From our campuses

A new study, supported by the research infrastructure consortium CERIC-ERIC, has found that microplastics – tiny fragments of plastic less than 5 mm in size – have begun to infiltrate even the most remote terrestrial ecosystems on Earth: the uninhabited lands of Antarctica. The research, conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Kentucky, the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia and Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, reveals that while microplastics can be ingested by the Antarctic midge Belgica antarctica, immediate physiological harm appears limited. However, the findings underscore the need for expanded monitoring as human activity and plastic pollution continue to rise globally, even at the most unexpected locations. Plastic pollution has become a defining environmental issue worldwide. Although Antarctica is geographically isolated, previous research has already shown that microplastics can reach the continent through marine transport, atmospheric deposition, tourism, and even scientific operations. However, until now, little was known about how these pollutants affect the tiny soil-dwelling invertebrates that form the foundation of Antarctic land ecosystems. “In our study – explains Nicholas Teets, entomologist at the University of Kentucky and coordinator of the research – we examined both lab-exposed and wild-collected midge larvae, offering the first comprehensive assessment of microplastic ingestion and its physiological impacts in B. antarctica, the continent’s only endemic insect and one of its most abundant terrestrial animals”. In fact, despite their size, Antarctic midges play a crucial role in nutrient recycling and soil ecosystem health: with only a handful of terrestrial animal species inhabiting the continent, any pollutant that threatens these invertebrates could affect the entire food chain. “Thanks to the use of advanced imaging techniques, such as micro–Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy – adds Elisa Bergami, ecologist at University of Modena and Reggio Emilia – we detected for the first time microplastic fragments inside the digestive tracts of wild midge larvae. Although ingestion was rare and detected in fewer than 7% of field-collected individuals, these findings confirm that plastics are reaching Antarctic soils”. Interestingly, when larvae were experimentally exposed to varying concentrations of microplastic beads for 10 days, researchers found neither effect on survival (even at doses far exceeding expected environmental levels) nor detectable change in metabolic rate, suggesting that short-term exposure does not disrupt core physiological processes. “However, we observed a decrease in lipid reserves at high doses, indicating possible impacts on energy metabolism that could have consequences during harsh Antarctic winters” points out Jack Devlin, researcher at the University of Kentucky and first author of the study. “Besides highlighting the advantages to use, in modern entomology, a multidisciplinary approach based on advanced, complementary analytical techniques (as the ones available in Elettra and in the CERIC Consortium) – comments Lisa Vaccari, senior scientist at SISSI-Bio facility of Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste – this work also shows the importance of minimizing contamination from scientific activities themselves, recommending non-invasive techniques such as μ-FTIR imaging as the most reliable method for future assessments”. While the immediate physiological effects on Belgica antarctica appear minimal, the long-term consequences – especially under increasing environmental stress – remain unknown. More in-depth studies are then urgently needed, also to examine possible tissue damage or molecular responses within insects exposed to plastics.   CERIC-ERIC is a European research infrastructure consortium established by the European Commission and the Government of eight Countries in 2014. It offers researchers and industry access to more than 60 experimental analytical and synthesis techniques in advanced research facilities in eight Central and Eastern European countries, and associated institutions. This supports multidisciplinary research down to the micro- and nano-level in the fields of advanced materials, biomaterials and nanotechnology. In CERIC’s facilities, materials can be analysed and their structure investigated by combining techniques based on the use of electrons, ions, neutrons and photons. Access to CERIC’s research services is through international calls for proposals that allow free access to multiple techniques and reward the best projects, provided their results are open and published. In addition, there is commercial access for proprietary research open to companies, and support for technology transfer.

The InterLynk project, funded by the EU and lasting four years, achieved significant milestones in regenerative medicine by developing an integrated platform for the repair of complex tissues, such as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The platform combines advanced biomaterials, computational modelling, and an innovative 3D bioprinting system to create customised scaffolds capable of supporting the regeneration of both hard and soft tissues within a single structure. The project’s main innovations include: New Biomaterials: development of hydrogels and bone inks based on human-derived platelet lysates, rich in growth factors and protected by a patent, which serve as building blocks for the scaffolds Manufacturing Technology: a 3D printing system featuring a new “Print and Cure” printhead and an integrated electrospinning module, enabling real-time material solidification and adding ultrafine fibres to mimic the texture of natural tissues Clinical Approach: the work involved co-creation with surgeons and nearly 200 patients to ensure that the solutions aligned with clinical needs, aiming to bridge the gap in regenerative options that combine hard and soft tissues.   Impact and Future Perspectives InterLynk demonstrates the feasibility of more integrated repair strategies for complex defects, offering the potential for future alternatives to prosthetics, especially in cases such as severe damage to the temporomandibular joint. The work lays the foundations for personalised and clinically relevant solutions with potential applications across a wide range of musculoskeletal defects. Promoscience’s Contribution Among the eight European partners in the project, Promoscience played an important role in enhancing and disseminating the project’s scientific results, drawing on its long-standing experience in communication and digital innovation. As part of the scientific communication activities, it also organised workshops at the International School Trieste to introduce middle-school students to biotechnology and to the outcomes of the InterLynk project.

On October 16, 2025, a delegation from Ljubljana Technology Park visited Area Science Park. The visit aimed to deepen insight into the structure and operations of the science and technology park managed by the national research organization, with the goal of identifying areas of potential partnership and joint initiatives. The Slovenian delegation was welcomed by Andrea Zelco, Director of the Science and Technology Park Management and Development Department at Area Science Park. In his remarks, Zelco provided an overview of the institution’s history—founded in 1978—and its mission to contribute to the knowledge society by building bridges between research and industry while supporting both digital and green transformation. He also shared the park’s vision: to further develop and strengthen its research and technological infrastructures to promote deep-tech innovation rooted in cutting-edge scientific research. The meeting covered a wide range of topics that sparked strong interest among the guests. Following a general introduction to Area Science Park and its main lines of activity, the program included in-depth sessions on several key areas: life sciences initiatives, with a focus on the PRP@Ceric research infrastructure and the Genomics and Epidemiology Laboratory (LAGE); support for the growth of innovative start-ups; the IP4FVG European Digital Innovation Hub; the management and enhancement of services provided to companies located within the park.

Learning about the organization’s research activities and the management of its science and technology park, sharing best practices and creating opportunities for future collaboration were the primary objectives of the visit by a delegation from the Kosovo-based Innovation & Training Park Prizren (ITP Prizren), which took place on October 23. The delegation from ITP Prizren, an organization established in 2019 through a joint initiative between the German federal government and the government of Kosovo, with the direct involvement of the German Federal Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), was composed of the Kosovo park’s top management, GIZ officials for the Balkans, ITP board members representing the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Industry and the Office of the Prime Minister of the Kosovo government, and the Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Pristina. Welcoming the guests was Salvatore La Rosa, Director of the Research and Innovation Division at Area Science Park, along with a large representation of the organization’s members active in various fields, from the science and technology park to start-up development. Topics covered included management practices for campus facilities and operational sustainability, strategies for attracting new tenants and the design of value-added services for tenant companies. Two tenant companies, Idrostudi and Promoscience, also participated in the meeting, sharing their experience at Area Science Park and the opportunities arising from their collaboration with the organization. The meeting was a lively exchange of ideas and experiences, a discussion of the strategies and challenges facing science and technology parks.  

Area Science Park has significantly upgraded the hardware infrastructure and computing power of ORFEO, the Data Center that serves as a cornerstone of the organisation’s research and innovation ecosystem. Supported by the PNRR – Mission 4 “Education and Research”, the Data Center expansion marks a major step forward in computing performance and in the delivery of advanced storage and data management services for scientific applications in numerical simulation and artificial intelligence.   A more powerful and sustainable Data Center The €3 million investment through PNRR funds has enabled the creation of a new 125 kW server room equipped with high-efficiency cooling systems, reducing both the carbon footprint and operational costs. Computing capacity has been enhanced with new servers for simulations and predictive modelling, supported by three AI nodes, each with eight state-of-the-art GPU accelerators. These resources make it possible to train large language models, run computer vision applications, and analyse complex datasets in a fraction of the time. Internal interconnections have been upgraded with ultra-low-latency, high-speed links to ensure smooth data flow even under heavy workloads. Storage capacity has been increased by several petabytes, with the addition of an ultra-fast solid-state memory layer for “hot” datasets, further improving performance and efficiency. “ORFEO represents a strategic investment for Area Science Park, enabling the full operation of the organisation’s research and technological infrastructures,” explained President Caterina Petrillo. “It manages the entire data lifecycle from our genomics and virology research laboratories, materials microscopy, and soon, from the green energy production demonstrator. ORFEO also provides AI and HPC access and services to companies, driving digital transformation and business competitiveness in coordination with the regional data center network. To sustain excellence and the quality of our data science investments, Area Science Park has developed an advanced training programme for young researchers and technologists”.   A key infrastructure for scientific research As the digital core of Area Science Park’s research activities, ORFEO supports advanced projects in artificial intelligence, materials science, computational biology, and genomics. Thanks to its high-performance architecture, the Data Center enables researchers to run complex simulations, train large-scale machine learning models, and analyse massive amounts of scientific data in a reproducible and traceable way. The infrastructure also powers a broad research ecosystem focused on AI model interpretability and the energy sustainability of computational processes. ORFEO hosts automated pipelines integrating high-performance and cloud computing, ensuring data interoperability and faster analysis. Its evolution strengthens collaborations with universities, research institutions, and national and European infrastructures, consolidating Area Science Park’s role as a hub for computational research and digital innovation.   An ally for digital business transformation Beyond supporting scientific research, ORFEO is a strategic asset for enterprises seeking to innovate through high-performance computing and artificial intelligence. Area Science Park provides consulting services, feasibility studies, and Proof of Concept projects to facilitate the adoption of advanced digital solutions—from numerical simulation to data science—within a secure, high-performance environment.   ORFEO is Area Science Park’s high-performance computing and artificial intelligence Data Center, designed to support scientific research and industrial innovation. Established in 2020 to serve the life sciences, it now functions as a cross-sector platform integrating HPC, AI, and big data management. It enables the training of advanced models, digital twin simulations, and FAIR-compliant data repositories linked to the organisation’s experimental laboratories. The infrastructure provides services in Infrastructure, Platform, and Software as a Service (IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS) modes, with ready-to-use environments and tools for data science and HPC. The cluster delivers millions of computing hours annually, is connected to national research backbones (LightNet, GARR), and follows open standards to ensure interoperability and security. Technical management is entrusted to the Data Engineering Laboratory (LADE), which brings together expertise in AI, data engineering, and high-performance computing.

A joint research project carried out by the Institute of Materials Workshop of the National Research Council in Trieste (Cnr-Iom), the Universities of Trieste and Innsbruck, and Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste has synthesised a new crystalline form of diboron trioxide, entirely composed of structural units previously observed only in its vitreous form. Boron oxide is commonly used as a key component in the manufacture of highly resistant glasses such as Pyrex and in enamels: in such industrial processes, it has been demonstrated that the addition of boron oxide significantly improves the glass’s ability to withstand thermal shock and chemical reactions, making it ideal for the most demanding applications. However, the vitrification process of boron oxide is still little understood, and presents anomalies not found in other oxides, such as silica, which exist in both crystalline and amorphous form. “The key distinction between a crystal and a glass lies in the ordered arrangement of atoms in the former, which is absent in the latter,” explains Alessandro Sala, a Cnr-Iom researcher who conceived the project. “Both systems are normally made up of the same structural unit composed of a few atoms, repeated in space. In crystals this ‘building block’ repeats periodically in a geometrically ordered manner, whereas in glass it repeats in a disordered way. Boron is an exception to this rule, since its vitreous phase contains elementary units composed of a ring of three boron atoms and three oxygen atoms, which are not present in the crystal. Today, for the first time, we have succeeded in obtaining a two-dimensional crystalline phase composed exclusively of the ‘building blocks’ present in the vitreous phase”. The research was based on the use of platinum as the base material to obtain this compound and to characterise its main physical properties in detail. The scientific team was able not only to develop the “recipe” for obtaining this material, but also to study its principal physical properties in depth. Maria Peressi, Full Professor at the University of Trieste, comments: “Our numerical simulations indicate that this material, porous by construction, consists of a mesh of boron and oxygen atoms that is extremely flexible, to the point of being the most elastic monoatomic-thickness material ever reported – ten times more so than graphene! This peculiar characteristic is due to the fact that the rigid ‘building blocks’ of which it is made are linked by an oxygen atom that acts as a hinge, around which they can rotate within the plane. Experimental evidence and results from numerical simulations also indicate that this material interacts only very weakly with the platinum substrate on which it is produced, suggesting the possibility of using conventional methods to separate it in order to employ it in innovative devices”. The crystalline structure of the two-dimensional material obtained was then analysed through scanning tunnelling microscopy: “The complementary measurements carried out in Trieste and Innsbruck enabled us to observe the material down to its most fundamental components,” continues Laerte Patera, Professor at the University of Innsbruck. “With the spatial resolution achieved, we are now able to determine the position of each atom within the two-dimensional mesh: in the future we will be able to observe how the atoms rearrange as the material passes from the crystalline form to the disordered form characteristic of glass”. Andrea Locatelli, head of the Nanospectroscopy beamline at Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, concludes: “The use of synchrotron light was crucial to precisely determine the relative abundance of the constituent elements, the absence of contaminants, and the crystallinity of the new material produced. We are already capable of producing homogeneous crystals of this material measuring tens of square microns. The complementarity of the experimental techniques and theoretical simulations employed in this study proved decisive for the success of the entire scientific project. The distinctive characteristics of this new material – a wide band-gap semiconductor, extremely flexible and porous – encourage exploration of its potential use in applications across very different sectors, from electronics to catalysis to quantum technologies”. The first authors of this important work, Teresa Zio and Marco Dirindin, are two PhD students at the University of Trieste, who are brilliantly crowning a path of excellence in advanced training and introduction to research.

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.

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.

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.

It’s not just about the iconic Marmolada Glacier in the Dolomites. In the coming decades, the other glaciers in this mountain range could also shrink dramatically or vanish altogether. This theory is supported for the first time by a study conducted by the Institute of Polar Sciences of the Italian National Research Council (Cnr-Isp), based at Area Science Park, and the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, recently published in the journal The Cryosphere. The Italian Glaciological Committee, the Alpine-Adriatic Meteorological Society, ARPA Veneto, the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, the Technical University of Denmark, the Roma Tre University in Rome and the University of Quebec in Montreal all collaborated in the study. “The Dolomites have been the subject of numerous studies in the fields of geology, geomorphology and biodiversity. However, the glaciers in this region have often remained on the margins of scientific investigation, with the exception of the Marmolada Glacier, the largest in the area”, explains Renato R. Colucci, a researcher at Cnr-Isp and co-author of the paper. “Regardless of the information provided by the two editions of the Italian glacier registers (1962 and 2015), the data available on their evolution over time have so far been extremely fragmented and have often only been qualitative, especially regarding their variations in volume. Our study is the first to present a multi-decade estimate (from the 1980s to 2023) of topographic changes and mass balance of the current mountain glaciers in the Dolomites”. The result was achieved in two steps: for the period from the 1980s to 2010, researchers used the Structure from Motion (SfM) technique applied to historical aerial imagery; from 2010 to 2023, they also used drone (UAV) imagery and helicopter-based LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) acquisitions, which allowed for high-resolution and accuracy. In 2023 – the last year examined in the study – there were 9 glaciers, although the fragmentation of the Marmolada Glacier into four distinct glacial bodies brings the total number to 12. “The total area of these last 12 glaciers has decreased from just over 4 square km in the 1980s to just under 2 square km today – a 56% loss, of which 33% has occurred since 2010,” specifies Andrea Securo, PhD student at the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and co-author of the study. “Overall, we observed an average decrease in the topographic surface of the glaciers of 28,7 metres between 1980 and 2023 – of which 33% between 2010 and 2023. The glacier that suffered the greatest reduction was the Fradusta Glacier, which underwent a decrease in average thickness of 50 metres and an areal reduction of 90%.” The temperature data processed for the study in collaboration with ARPA Veneto is also interesting, showing a rise of +2.0°C over the past 40 years – approximately +0.5°C per decade. At the same time, the data also shows a certain increase in snowfall, but only at high altitudes. The researchers warn that this phenomenon was not enough to compensate for the greater melting caused by increasingly long and always hotter summers. In conclusion, the study highlights that, in the entire area, 66% of the total volume loss is attributable to the Marmolada Glacier alone. “Today, the Dolomite Glacier accumulation areas lie below the alpine glacier equilibrium line, an indicator of the fact that, within a few decades, these glaciers will either disappear completely or become fragmented glacial bodies with no dynamic activity. Unfortunately, their fate appears inevitable, even assuming climate stabilisation based on the average values of the past 30 years (1991–2020),” the authors conclude. Source: CNR (Italian National Research Council)

The Ernesto Illy Foundation’s Master’s course in the Economics and Science of Coffee has reached its 14th edition; it is held in collaboration with illycaffè, the University of Trieste, the University of Udine, SISSA and Area Science Park. This Master’s course is addressed to young graduates in economics, engineering and agricultural sciences; it offers comprehensive training on the biological, agronomic, technological and economic aspects of coffee, from the plant to the final product. There are 25 students in this edition, coming from 18 countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Mexico, Mozambique, Nicaragua and Tanzania. The educational programme includes over 430 hours of lessons, supported by 60 professors. The classes are taught in a blended-learning format. They will begin remotely, and starting in May 2025, they will continue face-to-face, concluding with project work on one of the subjects covered during the course. Again this year, the Friuli Foundation and the CRTrieste Foundation will financially support the Master’s course, with 16 students who will receive scholarships from the Ernesto Illy Foundation: 10 with a full contribution and 6 with a partial contribution. Since its first edition, the Master’s course has involved over 272 students from more than 30 countries, with the aim of training professionals specialised in the coffee sector, capable of adopting an ethical and sustainable approach.