Research infrastructures

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.