to education. It remains one of just nine Italian universities to raise the no-tax area to an ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) threshold of €30,000, well

above the national benchmark of €22,000. This ensures full tuition fee exemption for a broader range of students.

Full exemption also continues for recipients of scholarships awarded by ARDiS, the Regional Agency for the Right to Higher Education, which are granted to 100% of eligible applicants.

Merit-based financial aid is also confirmed, accounting for around half of all exemptions and reductions, reflecting both the high calibre of the UniTS student body and the University’s commitment to rewarding academic achievement.

GUIDANCE AND STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

UniTS provides comprehensive support to help future students make informed decisions about their academic path. The Orientation Office offers personalised advice, information sessions and dedicated initiatives — both in person and online — to assist students at every stage of the decision-making process. 

Contacts: +39 040 3473 787 - orientamento@units.it 

Health, local communities, prevention, and public awareness are the key themes of Health Between Land and Sea, a new public engagement and social responsibility project launched by the Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences (DSM) at the University of Trieste, starting on Saturday, June 21.

The initiative features a program of educational, sports, and experiential activities held in everyday settings such as the coastline, the sea, and the Karst Plateau. It aims to strengthen the connection between health, the local environment, and physical activity, while building a network of institutions, sports associations, and scientific organizations committed to promoting good prevention practices.

The project is funded through the University’s Public and Social Engagement Call – part of its Third Mission activities – which annually supports initiatives developed by departments to foster cultural growth, social development, public well-being, and quality of life.

"Beyond teaching and research," said Luigi Murena, Director of DSM, "the University must promote knowledge and culture. The event on Saturday, June 21 aligns perfectly with this goal. The program focuses on the theme of safety, conveyed and demonstrated in its many forms. Together with numerous partners, we have designed an engaging and stimulating program for the entire community."

The project, presented in the City Council Hall, is organized in partnership with the Municipality of Trieste—Departments for Urban Policy and for Sports and Public Property—and in collaboration with ASUGI (Local Health Authority), ICGEB, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Pallanuoto Trieste Samer&Co. Shipping, Trieste Campus, Triestina Nuoto Samer&Co. Shipping, and Band of Rescue – FIN Salvamento.

"With this first event," added Alex Buoite Stella, DSM delegate for public engagement, "we aim to meet citizens where they spend their leisure time. Our goal is to promote awareness of the benefits of community-based prevention and, at the same time, highlight the safety measures needed to manage and reduce risks—specifically those related to swimming and seaside activities. Information and prevention will be the key themes of the day."

One of the most popular summer gathering spots in Trieste, Barcola’s Pine Grove, will host the day’s activities, which begin in the morning. After the opening of the information stand and official greetings, attendees can join a physical warm-up session led by the Trieste Campus team. Young athletes from Triestina Nuoto will then dive into the sea for a live open-water swimming demonstration, followed by a canine rescue demonstration by Band of Rescue – FIN Salvamento. In the afternoon, players from Pallanuoto Trieste will hold a water polo training session. The day will conclude at 6 p.m. with a public talk focusing on the benefits and risks associated with sun exposure, swimming, and water rescue, featuring contributions from professors, doctors, and safety experts.

Upcoming events in the Health Between Land and Sea project include two community hikes, scheduled for September 2025 during the European Mobility Week, and March 2026, offering citizens the chance to discover the diverse trails and natural richness of the Trieste Karst.

At the invitation of Nicola Minasi, Head of the Crisis Unit at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), Pro-Rector Valter Sergo of the University of Trieste participated in an operational briefing in Rome. The session focused on ensuring the safety of academic staff operating in regions affected by international crises, conflicts, or political instability.

In recent years, UniTS has revised its overseas mission protocols, implementing a system that ensures preventive notification to the MFA when researchers travel to areas deemed high-risk.

The visit—following on from Dr. Minasi’s official trip to the University of Trieste in December 2022—forms part of the University’s broader engagement in scientific diplomacy and underpins the deepening collaboration between UniTS and the Ministry.

Once again, Trieste Next is launching its Volunteer Project, giving all UniTS students the chance to take an active role in the Festival of Scientific Research, taking place from 26th to 28th September.

Why volunteer for Trieste Next? 

• You’ll be at the heart of the festival – from labs and lectures to front-line events
• You’ll gain first-hand insight into the world of scientific research and the people behind it
• You’ll strengthen your communication and organisational skills
• You’ll have fun, learn, and connect with fellow students, lecturers, and researchers

Plus… you’ll earn 1 ECTS credit for 25 hours of volunteering!

Just submit your certificate to your Department’s Student Office.

Don’t miss out – join the Trieste Next team!

Apply by 31st July by filling in the online form.

🔎 u.garr.it/EAqVW

The DNA of a freshwater jellyfish of non-native origin, specifically Asian (Craspedacusta sowerbii), has been detected in the underground waters of the Timavo River inside the Luftloch cave, recently discovered by the Adriatic Speleological Society.

This significant scientific discovery is the result of collaboration between the University of Trieste, the Adriatic Speleological Society (SAS), and the Trieste Civic Museum of Natural History.

The sampling and analyses were carried out by the research group coordinated by Chiara Manfrin of the Department of Life Sciences at UniTS, as part of a project aimed at monitoring biodiversity in subterranean environments through the use of environmental DNA (eDNA). This innovative technique makes it possible to detect genetic traces left by organisms in their habitat, allowing the identification of species that are not easily observed.

‘This method allows us, by filtering water, to detect genetic traces left by organisms in the surrounding environment, thus enabling the identification of species that are difficult to observe directly,’ explains Manfrin. ‘The results revealed the presence of Craspedacusta sowerbii DNA, a non-native species originating in China, harmless to humans but whose effects on Karst ecosystems are under study.’

The discovery follows on from previous observations of the jellyfish in the Slovenian section of the Reka-Timavo since 2016, conducted by the Trieste Civic Museum of Natural History and published in a scientific note by Nicola Bressi and Andrea Colla. The genetic confirmation obtained now further strengthens the hypothesis of the species’ presence in the underground waters of the Karst.