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The study, conducted by an interdisciplinary team that included scientists from the research infrastructure consortium CERIC-ERIC, Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) and the Istituto Officina dei Materiali (IOM) of the National Research Council of Italy (IOM-CNR), has been recently published in Nature Communications. In their research, supported by CERIC-ERIC, scientists addressed a critical challenge in the field: adapting highly porous MOF materials into practical, durable, and responsive assemblies for the use in carbon capture and storage technologies, while maintaining their structural integrity and sorption capacity. Carbon neutrality goals aim to mitigate human impact on climate change achieving a balance between carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and its adsorption or sequestration from the atmosphere. Within this context, MOFs, known for their exceptional porosity and tunable chemistry, are among the most promising candidates for future CO₂ mitigation strategies. However, their integration and use have been slowed down by difficulties in fabricating functional, stable forms—especially films or membranes—compatible with industrial systems. In this new study, researchers engineered flexible Zn-based MOF films grown as heteroepitaxial layered structures on substrates. These films incorporate functionalized organic linkers, including photo-switchable molecules like azobenzene, enabling reversible CO₂ capture triggered by light (both ultraviolet and visible). “Our findings show that it is possible to design MOF films that not only operate at near-ambient conditions but can be controlled remotely using light—an appealing strategy for smart and energy-efficient carbon capture, that enables at the same time a non-invasive control over the system,” says principal investigator author Dr Sumea Klokic, who designed the experiment and performed the related measurements in the framework of CERIC-ERIC research and is now scientist at TU Graz. By tailoring linker chemistry, the team has unlocked enhanced flexibility and responsiveness in the Zn-MOF films enabling reversible CO₂ uptake and dynamic structural adaptation at near-ambient conditions. “Using a combination of cutting-edge analytical techniques available in CERIC-ERIC Partner Facilities  — including grazing incidence wide angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS) and infrared spectromicroscopy — we have been able to deeply characterise the reversible, low-energy system we developed, observing molecular-scale interactions and quantifying CO₂ uptake in real time —especially under external stimuli such as light and temperature.” adds Dr Giovanni Birarda, researcher at the beamline SISSI-Bio of Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste. At the SISSI beamline, infrared spectromicroscopy allows researchers to investigate the spatial distribution and molecular dynamics of CO₂ within the MOF films with high chemical specificity and micrometric resolution. Looking ahead, the researchers highlight the need for improved nanoscale imaging techniques – such as the ones that will be developed during the upcoming upgrade of Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste (Elettra 2.0), that will strive to provide complementary synchrotron methods to probe dynamic processes at even smaller length scales – to eventually map the CO₂ distribution within MOF films. Such insights could unlock further application of MOFs besides carbon storage, including gas separation devices, mixed matrix membranes, and environmental sensors.

The Science and Technology Park of Trieste continues to demonstrate its ability to attract, retain, and enhance highly qualified expertise. The latest survey on staff working at the Padriciano and Basovizza campuses of Area Science Park shows a slight increase in employment, with 2,828 personnel (as of December 31, 2024, +28 compared to the previous year). However, the most significant aspect remains the high level of education and specialization among those working in the companies and research centers based there: three-quarters hold either a university degree (48.6%) or a PhD (28.7%). The most represented disciplines are technical and scientific fields, particularly Engineering, Biotechnology, and Computer Science, in line with the Park’s areas of specialization. The annual survey conducted by the Park Development Office involved 50 companies and 8 research centers/institutions, including Area Science Park, which combines scientific activity with the management of the Park itself. Women currently represent 37% of the total workforce, amounting to 1,051 individuals, marking a slight but steady increase compared to the previous two years. The data also show that over half of the personnel—1,667 individuals—are employees, confirming the prevailing contractual stability within the system. The overall picture is completed by 844 external personnel, 234 research fellows, and 73 collaborators, reflecting a complex network of expertise spanning research, training, and technology transfer. As for origin, 64% of the personnel come from Friuli Venezia Giulia, 21% from other Italian regions, and 15% from abroad. In terms of age distribution, 47% of personnel are under 40 years old (21% under 30 and 26% in the 31–40 age group), while 24% are aged 41–50 and 29% are over 51. These figures reflect a balance between experience and new talents, benefiting continuity and generational turnover—key elements for a structured and constantly evolving research and innovation system.

A new strategic Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Area Science Park and AVITHRAPID (Antiviral Therapeutics for Rapid Response Against Pandemic Infectious Diseases consortium) marking a step forward in their capacity to prevent and respond to future infectious disease threats. The agreement formalises a shared commitment to enhance pandemic preparedness through research excellence, antiviral development, and the creation of a long-term, sustainable infrastructure dedicated to Pandemic Preparedness. At the heart of this partnership lies the ambition to promote the 100-Day Response Framework, aimed at identifying clinical candidates against emerging pathogens within 100 days and to contribute to the development of preventive approaches. This response model builds on three key pillars: the rapid characterization of pathogens, the high-throughput screening of compound libraries to explore drug repurposing opportunities, and the acceleration of translational pipelines. Area Science Park, through PRP@CERIC, the infrastructure dedicated to pathogen research, brings advanced technological platforms to the collaboration, as well as preventive approaches and innovative strategies to counter emerging viral infections. Beyond scientific cooperation, the Memorandum opens new avenues for joint funding initiatives at European level, as well as for science communication and public engagement around pandemic response and infectious disease research. These efforts aim to foster a better-informed society and a more resilient healthcare ecosystem. In an age where speed, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing are essential to global health, this new alliance follows Europe’s determination to lead not only in innovation, but also in preparedness.

SECOND CALL: Applications for the course are open again, thanks to the introduction of additional scholarships and new “Auditor” participation option. — Advanced, hands-on training for the next generation of data professionals, delivered in the heart of Trieste’s renowned scientific ecosystem. In today’s data-driven world, the ability to manage, curate, and leverage data effectively is paramount. Both scientific research and industry increasingly demand professionals skilled in making data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR). Furthermore, in today’s AI-driven landscape, mastering data management is absolutely critical to safeguarding the integrity and security of the algorithms we increasingly rely on. The one-year professional course “Master in Data Management and Curation (MDMC)”, a unique joint initiative by Area Science Park and SISSA, is designed to equip you with the advanced, practical skills needed to excel in this critical field. Why Choosing  MDMC? Prestigious partnership: Learn from two leading institutions: Area Science Park, a national public research organisation, which has always been a link between research, innovation and industry, and SISSA, one of the six Italian school of excellence, which is a scientific center of advanced research in mathematics, physics and neuroscience within the national and international academic scene. Both share the scientific objective of doing frontier research in the field of Artificial Intelligence. This unique collaboration offers an unparalleled learning environment. Specialized FAIR & Open Science focus: Gain in-depth expertise in FAIR principles and Open Science methodologies, skills highly sought after by research institutions and funding bodies across Europe. Unique hands-on approach: Go beyond theory with our innovative “FAIR-by-design” methodology. Apply your learning during a six months extensive practical internship within real, cutting-edge research laboratories and companies. Targeted career outcomes: Prepare for in-demand roles like Data Steward, Data Curator, Data Engineer and Research Data Manager, equipped with the practical experience needed in academia, research infrastructures and private data-intensive organizations. MDMC Objectives The Master program is designed to provide with both the theoretical foundation and the practical, hands-on skills essential for managing the entire research data lifecycle effectively and responsibly. Upon successful completion of the Master in Data Management and Curation, you will be able to: Master FAIR Principles & Open Science: Deeply understand and advocate for the principles of Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) data within the broader context of Open Science methodologies and European initiatives like EOSC (European Open Science Cloud), European Commission funders and others.    Implement FAIR-by-Design Workflows: Design, implement, and manage practical “FAIR-by-design” data workflows and pipelines  directly within research environments, ensuring data is managed correctly from collection to publication and beyond. Develop Comprehensive Data Management Plans (DMPs): Create, evaluate, and execute robust Data Management Plans tailored to specific research projects, addressing funder requirements and best practices.    Manage Metadata Effectively: Define, create, enrich, and utilize rich metadata using appropriate standards, schemas, ontologies, and vocabularies to ensure data discoverability and interoperability.    Utilize Data Management Tools & Technologies: Gain practical experience with essential tools, software (including Python for data management ), database systems, data formats, and potentially cloud environments for data acquisition, curation, analysis, and storage.    Curate and Preserve Research Data: Apply best practices for data curation, including data quality assessment , documentation , storage , and long-term preservation strategies using appropriate repositories.    Navigate Legal & Ethical Frameworks: Understand and apply principles related to data protection (e.g., GDPR ), intellectual property, data licensing , and research ethics, particularly when handling sensitive data.    Understand AI Fundamentals and Applications: Grasp the core concepts of Artificial Intelligence and explore its practical applications in various scientific domains, bridging the gap between AI theory and real-world scientific challenges. Perform Foundational Data Analysis: Apply introductory statistical analysis and machine learning concepts to explore and understand research data.    Operate as a Data Steward: Be prepared to act as a skilled Data Steward, Data Engineer or Research Data Manager within research institutions or other data-intensive organizations. This professional course provides the opportunity to acquire robust technical competencies (e.g., in data handling, metadata management, tool usage) that can be applied at various levels, allowing you to tailor your positioning within the Data Steward role based on your career aspirations and the specific needs of the organization. Duration and Modality The MDMC is a full-time 10 months program, which consists of 1500 hours of training activities, corresponding to 60 ECTS credits. Total Duration: 10 months, from September 15, 2025 to June 30, 2026 Teaching Language: English Teaching Mode: In-person, with some remote sessions during the internship period Location of in-presence lectures: Trieste – Area Science Park & SISSA Admission Requirements (Academic Year 2025-2026) Admission to the Master in Data Management and Curation – MDMC – for the Academic Year 2025-2026 requires candidates to hold a Bachelor’s degree (Laurea Triennale) or a Master’s degree (Laurea Magistrale/Specialistica), or an equivalent university degree (e.g., pre-reform Italian Diploma di Laurea). In addition to the degree qualification, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements by the start date of the lessons to effectively follow the program: English language: a good proficiency in English is required (CEFR B2 level or higher), as all lectures and teaching activities will be conducted exclusively in English. Python programming: basic Python programming skills are required, as detailed in the Annex 1. Mathematical skills: minimum mathematical knowledge equivalent to that acquired through university-level Calculus 1 and 2 courses (or equivalent). Statistical skills: basic knowledge of statistics, including elements of probability theory, hypothesis testing techniques, understanding of Bayes’ theorem, and statistical model comparison. Technical equipment: availability and ability to use a personal computer equipped with a functioning Linux operating environment. Applications for the Academic Year 2025-2026 must be completed and submitted exclusively through the dedicated online platform, accessible at the following link: PICA – Master in Data Management and Curation: MDMC. Application Call 2025 – 2026 THE APPLICATION WILL BE OPEN FROM JULY 24TH TO AUGUST 20TH AT 13:00. The online procedure requires uploading the following mandatory documents: Letter of motivation: a document outlining the candidate’s reasons for interest in the MDMC Master and their professional goals (150 – 1500 characters). Identity Document: a copy (front and back) of a valid identity document (ID card or passport). Curriculum Vitae: an updated CV detailing the candidate’s educational background and any professional experience. Participants, fees and fellowships In this second call for the 2025–2026 edition of MDMC, both regular participants and auditors are eligible to apply. Participants For the Academic Year 2025-2026, the Master in Data Management and Curation (MDMC) will admit a maximum of 15 participants.  For participants, the standard tuition fee is € 4,500.00, which includes: attendance to all in-person lectures held in Trieste; participation in a laboratory or internship hosted by one of MDMC’s partner institutions or companies. The participants’ selection process will be based on the evaluation of qualifications (CV, academic background and motivation letter) submitted with the application. The selection committee may also invite candidates for an individual online interview to further assess their preparation, skills, and motivation. At the end of the process, a final ranking of admitted candidates will be established.  External supporters will participate in the participants’ selection, based on the position in this final ranking, the following financial aid packages will be available: Two grants of €4,500 each to cover the full tuition fee for the MDMC program, one of which will be awarded to a candidate holding a Master’s degree (laurea magistrale or specialistica) in Computer Engineering with a minimum grade of 102–103 out of 110; One grant of €4,500 to cover the MDMC tuition fee, in addition to a €3,000 advanced training scholarship; Two grants of €7,500 each, covering the €4,500 tuition fee and including an advanced training scholarship of €3,000, to be primarily awarded to students from institutions within the EFC network, and secondarily to students from national and international universities. Auditors Participation as an auditor is allowed for up to 5 individuals, or more provided that the total number of students (regular participants and auditors) does not exceed 20. The registration fee for auditors is € 2,500, which includes access only to the in-person lectures in Trieste, offered from mid-September to mid-December 2025. Auditorswill not take part in the internship or in the final thesis project. If the total number of students (regular participants and auditors) does not exceed 20, auditors will not be subject to selection. Those who attend at least 70% of the scheduled lectures will receive a certificate of participation listing the courses attended. Fellowships are not available for auditor participants. Ready to Shape the Future of Data? << Apply now!>>   For all information on the program and course content, application procedure, selection, financial aid and fees: download download the official Call (available only in Italian), or the Scientific Program. For further information you can visit the page on the SISSA website, or contact us sending an email to MDMC   The course is part of the NFFA-DI project, which has received financial support from Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), Mission 4 “Education and Research” – Component 2 “From Research to Business” – Investment Line 3.1 “Fund for the implementation of an integrated system of research and innovation infrastructures”, funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.

Ali Hassanali, a Senior Research Scientist at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), has been awarded a Proof of Concept Grant by the European Research Council (ERC) to explore sustainable, skin-safe UV protection using molecules designed with Artificial Intelligence (AI). The project, CUSHOP (Capturing UV Sunlight Using Hydrogen-Bond Networks: Organic Sun Screens for Skin Protection), will combine generative AI and lab experiments to develop new organic molecules that absorb UVA and UVB rays – the two types of UV light responsible for skin damage. These molecules could be integrated into new sunscreen products, thus addressing rising skin-cancer rates and the growing concerns about the harmful impact of current sunscreens ingredients on marine ecosystems. The project will build on the ground-breaking knowledge and expertise recently developed by Hassanali and his group at ICTP as part of the ongoing ERC-funded, five-year project HyBOP (Hydrogen-Bond Networks as Optical Probes). In the years since its launch in 2022, the project has explored how organic molecules – particularly hydrogen-bonded systems – interact with light. The researchers’ deeper understanding of the molecular characteristics involved in UVA and UVB light absorption will be key in the search for new sun-shielding molecules. The funding will support two post-doctoral positions at ICTP and reinforce the Centre’s inhouse computer resources. The in-silico design of macromolecules using generative models will be carried out in close collaboration with AI experts from the Laboratory of Data Engineering of Area Science Park, coordinated by Alberto Cazzaniga. The group will also work in collaboration with Silvia Marchesan and her team at the University of Trieste to synthesise the AI-designed molecules and test their performance when integrated into sunscreen products. The expertise of a consultant from the skin-cosmetics industry will help explore the possible commercialisation of the result. Other institutions in the science and innovation system of the Trieste region, including SISSA, will be involved at different stages of the project. Hassanali’s CUSHOP is one of the 150 projects selected in 2025 by the ERC as part of their Proof of Concept Grants scheme, which supports ERC grantees in the early phases of the commercialisation or societal application of their pioneering research.

The ordinary fund allocated to research bodies and institutions (FOE) for 2025 amounts to approximately €1.5 billion, with an increase of €10 million compared to last year. The Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, has signed the decree allocating €1,485,883,600 for the ordinary operation of public research bodies under the supervision of Ministry of University and Research (MUR). “National research bodies are strategic outposts of knowledge and experimentation,” explains Minister Bernini. “They are essential hubs of expertise and analysis for our country and researchers around the world. This year too, we have increased resources not only for their routinary functioning but – above all – so they can boost extraordinary project initiatives driving innovation.” Within the 2025 FOE, Italy’s contribution to the budget of the Intergovernmental Commission for Scientific Exploration of the Mediterranean Sea (CIESM) has been reactivated. The funding amounts to €365,024 and will allow Italy to regain its right to participate and vote in the organization’s decisions. Italy had lacked an official representative on the CIESM board since 2016. Among the research bodies receiving MUR funds, two have their main headquarters in Trieste: Area Science Park and the National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics (OGS). Area Science Park will receive €34,669,141 this year, compared to €34,433,040 in 2024, thus with an increase of €236,101. “The increase in the ordinary fund allocated to Area Science Park will be dedicated to launching the FUTURA Technology Foresight project, which will focus on analyzing and developing possible scenarios related to the impact of artificial intelligence in the life sciences sector to address the major challenges of the future,” declared President Caterina Petrillo. “The project is part of our strategy to strengthen our research infrastructures, particularly those dedicated to omics sciences and frontier biotechnologies. This is a pilot initiative that could also be applied in the sustainable energy technology sector and in research on new materials, where the use of AI for scientific development and laboratory infrastructure can be optimized through the predictivity of scenarios” Petrillo added. The FUTURA project aims to develop processes and methods for constructing and analyzing possible futures to anticipate technological changes, challenges, and impacts, and to develop a long-term vision that enables present-day actions to target the most desirable scenarios. The remaining available funds, amounting to €40,314,760  – an increase of €472,082 compared to €39,842,678 in 2024 – are allocated to three main funding categories. Among these is the allocation for Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., which will receive €14 million, consistently with 2024. The allocation of FOE resources is based on the multi-year activity plans prepared by the recipient bodies, in line with the guidelines of the National Research Program (PNR). These funds are also intended to support the participation of MUR-affiliated public research bodies in European Research Infrastructure Consortiums (ERICs) or in the projects they carry out.

With the successful launch of the Axiom-4 mission, two cutting-edge experiments from ICGEB New Delhi are now on board the International Space Station (ISS). This marks a major milestone for both ICGEB and Indian space biotechnology research. The first experiment, co-designed by the Metabolic Engineering Group at ICGEB New Delhi under the leadership of Dr. Shashi Kumar and the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi, is a joint collaborative effort under an ISRO-NASA initiative. This project focuses on the behavior of three edible microalgae species (Chlorella sorokiniana-I (CS-I), Parachlorella kessleri-I (PK-I), and Dysmorphococcus globosus-HI (DG-HI)) under microgravity conditions. The objective is to explore their potential in carbon dioxide fixation, oxygen generation, wastewater recycling, and ultimately their viability as a sustainable food and life-support system for astronauts. By simulating long-term spaceflight conditions, this experiment aims to bring us a step closer to self-sustaining life-support solutions for future deep space missions. The second experiment, designed by the Systems Biology for Biofuel Group ICGEB New Delhi led by Dr. Shireesh Srivastava, investigates two strains of Cyanobacteria (Spirulina subsalsa and Synechococcus Sp. PCC11901). This study is a joint initiative of ISRO-ESA (European Space Agency) focusing on the growth of Cyanobacteria using urea as a nitrogen source, thereby examining the possibilities of carbon and nitrogen recycling in closed space environments. Understanding these microbial processes is key in developing efficient bio-regenerative systems crucial for extended human spaceflight and planetary habitation.

On the Italian Research Day in the World, Ambassador Giorgio Marrapodi hosted Professor Caterina Petrillo, President of Area Science Park, in the evocative setting of Palazzo di Venezia in Istanbul. The evening was moderated by Ms. Dilek Bil, Independent Board Member of Aydem Renewable Energy. The event offered an important opportunity to explore topics such as research, innovation, scientific cooperation between Italy and Turkey, and the growing role of female leadership in the world of research. Several themes were addressed, connected to the role of women in science, from the contributions they can give, to the importance of STEM education starting from the earliest school levels. In his remarks, Ambassador Marrapodi emphasized “the importance of scientific research as a natural bridge for dialogue between countries and cultures, as well as an essential tool for tackling major global challenges together.” Before the dialogue with Ms. Dilek Bil, President Petrillo illustrated the activities and strategic objectives of Area Science Park, highlighting the importance of promoting open scientific ecosystems capable of connecting talents, companies, and research institutions in a virtuous network of collaboration and innovation.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation on genetic engineering and biotechnological solutions in support of transforming agrifood systems. The signing ceremony was held as a side event at the FAO Global Agrifood Biotechnologies Conference “Biotechnologies for a Sustainable Future: Driving Agrifood Systems Transformation.” The agreement underscores the Organizations’ communal commitment to fostering innovation, addressing pressing global challenges such as food security and environmental sustainability, and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The collaboration between FAO and ICGEB builds on a shared mission to advance the development and application of genetic engineering and biotechnology in agriculture, with a focus on innovative areas such as bioinoculants, microbiomes, biofertilizers, biopesticides, and biosafety. By combining FAO’s global reach and strategic frameworks with ICGEB’s scientific excellence and advanced research capabilities in the field, the partnership aims to accelerate the uptake of cutting-edge technologies and promote sustainable practices across agrifood systems worldwide. The MoU will emphasize technical collaboration and capacity development in key biotechnological fields. Activities will range from the development of knowledge products and policy briefs to organising joint workshops and technical support missions. Special attention will be given to empowering countries to apply genomics, bioinformatics, and genome editing to improve crop and livestock performance, enhance nutrient use efficiency, and bolster resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses. The collaboration will also explore policy and regulatory aspects of biotechnology and contribute to science-policy dialogue through joint participation in global forums and advocacy events. Through this partnership, FAO and ICGEB will jointly support at least two countries in applying biotechnologies to improve agrifood systems. They will also produce policy briefs on high-priority topics and host events to promote biotechnologies relevant to smallholder agriculture. Capacity development activities will be designed to strengthen the technical skills of FAO Member countries and support the responsible use of biotechnology in alignment with the bioeconomy. Dr. Lawrence Banks, ICGEB Director-General states: “Climate change and the inevitable impacts on food security represent one of the major challenges facing humanity, with populations in the Global South being particularly vulnerable. The partnership with FAO therefore, offers a unique opportunity to meet these challenges and ensure the creation of sustainable and resilient nutritional resources for some of the poorest parts of the world. Biotechnology offers amazing capabilities for enhancing global nutrition, and at a pace that far outstrips traditional agricultural practices. Tackling drought, disease, enhancing crop nutrition ,and crop yields are all within reach through the use of modern Agricultural Biotechnology. Combining the expertise of FAO and ICGEB will ensure that such developments can be attained and owned by populations in all parts of the world, thereby ensuring that no one is left behind. “This partnership with ICGEB reflects our shared commitment to advancing science and innovation in support of sustainable agrifood systems. By combining FAO’s global mandate with ICGEB’s cutting-edge research and technical expertise, we can support countries harness the potential of biotechnologies to address critical challenges in food security, climate resilience, and sustainable development. This collaboration supports the implementation of the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–31, promoting innovation for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind,” said Beth Crawford, FAO Chief Scientist (ad interim). FAO and ICGEB are committed to deepening collaboration, strengthening technical capacities, and promoting innovation for sustainable development. This partnership exemplifies how science-driven alliances can help overcome complex challenges in agriculture, food security, and environmental health. The partnership stands to leverage biotechnological innovations and shared expertise to address critical challenges in food security, environmental health, and sustainable development.

More than forty representatives from Slovenian ministries and national agencies visited Area Science Park to learn about its research infrastructures and main activities in the S&T park in Trieste, as well as to create networking opportunities to foster future collaborations. The visit was part of the joint training activities envisaged under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), promoted by the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency – ARIS, in collaboration with SPIRIT Slovenia, Business Development Agency. The visit took place on June 10 at the Basovizza Campus, where the morning was dedicated to Elettra Sincrotrone and FERMI (Free Electron Laser), scientific infrastructures with an international scope. In the afternoon, participants — divided into three thematic groups according to their scientific and technological interests — had the opportunity to visit Area Science Park’s laboratories and some of the tenant research centers and companies. Three thematic paths were proposed: one focused on Life Sciences, with visits to the Genomics and Epigenomics laboratories of Area Science Park, the National Research Council’s Institute of Materials (IOM-CNR), and the Italian Liver Foundation; a second path was dedicated to Innovative Materials, with  focus on  energy supply chains and advanced materials, involving the company AEP Polymers, and including experiences from the Electron Microscopy laboratories of Area Science Park and IOM-CNR; a third path was dedicated to Digital and Innovation, featuring technological and innovation infrastructures projects of Area Science Park—such as EDIH and the ORFEO Data Center—involving innovative companies such as Dronus, PLUS, and Primo Principio. The visit is part of the broader framework of international collaborations Area Science Park is involved in to promote integration among research systems, technology transfer, and innovation at the European level.

The Annual Briefing of NAHV, the transnational initiative funded by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership through the Horizon Europe program, was held at the Urban Center of Trieste. The FVG Region is one of the institutional partners of the initiative together with the Croatian Ministry for Economy and Sustainable Development (MINGO) and the Slovenian Ministry for Environment and Energy. The second Annual Meeting of the NAHV Consortium hosted almost 100 delegates representing 37 project partners from Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. Jerneja Sedlar, NAHV Coordinator, Head of HSE’s Development and Investment Department, described the progress made in particular at the level of industrial test benches. Overall, 17 ‘Testbed’ industrial projects are being developed in different locations in all three partner countries, supported by a number of cross-cutting actions. In the final year of the NAHV Horizon Europe project, 2029, major industry players from all three countries aim to produce up to 5,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen per year from renewable energy sources, intended for energy storage, distribution and use. It is expected that around 20% of the renewable hydrogen produced will be traded between participating countries, thus creating a primary regional market for hydrogen. The implementation of this ambitious initiative aims to facilitate the uptake of hydrogen-related solutions and enable actors in the emerging hydrogen ecosystem of the Northern Adriatic to independently produce, transmit, store and use renewable hydrogen, as well as promote further adoption in the future. The consortium prepared a comprehensive overview of 17 industrial pilots in the second edition of the NAHV Testbed Catalogue, which is available on the NAHV website.   Training of future professionals and experts   A number of education-related activities were aimed at promoting the training of future professionals and experts in the field of hydrogen technologies with the aim of ensuring interdisciplinary education covering science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as the financial and social aspects of hydrogen technologies. These activities are coordinated by the University of Rijeka with the participation of the Universities of Ljubljana and Trieste and the partners GITONE, ECUBES and META Circularity. The Consortium has started the preparation of vocational training programs with the support of the FVG Regional Administration and the Slovenian and Croatian ministries and other partners, to be financed through the European Social Fund. The development of micro-credentials for professionals in the reskilling and upskilling sector will be launched in the 2025-26 school year in collaboration between the universities involved.   The activities of the Stakeholder Advisory Forum (SAF)   Alberto Soraci from Area Science Park, who is the Coordinator of the Stakeholder Advisory Forum (SAF), briefly presented the purpose and functioning of this body, which aims to involve external partners in the initiative for consultation, implementation support and to seize the potential additional opportunities that emerge through the life of the project. “The preparatory activities conducted by Area Science Park for the launch of the NAHV AISBL, a non-profit association that will be established under Belgian law, have now advanced and are coming to an end,” said Stephen Taylor, strategic coordinator of the NAHV Joint Working Group, a governance body of the NAHV initiative. The objective of the NAHV AISBL is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the initiative’s results and their impact beyond the duration of the NAHV Horizon Europe project. This structure, which is open to NAHV partners and other interested stakeholders, can complement other initiatives as well. After the Northern Adriatic Clean Hydrogen Investment Platform (NACHIP), launched in autumn 2024, two other such initiatives have received funding from the EU, H2Ready and NASCHA. All these projects received support from the NAHV Joint Working Group in the application phase and plan to integrate with the NAHV SPV at the end of their lifecycle. H2Ready is a bilateral Interreg Italy-Slovenia initiative to which 700 thousand euros of funding have been allocated to address the key challenge of the energy transition by involving municipalities in the development and implementation of hydrogen solutions. The project aims to strengthen the involvement of municipalities in the energy transition, leveraging their key potential as intermediaries between energy needs, infrastructure development and social innovation. In a consortium H2READY of 6 partners led by GOLEA, a regional development agency based in Nova Gorica, it integrates the public sector as a key player in ensuring a critical mass demand for hydrogen. The North Adriatic Smart Communities Hydrogen Accelerator (NASCHA), led by Area Science Park , aims to accelerate transnational innovation in the Northern Adriatic hydrogen ecosystem, validating and demonstrating renewable hydrogen technologies in Croatia, Slovenia and Friuli-Venezia Giulia through pilot solutions, improving investor readiness through three Smart Communities of Practice, two pilot projects across hydrogen storage and retail, scalable across communities. NASCHA is based on the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley (NAHV) and NACHIP initiatives, aimed at the value chains of transport and mobility, urban and agricultural areas. Similar to NACHIP, NASCHA received €7.9 million in funding from the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) facility under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), managed by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Photo credit: Mariia Bortiakova

The European project POSIDON PCP (POlluted SIte DecontaminatiON Pre-Commercial Procurement) recently secured the prestigious second place in the “Innovation Procurement Initiative” category at the 2025 European Innovation Procurement Awards, presented by the European Commission. The POSIDON pre-commercial procurement, led by the Port System Authority of the Eastern Adriatic Sea in Trieste, represents a significant and pioneering example of public procurement with tangible impact. Area Science Park played a central role in coordinating the project and its technical-scientific activities related to the procurement procedure for developing innovative decontamination solutions for two complex industrial areas: the Noghere site in Trieste and the Zorrotzaurre peninsula in Bilbao, the latter at the heart of an ambitious urban regeneration plan designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. Acting on behalf of the Municipality of Bilbao and three other key contractors—SPAQUE (Belgium), CEA–City Council of Vitoria Gasteiz (Spain), and Baía do Tejo (Portugal)—the Port Authority of Trieste, supported by project partner and innovation procurement expert Sara Bedin, acquired innovative research and development services through a pre-commercial public procurement. The focus was on in situ soil decontamination at sites heavily contaminated by hydrocarbons and heavy metals. “POSIDON, characterised from its inception as a highly innovative project, is a concrete example of transferring research outcomes to the market with the goal of addressing real needs, such as developing and field-testing innovative technologies for the decontamination of soils in polluted industrial areas,” comments Caterina Petrillo, President of Area Science Park. “The effective collaboration among diverse stakeholders, the scouting of technological and innovative solutions in research laboratories, and the use of pre-commercial public procurement have been key ingredients in the project’s success, making it a European benchmark”. By initiating a competitive process from the earliest stages—conceptual design, initial development, through to large-scale field tests—POSIDON enabled the emergence of new in situ technologies that not only surpass the current state of the art (and have indeed been patented), but are also market-ready or prepared for wide commercial dissemination. In particular, the solutions selected for the field trial phase have demonstrated promising results. The Soil-Omic solution using BIOflushing® technology, already on the market, is an advanced protocol combining biological and physico-chemical treatments, integrating metagenomics with environmental engineering to decontaminate soils and aquifers from organic and inorganic pollutants. Developed by TESECO, BIOflushing utilises specialised hydraulic plants and systems for biostimulation, bio-amplification, and chemical washing of saturated and unsaturated soils. Results have confirmed the effectiveness of the process and dedicated plant in degrading petroleum and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as removing heavy metals from both saturated and unsaturated soils. Erase, developed by the consortium led by HCP ITALIA, is a modular patented solution currently in final refinement and pre-market development, which reduces organic and inorganic pollutants via electrodes and injections. POSIDON has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 776838. The content of this press release reflects only the authors’ view, and the European Research Executive Agency (REA) is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.