Press releases

Transforming innovative ideas in the field of hydrogen into concrete, financeable and scalable projects: this was the key challenge at the heart of the HE Access to Finance event, hosted at the Zagreb Innovation Centre (ZICER). The meeting brought together companies, innovators, policymakers and financial sector experts, providing an important platform for dialogue on the prospects of the European energy transition. Taking center stage was the North Adriatic Hydrogen Ecosystem, an integrated system involving Croatia, Slovenia and Friuli Venezia Giulia, with Area Science Park as a partner. It is a model of transnational cooperation designed to strengthen the hydrogen value chain and accelerate its industrial-scale deployment, structured around three complementary initiatives: NAHV, NACHIP and NASCHA. NAHV, the EU’s first transnational hydrogen valley, aims to develop a complete value chain; NACHIP serves as a platform for technological maturation and for connecting companies with industrial partners; NASCHA, finally, acts as an accelerator, supporting SMEs in building the capacity to attract investors through pilot projects. Renewable hydrogen is confirmed as a key energy carrier for the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors, long-term energy storage, sustainable mobility and the integration of different energy systems. A representative of the European Commission (DG REGIO) also illustrated the role of the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument, highlighting its potential in supporting SME growth and market access. Particular attention was given to the upcoming NACHIP Open Call, scheduled for September 2026, which will offer companies the opportunity to test, validate and integrate their solutions in real pilot environments. Identified opportunities include the development of renewable energy, industrial decarbonisation, innovation in mobility and the construction of integrated hydrogen value chains. However, several critical issues remain: high costs, regulatory complexity, infrastructural limitations, challenges related to storage, and still insufficient investor involvement. Hence the shared call to strengthen coordination among stakeholders, simplify the regulatory framework and decisively support the technology scaling phase. “By the end of the year,” says Fabrizia Salvi, technologist at Area Science Park, “NASCHA will launch its own cascade funding calls to help fill the remaining gaps along the hydrogen value chain within pilot projects, supporting innovative solutions and strengthening cross-border cooperation in the North Adriatic region. In this context, Area Science Park is actively contributing to the development of a dynamic hydrogen ecosystem through various initiatives, encouraging the adoption of innovative, market-ready technologies and collaboration among the various local stakeholders.” The day concluded with a visit to Patria Composite in Samobor, where participants were able to observe concrete hydrogen storage applications and their role in future energy systems. The HE Access to Finance event cycle will continue in the coming months with stops in Cres (26 May), Sežana and Trieste (in autumn), and Nova Gorica and Gorizia (10–12 November 2026), as part of the broader HE Conference North Adriatic. The sixth edition of the conference, dedicated to the theme “Hydrogen for EU Sovereignty”, will take place on 11 and 12 November 2026 between Nova Gorica and Gorizia.  

The ambitious project Pathogen Readiness Platform for CERIC-ERIC Upgrade – PRP@CERIC has been successfully completed, achieving all its objectives within the strict European timelines and leaving a lasting legacy for the CERIC-ERIC research infrastructure. The project significantly broadens its mission as a centre of excellence for the study of emerging pathogens. The project, worth €41 million, was coordinated by Area Science Park and developed in collaboration with CNR, the University of Naples Federico II, the University of Salerno and the University of Salento. It has created a geographically distributed and integrated ecosystem providing academic and industrial researchers with cutting-edge tools to address challenges posed by human, animal and plant pathogens. Seven key areas of scientific excellence define the new research infrastructure: Pathogen Research, Structural Biology, Advanced Microspectroscopy, Mechanobiology, Multi-omics, Artificial Intelligence and Simulations, and Bioelectronics. This interdisciplinary approach enables the study of pathogens under the most physiologically relevant conditions, from basic research to the development of new drugs and diagnostic systems. Among the most significant outcomes are the upgrading of BSL3 laboratories within the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) for the safe analysis and study of infectious agents, the implementation of innovative automated screening systems, the acquisition of a state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscope, and the strengthening of high-performance computing infrastructures for artificial intelligence applied to computational biology. The project also led to the recruitment of 32 new researchers and technologists, further consolidating Trieste’s position as an international hub for life sciences. “PRP@CERIC has represented a key milestone for Area Science Park in strengthening the organisation’s development strategy in the field of research infrastructures, based on the integration of skills and the systematisation of existing scientific and technological capabilities. The award of the project within the framework of the MUR PNRR funding marked a decisive step in this direction,” said President Caterina Petrillo. “Three years after the launch of the project, this experience has helped redefine the organisation’s mission, now focused on the development of research and technological infrastructures as enabling tools for advanced research and for supporting deep-tech innovation stemming from high-risk research. The medium-term sustainability of PRP@CERIC will be ensured through funding obtained via competitive calls, such as the INGenIO project on rare diseases, and through services offered to industry.” “The research infrastructure also makes a significant contribution to pandemic preparedness and to advancing research in combating antimicrobial resistance, acting as a bridge between biomedical sciences and physical and biophysical disciplines, thus fostering an interdisciplinary approach capable of generating new investigative methods and innovative scientific results,” explained Federica Mantovani, PRP Infrastructure Manager at Area Science Park. “Furthermore, the integration of advanced instrumentation, emerging technologies and artificial intelligence-based approaches enhances our ability to observe, model and interpret complex biological phenomena.” The project has strengthened the strategic role of CERIC-ERIC within the European research infrastructure landscape. The geographically distributed platform represents an innovative model of scientific collaboration, where the complementary expertise of different partners is integrated to deliver a unique service. The multidisciplinary approach adopted enables the challenges of pathogen research to be addressed from a holistic perspective, from molecular characterisation to clinical applications. Designed in accordance with FAIR data principles, the infrastructure will ensure access for the scientific community through CERIC-ERIC and will also provide services to the industrial sector.

Applications are now open for the new edition of the Master in Data Management and Curation (MDMC), a one-year advanced programme promoted by Area Science Park and SISSA. The course is designed to train highly qualified professionals in the management, enhancement and curation of scientific data, based on a FAIR-by-design approach. Developed in collaboration between two leading institutions in the national and international scientific landscape, MDMC is open to ITS diploma holders as well as holders of Bachelor’s, Master’s or equivalent degrees. The programme provides both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in data management and curation, with a strong focus on data quality, integrity and documentation throughout the entire data lifecycle. These competencies are essential to ensure a more reliable, transparent and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, within the broader framework of Open Science and Data Governance practices. The programme runs for approximately 10 months and is entirely delivered in English. It combines intensive in-person teaching in Trieste with a six-month internship at research laboratories and partner organisations, during which participants develop an applied project. The programme is built around the integration of data design, quality, interoperability and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, preparing professionals such as Data Stewards, Data Curators, Data Engineers and Research Data Managers – roles that are increasingly in demand across both academic and industrial sectors. Students will have dedicated access to the ORFEO HPC infrastructure at Area Science Park, including a dedicated virtual machine, storage space and computing resources specifically designed to support hands-on training in data management and data-intensive research. Five scholarships funded by Area Science Park, SISSA and OGS are currently available. These cover the tuition fee and provide an additional €3,000 contribution towards living expenses in Trieste during the in-person teaching period (September–December 2026). Subject to the availability of funding through agreements with external organisations – such as the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, research institutions or private companies – additional financial support, scholarships and awards may be made available and will be announced on the MDMC website. Applications must be submitted via the PICA platform by 1:00 pm (CET) on 30 June 2026. Selection will be based on the evaluation of the applicant’s CV and motivation letter; a short online interview may also be required. Full details on the call, admission requirements and course structure are available in the official call.