The Extended Partnerships, promoted by investment line 1.3, are research programs carried out by networks of universities, Public Research Bodies, and other public and private entities engaged in highly qualified research activities, organized in the form of a public-private consortium and according to a Hub & Spoke structure.

The objective is to finance, with €1.61 billion, basic research projects that strengthen research sectors at the national level and promote the participation of these projects in strategic value chains both at the European and global levels.

The University of Trieste participates in one of the fourteen Extended Partnerships, which run from 2022 to 2026.

NQSTI - National Quantum Science and Technology Institute

NQSTI is a consortium aimed at fostering collaboration among Italian entities engaged in competitive and innovative research in the field of quantum science and technology (QST). It aims to stimulate industrial innovation in this field by providing a forum where new ideas and opportunities are transferred to businesses.

The medium-to-long-term goal (beyond the conclusion of the PNRR) is to establish a national consortium that gathers all institutions active in quantum science and technology, ensuring competitiveness and long-term presence in this important scientific-technological sector in the country.

Project Summary

Promoter: UniCAM - University of Camerino Total Participating Entities: 20 Public Entities:

Number of Universities: 

• 10 Research Bodies: 
• 6 Private Entities:

Research Bodies: 

• 2 Companies: 
• 2 Granted Funding: €115,900,000.00 

Duration: 36 months (December 1, 2022 - November 30, 2025)

The University actively participates in the activities of spokes 1, 3, 5, and 8 as an Affiliate partner, with Prof. Angelo Bassi from the Department of Physics serving as the scientific contact.

Spoke 1 – Foundations and architectures for quantum information processing and communication

Spoke 1 focuses on investigating fundamental concepts through the development of new systems and protocols for the transmission of processing and information using quantum systems. It focuses on communication systems, information security (including optimization methods and algorithms), and the development and application of artificial intelligence techniques. The spoke's goal is to explore in detail phenomena that will consolidate the foundations of quantum technology processes and protocols, identifying new potentials.

Spoke 3 - Atomic, molecular platform for quantum technologies

Spoke 3 focuses on harnessing neutral atoms, molecules, and ions for quantum engineering systems, starting from basic principles and achieving complete control over interactions, system size, type, and ultimately obtaining full control over each individual particle. The goal is to research new techniques and resources for preparing atomic, molecular, and ionic systems by enhancing external fields to optimally encode quantum states; explore new schemes for detecting quantum states at spatial, temporal, and spectroscopic levels; establish reliable, robust, and controllable quantum interfaces between them.

Spoke 5 - Electron-based platform for quantum technologies

Spoke 5 has established a coordinated network of QST manufacturing facilities, a "national quantum fab," which contributes to the project's objectives through the design, manufacturing, and characterization of solid-state systems whose shape, chemical composition, and structure are tailored to accommodate electronic configurations of interest for QST. The Spoke relies on an advanced nanofabrication platform, materials science, and quantum device engineering to produce the physical implementation of QST constituents and, at the same time, pursue their integrability within microelectronic architectures.

Spoke 8 - Technology transfer

Spoke 8 deals with technology transfer and industrial development by supporting cooperation with the private sector through joint research projects and, at the same time, stimulates and financially supports the creation of new startups and spin-offs.

The National Center for High Performance Computing, Simulation, and Data Analysis 
conducts research and promotes national and international innovation using state-of-the-art infrastructure for High Performance Computing (HPC) and the management of large quantities of data (Big Data), capable of integrating available emerging technologies, including those for Quantum Computing.

The Center focuses, on one hand, on maintaining and enhancing Italy's HPC and Big Data infrastructure and, on the other hand, on developing advanced numerical methods and applications, software tools, and workflows to integrate computation, simulation, data collection, and analysis relevant to the research system and the productive and social system, including through cloud-based approaches.

Project Summary

Promoter: National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN)
Total participating entities: 51 (+ 1 partner)

Public Institutions and Universities: 37
Private Companies and Institutes: 14
Partner: 1

Granted funding: €319,938,979.26, with 41% allocated to the South of Italy
Duration: 36 months (September 1, 2022 – August 31, 2025)
UniTS Scientific Referee: Prof. Stefano Borgani – Department of Physics

The University participates as an affiliate in the activities of spokes 2, 3, 7.

Spoke 2 -Fundamental Research & Space Economy

Spoke 2 aims to address the fundamental research need for increasingly greater computational capacity by developing and testing solutions suitable for experiments, particularly by facilitating access to computing resources managed by both the National Center and other sources. Intersections and synergies with the Space Economy sector are foreseen through direct links with data from the national Copernicus Mirror program.
UniTS Referee: Prof. Edoardo Milotti – Department of Physics 

Spoke 3 – Astrophysics & Cosmos Observations

The aim of Spoke 3 is the development of innovative applications and software capable of fully exploiting state-of-the-art HPC technologies and big data storage solutions to achieve excellence in the areas of astronomy, high-energy astrophysics, astroparticle physics, and cosmology. Additionally, Spoke 3 will facilitate the creation of a community of researchers and experts in the development of new computer solutions, capable of implementing innovative computational solutions to support and strengthen scientific communities in the fields of astronomy, astrophysics, and astroparticle physics.
UniTS Referee: Prof. Stefano Borgani – Department of Physics

Spoke 7 – Materials & Molecular Sciences

Spoke 7 aims to strengthen Italy's leadership in the development, implementation, and distribution of high-performance scientific software for multi-scale simulation of materials and complex molecular systems. It also aims to optimize and expand the application spectrum of these software tools to address the scientific, technological, and social challenges facing our country. UniTS Referee: Prof. Mauro Stener – Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences 

The project in summary

Promoter: University of Padua Total participating entities: 49

• Universities: 26
• Research Institutions: 23
• Granted funding: €320,036,606.03, with 42% allocated to Southern Italy 

Duration: 36 months (November 1, 2022 - February 28, 2026) Scientific reference for UniTS: Prof. Giannino Del Sal - Department of Life Sciences 

The University participates as an affiliate in the activities of spokes 2 and 4.

Spoke 2 – Cancer

Spoke 2 focuses on implementing RNA therapies and biomarkers to address cancer stem cell dependencies by specifying transcriptional and epigenetic changes that drive and sustain the tumor or metastatic cellular states. It also leverages the safety of RNA therapies to achieve a synthetic combination of approaches, co-targeting, and at the same time, interdependent hallmarks of cancer leading to the collapse of the tumor/metastatic ecosystem. Lastly, the research program aims to fully exploit RNA to extend the applicability of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), transforming immunologically cold tumors into hot tumors, thereby vastly expanding the anticancer potential of the immune system. Scientific reference for UniTS: Prof. Giannino Del Sal - Department of Life Sciences

Spoke 4 – Metabolic & Cardio-Vascular

Spoke 4 focuses on metabolic, cardiovascular, and skeletal muscle disorders in adult and elderly populations, utilizing RNA technologies that allow for the manipulation of virtually any cellular process, identifying the specific molecular mechanisms of disorders and diseases. The Spoke aims to establish itself as a national and international reference for advanced therapies in the cardio-metabolic field, strengthen relationships with industries, and maintain a broad portfolio of research and development. Scientific reference for UniTS: Prof. Mauro Giacca - Clinical Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences

The ecosystems, promoted by investment line 1.5, aim to facilitate technology transfer and accelerate the digital transformation of companies' production processes with a view to economic, environmental, and social sustainability impact on the territory.

Twelve innovation ecosystems have been created at the territorial, regional, or supraregional level, including five in the Mezzogiorno.

The resources finance activities of applied research, training to reduce the misalignment between the skills required by companies and those offered by universities, the valorization of research results with their transfer to companies, support for the creation and development of start-ups and spin-offs from research, and promote incubation activities and venture capital funds.

The University of Trieste participates in one of the twelve innovation ecosystems, with a duration from 2022 to 2026.

iNEST - Interconnected Nord-Est Innovation Ecosystem 

The iNest Innovation Ecosystem Consortium is based on the extensive use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and digitalization, aiming at the development of innovative technologies for people's well-being, the spread of culture, and economic and entrepreneurial growth.

It aims to extend the benefits of digital technologies to the main areas of specialization in the North-East, including industrial-manufacturing sectors, agriculture, maritime, mountain, construction, tourism, culture, health, and food.

The research program is implemented through a "Hub & Spoke" governance structure, where the Hub (consisting of 24 participants) is the Consortium, a newly established entity that coordinates the entire project, receives funds from the Ministry of University and Research (MUR), distributes them, and reports on them but does not carry out research activities. The Spokes (9) and their affiliates are the entities responsible for carrying out the research activities.

Project Summary:

Lead Institution: University of Padua 

• Total Participating Entities: 24
• Universities: 9
• Public Entities and Public Research Institutions: 3
• Private Entities: 12 
• Granted Funding: €109,866,032 
• Duration: 36 months (September 1, 2022 – August 31, 2025) Scientific Referee UniTS: Prof. Pierluigi Barbieri - Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

The University leads Spoke No. 8 and participates as an affiliate in Spokes 2, 4, and 9.

Spoke 8 – Maritime, Marine, and Inland Water Technologies: Towards the Digital Twin of the Upper Adriatic

Spoke 8, led by the University of Trieste, aims to develop research and technology transfer activities in the field of maritime, marine, and inland water technologies, as well as sustainable and resilient water-land mobility planning.

The project is structured around 5 research topics: (RT1) biology of marine ecosystems; (RT2) innovation in the management of physical and chemical risks and their impact on the hydrosphere; (RT3) innovation in sustainable coastal transport; (RT4) integrated maritime and spatial planning land-sea; (RT5) development of a Digital Twin of the Upper Adriatic. The integration of data, modeling analysis, AI algorithms, and visualization systems aims to facilitate access to information, providing a useful tool for decision support. UniTS Contact: Prof. Pierluigi Barbieri - Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences  

Spoke 2 – Health, Food and Lifestyle

The mission of Spoke 2 is to develop technological and social innovation to promote health and human well-being and support the digital and green transition of healthcare systems in the Triveneto region.

Spoke 2 pursues this goal through the use of enabling technologies and sciences ranging from Artificial Intelligence to Digital Health, Biotechnology, Omics Technologies, Electronics, and Robotics, within social, historical, economic, and psychological contexts.

These technologies will be integrated to contribute to the digital transformation of the socio-economic system of the Triveneto region, promoting innovative treatments and therapies for a healthy lifestyle while monitoring their impact on citizens and their quality of life. UniTS Contact: Prof. Pierluigi Barbieri - Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences 

Spoke 4 – City, Architecture and Sustainable Design

Spoke 4 is dedicated to sustainable design strategies, understood as the care and maintenance of the built environment in all its scales and facets: from the territory to the arts, from the city to architecture, fashion, and industrial design.

The Spoke aims to identify and experiment with, through an integrated approach, solutions, even revolutionary ones, for a rapid and profound improvement of the functional, performance, and environmental transformation activities of architecture, cities, and territories, promoting the most advanced practices in design, restructuring, transformation of the built environment, involving innovators, traditional sectors, and initiating a "movement for change" for the entire sector.

Contact person for UNITS: Prof. Elena Marchigiani - Department of Engineering and Architecture 

Spoke 9 – Models, methods, computing technologies for digital twins

The objective of Spoke 9 is to develop research activities to facilitate technology transfer related to interdisciplinary areas of mathematical and numerical models, scientific computing, and digital twins. Contact person for UNITS: prof. Luca Bortolussi - Mathematics Informatics and Geoscience Department

MEET - Monitoring Earth’s Evolution and Tectonics 

Il progetto in sintesi

Proponente: Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV)
Soggetti partecipanti totali: 9
Università: 5
Enti pubblici: 3
Enti di ricerca: 1
Finanziamento concesso: 43.000.000 euro
Referente scientifico UniTS: prof. Giovanni Costa – Dipartimento di Matematica Informatica e Geoscienze

Il Dipartimento di Matematica e Geoscienze si occuperà del “servizio web per la diffusione dei parametri delle sorgenti sismiche”, con l’obiettivo principale di sviluppare, in collaborazione con l'unità operativa dell'Università di Genova, una piattaforma informatica, e relativi servizi web, per la stima rapida di parametri statici/dinamici e mappe di shake da dati di forte movimento raccolti su scala nazionale, e la loro diffusione nel mondo, da realizzarsi in una prospettiva di "open data".

GeoScienceIR

Il progetto GeoScienzeIR realizzerà un'infrastruttura di ricerca per la Rete Italiana dei Servizi Geologici per mettere a disposizione dei servizi geologici regionali e non solo, i dati, i servizi e gli strumenti necessari per lo svolgimento delle funzioni di monitoraggio e controllo del territorio nei diversi ambiti delle scienze della Terra. 

Attraverso un’infrastruttura tecnologica cloud, GeoSciences consentirà l’accesso a dati, servizi e applicazioni sviluppate nell’ambito di tali temi resi disponibili dai partner di progetto, da poter utilizzare per svolgere con maggior efficacia il proprio mandato istituzionale. 
Il progetto prevede una costante interlocuzione tra i partner e i beneficiari, ovvero i Servizi Geologici Regionali, al fine di assicurare che tutti i prodotti accessibili attraverso l’infrastruttura rispondano a una precisa esigenza degli utilizzatori finali. 

Il progetto iniziato a ottobre 2022 avrà una durata di 30 mesi, al termine del quale l’infrastruttura sarà pienamente operativa per almeno 10 anni.

Il progetto in sintesi

Proponente: Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale - ISPRA 
Soggetti partecipanti totali: 16
Università: 13
Enti pubblici: 2
Enti di ricerca: 1
Finanziamento concesso: 16.671.851euro
Referente scientifico UniTS:  prof. Luca Zini  – Dipartimento di Matematica Informatica e Geoscienze

L’Università degli Studi di Trieste si occupa di studiare la genesi dei sinkhole di origine naturale, dell’implementazione di un sistema di monitoraggio su base inventariale dell’integrità e della funzionalità degli ecosistemi attraverso l’analisi di cambiamenti come l’impermeabilizzazione e l’abbandono agricolo e dell’analisi della funzionalità degli ecosistemi attraverso tecniche IOT.

SIS-NET - Severe Infections and Sepsis Clinical Network for Identification of Clinical and Diagnostic Markers, Immunological Monitoring and “Target and Tailored” Therapies for Adults, Children and Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units

• Project funded by EU – NextGenerationEU - National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) - Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.3
• Cascade Call: Call COC-1-2023-ISS-02 published by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità as the Spoke Leader of the INF-ACT Foundation Spoke 4
• CUP: I83C22001810007
• Proposer: University of Palermo
• Partners: University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”; University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia; University of Sassari; University of Florence; University of Genoa; University of Milan-Bicocca; University of Modena and Reggio Emilia; University of Parma; University of Perugia; University of Pisa; University of Rome Tor Vergata; University of Trieste; Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute of Infectious Diseases; San Raffaele University Rome; Società Servizi Telematici S.r.l. (PEDIANET); SIAARTI
• Granted Funding: 245.000 €
• UniTS Scientific Referee: prof. Manola Comar – Clinical Department of Medical Surgical and Health Science

Infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi, alongside the emergence and re-emergence of viruses and other highly contagious diseases, pose significant challenges in clinical and organizational settings. The necessity for multi-center networks has become evident, enabling precise epidemiological surveillance and interdisciplinary research initiatives to deliver swift and effective responses. This project seeks to address the absence of a network capable of identifying markers and monitoring severe infections and sepsis caused by community and hospital-acquired pathogens in individuals across all age groups, including those in intensive care units.
The primary goal is to establish a national network that facilitates resource-sharing and data exchange for the identification and monitoring of severe infections and sepsis from both community and hospital-acquired pathogens, aligning with the objectives of the INF-ACT research program. The project will encompass five work packages, focusing on establishing a national network comprising adult and neonatal intensive care units, infectious disease and pediatric departments, microbiology laboratories, and designing multi-center registries for descriptive observational and diagnostic-prognostic evaluations.
Furthermore, the project will involve analyzing collected data to generate regular clinical reports, exploring associations between clinical diagnostic markers, immunological indicators, disease severity, and outcomes. This will lead to the development of tailored therapy protocols based on clinical profiles. Ultimately, the project aims to drive scientific progress, enhance the country's scientific reputation from a multidisciplinary perspective, and foster collaboration among participating institutions to ensure the successful implementation of the outlined objectives.  

BEHAVE-MOOD - Behaviour and Sentiment Monitoring and Modelling for Outbreak Control

• Project funded by EU – NextGenerationEU - National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) - Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.3
• Cascade Call: Call COC-1-2023-ISS-02 published by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità as the Spoke Leader of the INF-ACT Foundation Spoke 4
• CUP: I83C22001810007  
• Proposer: University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli
• Partners: University of Pisa; University of Trento; University of Trieste; University ofPalermo; Luigi Bocconi Commercial University; IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital
• Granted Funding: 200.000 €
• UniTS Scientific Referee: prof. Alberto D’Onofrio – Department of Mathematics, Informatics and Geosciences

The BEHAVE-MOD project aims to address the crucial need to monitor infectious disease dynamics and understand the impact of individual behaviours on disease transmission. Based on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, this project aims to integrate preventive health behaviours into a novel modelling framework that can predict outbreaks and guide public health interventions. Focusing on respiratory and vectorborne infections, the project's objectives include creating an integrated data collection system using traditional surveys, incorporating demographic, social, and psychological determinants. This involves innovative survey design and a participatory surveillance platform. The project aims to monitor health behaviour adoption by integrating unconventional data sources such as social media, internet searches, mobility data, and wearable devices. It also aims to develop mainstream and AI-based predictive models that incorporate behavioural data, evaluate the impact of public health measures, and generate disease forecasts. The project also aims to disentangle spontaneous and induced human behaviours, establish pandemic preparedness principles, and incorporate machine learning techniques. By combining survey, digital epidemiology, and modeling results, the project aims to gain insights into people's behaviours during epidemics. The ultimate goal is to provide evidence-based guidelines for policymakers by offering real-time data on attitudes and behaviours, improving predictive modelling, and providing insights for informed decision-making and intervention strategies in public health. Aligned with INF-ACT, BEHAVE-MOD enhances public health surveillance by integrating behavioural data, which improves epidemiological modeling, boosts accuracy, predictability, and informs timely interventions. This cross-disciplinary approach merges advanced analytical techniques from data science to psychology, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. 

SEPSOT-CODE - Rapid Prediction and Diagnosis of Sepsis in Solid Organ Transplant: the Italian Nationa Initiative for an Interactive Risk-Stratification and Cost-Optimization Online Database 

• Project funded by EU – NextGenerationEU - National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) - Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.3
• Cascade Call: Call COC-1-2023-UNICT published by University of Catania as the Spoke Leader of the INF-ACT foundation Spoke 3
• CUP: J93C24000750006
• Proposer: University of Insubria
• Partners: University of Salerno; University of Trieste; AORN "Antonio Cardarelli"; AO Universitaria Pisana; ASST Niguarda Great Metropolitan Hospital; Alpha Ivd S.P.A.; Center Of Genomic Research For Health CRGS Scarl
• Granted Funding: 148.248 €
• UniTS Scientific Referee: prof. Cristina Lagatolla – Department of Life Sciences

Sepsis is one of the most feared infectious complications of solid organ transplant (SOT), dramatically influencing its final outcome. The available markers are often very poor, thus making the definition of a reliable and timely prognostic and diagnostic flow-chart a still unmet medical need.
In this project, we propose to create an interactive artificial intelligence (AI)-based database and predictive algorithm using a panel of clinical, immunological, conventional and non-conventional microbiological parameters from SOT patients and donors. Five major Italian SOT centers are
included with more than 500 transplants expected in the first year of the project. All patients with suspected sepsis will be followed using conventional clinical and laboratory parameters and with a direct-from-blood CE-IVD-marked molecular microbiological assay. A direct 16S/18S-based Next-Generation Sequencing protocol will also be performed on whole blood together with a broad panel of immunological markers. All the non-conventional microbiological and immunological assays will be performed in the three microbiological hubs (North, Center and South) of the consortium. 
A collective database of all datasets (clinical, immunological and microbiological) will be created and analyzed by cutting-edge bioinformatic and machine-learning (ML) pipelines by high -performancecomputing (HPC). A discovery cohort will also be recruited in the last six months of the project to strengthen the obtained results. To ease and prompt the clinical use, an interactive and user-friendly interface will be developed leveraging the state-of-the-art ML and AI techniques. The impact of the study could be manifold including (i) a better infectious screening of donors; (ii) a better risk stratification of sepsis in SOT patients, and (iii) the optimization of diagnostic resources through the identification of cases which could mostly benefit of the more expensive direct-from-blood molecular assays. 

3S_MOBS - Sustainable, Shared and Smart Mobility Solutions

• Project funded by EU – NextGenerationEU - National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) - Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.3
• Cascade Call: First Call published by University of Bari as the Spoke Leader of Spoke 7 of the GRINS program - Growing Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable
• CUP: H93C22000650001
• Proposer: University of Trieste
• Sole Partner University of Trieste
• Granted Funding: 300.000 €
• Scientific Referee: prof. Lucia Rotaris – Department of Economics, Business, Mathematics and Statistics

The project aims to analyse the demand for Sustainable, Shared and Smart Mobility Solutions (3S_MobS). To this end, it will study the factors that condition individual choices between private, public and shared mobility, analysing the propensity to use transport modes that have a lower environmental impact, that systematise the existing fleet of vehicles (e.g. peer-to-peer car sharing) and that are based on innovative technologies (e.g. use of electric, hydrogen, autonomous vehicles).
The project aims to investigate how the decision-making process takes place, who the decision-makers are, what their characteristics are, and what technological, economic, social and regulatory factors influence the choice.
In order to provide a comprehensive analytical framework, two sets of indicators will be identified and estimated: (a) preference indicators, which describe the propensity of individuals to make a modal shift from the status quo, and (b) performance indicators, which describe the economic and financial sustainability of shared transport modes in particular.
The indicators will be elaborated at the national level and with reference to the different territorial scales of interest, including the inner areas, Italia di Mezzo, and the southern Italian regions.
Through a scenario analysis, regulatory interventions and fiscal policies that could improve the deployment of 3S_MobS services will be identified and their public acceptability and distributional equity will be assessed, in order to propose to public decision-makers effective guidelines to reduce the environmental impact of transport and to accelerate the greening of the transport sector, while promoting its digitalisation.

NANO-PLUS - Photo/Electro Nanostructured Composites for the Production of H2 and Chemical with High Added Value by Water Splitting and CO2 Reduction

• Project funded by EU – NextGenerationEU - National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) - Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.3
• Cascade Calld: Call published by Research National Council as the Spoke Leader of Spoke 9 of the NEST program - Network 4 Energy Sustainable Transition
• CUP: B53C22004060006 
• Proposer: Ca’ Foscari University of Venice – Department of Molecolar Sciences and Nanosystems
• Partners: University of Trieste; NADIR S.r.l; CHEERS s.r.l.
• Granted Funding: 85.250 €
• UniTS Scientific Referee: prof. Paolo Fornasiero – Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

The Nano-Plus project aims to develop photocatalysts and composite electrodes based on engineered titania and carbon dot (CD) for the production of photo/electrocatalytic hydrogen and high value-added organic products by carbon dioxide reduction. The project will study a series of titania-based catalysts with different morphology, structure and optoelectronic properties, and the application of various types of CD produced from organic waste or atmospheric plasma, in order to identify the best support/CD combination. For the most promising catalysts and electrodes, the scalability of manufacturing processes will be studied to identify a final product that can be produced and tested on a pre-industrial scale. The materials under study are noncritical materials produced through nonenergy-consuming processes with a view to enhancing the sustainability of processes and products. The project also involves intensive dissemination of the results achieved to a wide audience, including specialists in the field, generalist audience, and stakeholders. 

ECONET - Efficient and Reliable Communication Networks

• Project funded by EU – NextGenerationEU - National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) - Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.3
• Cascade Call: Call published by University of Bologna as the Spoke Leader of Spoke 5 “Industrial and Digital Transition Networks” of the RESTART program - RESearch and innovation on future Telecommunications systems and networks, to make Italy more smART - Second Edition
• CUP: J33C22002880001  
• Proposer: Polytechnic University of Marche
• Partners: University of L'Aquila; Università of Trieste; TEKNE S.R.L.
• Granted Funding: 76.906 €
• UniTS Scientific Referee: prof. Francesca Vatta – Department of Engeneering and Architecture

The evolution of next-generation communication networks introduces a series of new challenges in the field of channel coding. Indeed, these networks require not only high reliability but also ultra-low latency, energy efficiency, and high throughput, necessitating a harmonious integration of tasks across various network layers. In response to these needs, the ECONET project aims to develop and evaluate innovative coding and decoding strategies for efficient and reliable communication networks. A particular focus is on the efficient transmission of small data packets, which are vital for Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLCs) and massive Machine Type Communications (mMTCs). This includes improving multi-user communication and synergistic operation between PHY and MAC layers. This project aims to address such challenges by developing innovative solutions for robust data transmission, balancing complexity and energy efficiency. 
The project embraces both theoretical research and software development. This comprehensive approach promises to establish a benchmark in communication technology, addressing both current needs and future demands. 

EMBRACE - Energy-Efficient Methods and Enabling Technologies for Communications, Networking, Infrastructures and Smart Services in Challenging Enviroments

• Project funded by EU – NextGenerationEU - National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) - Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.3
• Cascade Call: Call published by University of Catania as the Spoke Leader of Spoke 6 of SEXTET project of the RESTART program- RESearch and innovation on future Telecommunications systems and networks, to make Italy more smART
• CUP: E63C22002070006 
• Proposer: University of Trento
• Partners: University of Calabria; University of Campania Luigi Vanvitell; University of Palermo; University of Naples Parthenope; University of Pavia; Polytechnic University of Marche; University of Trieste; Applicon Srl
• Granted Funding: 136.484 €
• UniTS Scientific Referee: prof. Fulvio Babich – Department of Engeneering and Architecture

Extreme environments impair communications, networking, sensing and computing tasks, often requiring energy-intensive countermeasures and hardened or redundant hardware. EMBRACE provides smart solutions that reduce energy consumption via adaptive communication techniques, more effective hardware (including batteryless devices), novel communication systems, and novel antenna/sensor technology tailored to extreme environments, including intra-body and underwater sensors.
EMBRACE's consortium brings together all the expertise required to design and optimize hardware, coalesce component systems into more complex laboratory prototypes, design communication systems from antennas up to the networking protocols and related applications, access relevant environments for the technology at hand, and evaluate its performance.
EMBRACE promotes a flexible approach, where the evaluation of the proposed solutions takes place through simulations until the system is ready for deployment on site. A selection of systems is then evaluated via field measurements in challenging environments, according to the requirements of the cascade call.
The partners evenly represent Italy, with the participation of one small-sized company. About 50% of the budget is allocated to southern Italy regions. Moreover, EMBRACE will seek the recruitment of two assistant professors.
EMBRACE's tasks are designed for tight integration into RESTART's SEXTET project, to the benefit of both consortia.

INFINITE - An Integrated and Sustainable Terrestrial/Non-Terrestrial Ecosysem for Anytime/Anywhere 6G Connectivity

• Project funded by EU – NextGenerationEU - National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) - Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.3
• Cascade Call: Call published by Bari Polytechnic as the Spoke Leader of Spoke 2 “Integration of Networks and Services” of the RESTART program - RESearch and innovation on future Telecommunications systems and networks, to make Italy more smART
• CUP: D93C22000910001  
• Proposer: University of Trento
• Partners: University of Parma; University of Genoa; University of Cassino and Southern Lazio; University of Trieste; PICOSATS S.r.l
• Granted Funding: 138.071 €
• UniTS Scientific Referee: prof. Sergio Carrato – Department of Engeneering and Architecture

The recent development of “beyond 5G” wireless networks is going toward new paradigms encompassing heterogeneous segments seamlessly integrated. In such a perspective, a key role will be played by the integration of terrestrial and aerial segments (including Low-Earth-Orbit space segments) in the so-called Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). NTNs would extend connectivity and coverage also in application scenarios characterized by severe availability constraints (Digital Divide, emergency communications, task-force networking). INFINITE project targets the study and in-lab testing of novel techniques for NTN scenarios where the integration among terrestrial and aerial segments is conceived in the framework of an ecosystem, where software-based network design and cloud computing represent the fundamental bricks.
Emphasis will be placed also on the tradeoff between performance optimization and sustainability of the developed technologies to reduce power expense, energy consumption and computational power so to reduce the impact of the proposed NTN ecosystem on the global environmental ecosystem.

SUNRISE - Sustainable Urban Areas by Nature-Based Solutions Implementation to Mitigate Climate Impacts and Achieve a Resilient, Innovative and Smart Enviroment

• Project funded by EU – NextGenerationEU - National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) - Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.3
• Cascade Call: Call published by University of Naples Federico II as the Spoke Leader of Spoke 5 “Metropolitan and Urban Settlements” of the RETURN program - Multi-Risk sciEnce for resilienT commUnities undeR a changiNg climate
• CUP: E63C22002000002  
• Proposer: University of Calabria
• Partners: University of Basilicata; University of Brescia; University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli; University of Catania; University of Messina; University of Naples Parthenope; University of Pavia; University of Trieste; University of Tuscia
• Granted Funding: 23.000 €
• UniTS Scientific Referee: prof. Federico Roman – Department of Engeneering and Architecture

The project is set in the context of drainage networks for the management of meteoric influxes in urban and metropolitan settlements and aims to develop an experimental database and define operational guidelines for the use of NBS (Nature-Based Solutions) to mitigate climate change impacts at the urban scale. 

B-CYCLE - Analysis of the Post Degradation Recovery Potential of Materials of Lithium Ion-Based Electrochemical Storage Systems by Clicking and Subsequent Characterization of Materials

• Project funded by EU – NextGenerationEU - National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) - Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.3
• Cascade Call: Call published by Polytechnic of Turin as the Spoke Leader of Spoke 6 of the NEST program - Network 4 Energy Sustainable Transition
• CUP: C99J24001550008 
• Proposer: University of Trieste
• Sole partner University of Trieste
• Granted Funding: 150.000 €
• Scientific Referee: prof. Vanni Lughi – Department of Engeneering and Architecture

The project focuses on the analysis of the aging of cells and modules for electrochemical energy storage, aiming to analyze and compare the degradation of electrical performance simultaneously with the degradation of the cell materials. A variety of types and chemical variants of lithium-ion-based cells will be subjected to accelerated aging through the application of high temperature and simultaneous charge-discharge cycles. During the aging process, the electrical parameters will be constantly monitored, and various analyses (including impedance spectroscopy) will be conducted to monitor the evolution of system performance. The aged cells will be disassembled at different time intervals and analyzed from the perspective of material degradation, using a broad portfolio of characterization techniques (including optical and SEM microscopy, EDX, XRD, FTIR, and Raman). The data will be used to develop interpretive models of the relationship between material degradation and battery performance degradation, also with the goal of identifying possible improvement strategies in the design of electrochemical storage systems. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the effect of cell degradation on module degradation. Finally, the materials obtained from the disassembly of the cells will be sent to a partner of Spoke 6 as starting material for the investigation, currently underway, of recovery processes. 

IDEM-FLOS - Multimedia Tools for the Identification and Monitoring of Urban Flora and Their Responses to Stress

• Project funded by EU – NextGenerationEU - National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) - Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.4
• Cascade Call: Call published by University of Milan Bicocca as the Spoke Leader of Spoke 5 "Urban biodiversity" of the NBFC program - National Biodiversity Future Center
• CUP: H43C22000530001
• Proposer: University of Trieste
• Partners: Italian Flora Foundation Ets; University of Pisa
• Granted Funding: 170.065 €
• UniTS Scientific Referee: prof. Stefano Martellos – Department of Life Sciences

This proposal aims at the implementation of innovative tools that enable the identification, monitoring, and data collection of urban plant biodiversity, including the involvement of citizenship. The aims are both related to the determination of the effect of anthropogenic and climatic stressors on urban vegetation, dissemination of knowledge on plant biodiversity, and citizen involvement in participatory science activities. 

SAVEMAR - Support to the Activities for the Valorization and Enhancement of Marine Resources 

• Project funded by EU – NextGenerationEU - National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) - Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.4
• Cascade Call: Call published by Reasearch National Council as the Spoke Leader of Spoke 2 “Solutions to reverse marine biodiversity loss and manage marine resources sustainably” of the NBFC program - National Biodiversity Future Center
• CUP: J13C24000290006  
• Proposer: University of Trieste
• Partners: University of Foggia; University of Urbino
• Granted Funding: 1.193.000 €
• UniTS Scientific Referee: prof. Alberto Pallavicini – Department of Life Sciences

The SAVEMAR project aims to integrate advanced techniques in ecological restoration, bioinformatics, and biotechnology to revolutionize the management and recovery of marine ecosystems. The first aspect of the project focuses on the development and implementation of ecological restoration protocols in the marine environment. This aims to restore and protect biodiversity and ecological functions, including the creation of methodologies for the recolonization of key species and the restoration of damaged marine habitats.
In parallel, the project will implement innovative bioinformatics pipelines for metabarcoding of marine vertebrates and microalgae. This approach enables accurate monitoring and detailed analysis of marine biodiversity, essential for assessing the effectiveness of restoration interventions and understanding the dynamics of marine ecosystems.
Finally, the project will explore the development and setup of blue biorefinery processes, using marine biomass as raw material. These processes will be optimized for the extraction of bioactive compounds with potential applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and nutraceutical sectors. The goal is to create a sustainable model that not only helps preserve marine ecosystems but also generates high-value products, thereby promoting a circular economy based on marine biodiversity.
In summary, the project aims to unite environmental science, bioinformatics, and biotechnology to promote a holistic approach to the recovery and sustainable management of marine ecosystems, bringing both ecological and economic benefits.

HYBIO-LR2 - Hybrid Biofuel LR2 - Design of an Aframax LR2 Tanker with Hybrid Propulsion

• Project funded by EU – NextGenerationEU - National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) - Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.4
• Cascade Call: Call published by Research National Council as the Spoke Leader of Spoke 3 “Waterways” of the MOST program - Sustainable Mobility Center
• CUP: B43C22000440001 
• Proposer: Fratelli d’Amico Armatori S.p.a.
• Partners: University of Trieste; Tecnoship S.r.l.
• Granted Funding: 75.250 €
• UniTS Scientific Referee: prof. Vittorio Bucci – Department of Engeneering and Architecture

The purpose of this proposal is the development and validation of a preliminary design for the installation of enabling technologies to reduce environmental impact on board merchant ships, through the use of the latest integrated ship design techniques based on advanced digital tools.
With reference to an Aframax tanker ship, the most promising solutions for the hybridization of the propulsion system (including the use of bio-fuels) and the boosted electrification of on-board systems will be screened. A tool will be developed to collect and analyze data regarding a fleet of ships of the same type as the case study that will be able to calculate all major operational and pollutant emission parameters. These data will be used to validate the choice of technologies that employed in the subsequent preliminary design. The technical documentation of the reference ship will be updated to incorporate the identified solutions, in full compliance with the planned structural, hydrodynamic and regulatory safety requirements. The feasibility of the project will be ensured through the exploitation of modern digital techniques of three-dimensional virtual prototyping capable of simulating accurate models of the ship's spaces and new plant layout. In addition, a careful economic analysis will validate the choices made on the basis of implementation and operational costs for both new components and the necessary international and class certifications, especially with regard to compliance with energy management plans and greenhouse gas emissions trading schemes.
The project will thus enable technical and economic clearance of the integration of the most promising technologies for abatement of air pollutant emissions on one of the most important categories of ships for the global economy. 

TECHCARE - Advanced Technology for Care and Remote Assistance for the Elderly

• Cascade Call: Call published by University of Milan Bicocca as the Spoke Leader of Spoke 2 for industrial research and experimental development activities in collaboration between companies and research organizations of the ANTHEM program - AdvaNced Technologies for Human-centrEd
• CUP: B53C22006670001 
• Proposer: Italia Assistenza SpA
• Partners: University of Trieste; Go2Digital srl; NOVA SALUS Social Cooperative
• Granted Funding: 148.508 €
• UniTS Scientific Referee: prof. Miloš Ajcevic – Department of Engeneering and Architecture

The "TECHCARE - Tecnologia Evoluta per la Cura e l’Assistenza Remota agli Anziani" aims to align with the "ANTHEM: AdvaNced Technologies for Human-centrEd Medicine" initiative of Spoke 2 (Connecting patients and therapists through adaptive environments and intelligent sensors to enhance proximity medicine) by developing a Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) system that ensures continuous care monitoring of elderly citizens and their health status through advanced analysis of data collected from multimodal, environmental, home, and wearable sensors. The proposed solution involves creating a digital platform with an integrated monitoring system based on the integration of various environmental, home-based, and wearable sensors to continuously monitor the elderly person within the home environment and provide information on their behavioral patterns and the regularity of daily activities. Additionally, the development of smart alarms and behavioral models using artificial intelligence techniques is envisaged. 

CRYODESIGN - Development of Calculation Tools for the Design and Management of Cryogenetic Facilities

• Project funded by EU – NextGenerationEU - National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) - Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.3
• Cascade Call: Call published by Polytechnic of Milan as the Spoke Leader of Spoke 5 of the NEST program - Network 4 Energy Sustainable Transition
• CUP: D43C22003090001
• Proposer: Università degli Studi di Trieste
• Sole Partner University of Trieste
• Granted Funding: 159.911 €
• UniTS Scientific Referee: prof. Rodolfo Taccani - Department of Engeneering and Architecture

The use of cryogenic fluids, such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and liquid hydrogen from renewable sources (LH2), is crucial in the decarbonisation pathway, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors and in the energy-intensive transport sector. However, the use of cryogenic fluids still involves significant critical issues: fluid transfer, tank filling, heat loss in systems and the resulting Boil-Off Gas (BOG) can lead to significant fuel loss . A significant contribution to improving these problems can come from the development of numerical simulation models validated by experimental data. Such models and related experimental work are the subject of this project proposal.