News

The President of Area Science Park, Professor Caterina Petrillo, took part in the Welcome Day opening the residential period of the Master’s Degree in Coffee Economics and Science – Ernesto Illy, the international program dedicated to the scientific, economic, and sustainable coffee culture, organized by the Ernesto Illy Foundation in collaboration with illycaffè, the University of Trieste, the University of Udine, SISSA, and Area Science Park. The meeting was both an opportunity to welcome the master’s students, who will spend a month in Trieste attending lectures, laboratory sessions, and field activities, and a chance to highlight the network of partners contributing to the quality and uniqueness of the program. Collaboration among universities, research centers, companies, and institutions is what makes the master’s degree a strongly multidisciplinary and international experience. Now in its 15th edition, the master’s degree has trained 294 alumni from more than 40 countries over its previous fourteen editions, including both coffee producers and consumers, creating a global network of professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs united by the goal of promoting a coffee sector that is increasingly sustainable, fair, and excellence-oriented. In her speech, President Petrillo recalled that illycaffè has always combined tradition and innovation, and emphasized how the Master’s Degree in Coffee Economics and Science interprets international cooperation as the sharing of knowledge and technologies for ethical and sustainable growth.

Area Science Park welcomed to its Basovizza Campus an international delegation of 39 students and 3 professors from Leiden University, in the Netherlands. The group is part of the Leidse Biologen Club, the student association bringing together students enrolled in Bachelor’s degree programmes in Biology and Bioinformatics, and the Master’s programmes in Biology. The visit to Trieste is part of an annual study trip that this year also includes the cities of Vienna and Graz. The aim of the club is to allow future biologists to explore new professional opportunities and discover how academic research translates into industrial applications and practical solutions. The students were particularly impressed by the variety of projects developed within the science park, thanks to the presence of multiple companies and laboratories concentrated in one location. Presentations on the activities of Area Science Park, CNR-IOM, and the PRP Platform (Pathogen Readiness Platform), were followed by visits to the Microfabrication, Microsensing and Mechanobiology Laboratory (3M), the Genomics and Epigenomics Laboratory (LAGE), Alifax Research & Development Srl, and the Italian Liver Foundation. “For many students, this was an opportunity to closely observe laboratories and instruments that are usually found only in major international research centres,” said Federico Boscherini, Director of CNR-IOM. “It was a pleasure to welcome students from different scientific backgrounds to the campus and to see their interest in the technologies and infrastructures available here in Basovizza. The campus’s open infrastructures are designed precisely for this purpose: to share expertise, technologies, and advanced research environments with international scientific and educational communities.” The Leidse Biologen Club’s stay in Trieste concluded with excursions to the Grotta Gigante cave and the Val Rosandra nature reserve.

From cosmic rays to the proteins of the future: these are the topics that won over the audience at FameLab Trieste 2026, the international science communication talent competition. The winners of the local selection, held on April 23 in a packed Teatro Miela, are Pietro Monti-Guarnieri (a PhD student in astroparticle physics at the University of Trieste and INFN Trieste) and Roberta Pratolini (a PhD student at the University of Udine), who will both advance to the national final of FameLab Italy. In just three minutes, the 18 contestants transformed complex topics into accessible and engaging stories, demonstrating how science can be clear, surprising, and even entertaining. The evening was hosted by Simone Kodermaz, a physicist, violinist, and winner of the first Trieste edition back in 2013. Third place and the audience award went to Smritirekha Talukdar from the Business Support Unit of Area Science Park, who combined neuroscience and sustainable energy in a brilliant talk on neuroplasticity and possible alternatives to fossil fuels. The event was organized by Immaginario Scientifico, together with the University of Trieste, the University of Udine, SISSA, and the Municipality of Trieste, as part of the “Trieste City of Knowledge” initiative. The competitors were evaluated by a jury composed of Nicola Bressi (Civic Museum of Natural History of Trieste), Vieri Candelise (University of Trieste), Giulia Casasole (SISSA), and Valeria Filì (University of Udine).

The rhythmic beating of the heart may play an unexpected role in protecting it from cancer. An international study, published in Science and coordinated by the Cardiovascular Biology laboratory of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in collaboration with the University of Trieste, demonstrates that the mechanical forces generated by cardiac contraction can significantly slow tumour growth in both mouse and human hearts. The study, entitled “Mechanical load inhibits tumour growth in mouse and human hearts”, highlights a mechanism that has remained largely unexplored: the physical forces acting on the myocardium not only regulate cardiac function but also directly influence the behaviour of tumour cells, limiting their proliferation. The research brought together a broad European network of institutions, including the Medical University of Innsbruck, King’s College London, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Simula Research Laboratory in Oslo, IEO and Centro Cardiologico Monzino, ICGEB and the University of Trieste. This collaboration enabled the combination of experimental biology, clinical investigation, bioengineering and computational modelling. A long-standing clinical observation provided the starting point for the study: primary tumours of the heart are extremely rare, and even metastatic lesions in cardiac tissue are typically smaller than those found in other organs. While this phenomenon is well known in medicine, its underlying mechanisms have remained unclear. Researchers hypothesised that the answer might lie in the unique mechanical environment of the heart, a tissue constantly subjected to contraction, pressure and deformation. To test this, the team, headed by Prof. Serena Zacchigna, employed innovative experimental models. In mouse models, scientists examined what happens when the heart is mechanically “unloaded.” Under reduced mechanical stress, tumour cells proliferated significantly more. In parallel, engineered cardiac tissues developed in the laboratory allowed precise modulation of mechanical load. Across all systems analysed, the findings were consistent: when cardiac tissue beats and generates mechanical load, tumour growth slows; when this mechanical stimulus is reduced, cancer cells resume proliferation. Crucially, the study reveals that the impact of mechanical forces extends beyond the cell surface. The researchers demonstrated that cardiac mechanical load influences internal molecular mechanisms that regulate tumour cell division. This establishes a direct link between the mechanical properties of the cellular microenvironment and epigenetic regulation within cancer cells. “Our findings show that the heart’s pulsation is not merely a physiological function but may act as a natural suppressor of tumour growth,” said Prof. Zacchigna. “This suggests that the cardiac environment is unfavourable to cancer cells not only for immunological or metabolic reasons, but also because its continuous mechanical activity physically constrains their expansion.” Prof. Giulio Pompilio, MD, Scientific Director of the Monzino Cardiological Centre IRCCS, added, “This work was made possible thanks to the collaboration of experts from various fields, ranging from cardiology and oncology to bioengineering and bioinformatics”. An important strength of the study lies in its translational dimension. Results obtained in experimental systems were compared with human cardiac metastases and analysed alongside lesions located in other organs from the same patients. The distinct biological patterns observed in laboratory models were confirmed in human samples, reinforcing the robustness and clinical relevance of the findings. Although the research does not propose an immediate therapeutic application, it opens an entirely new avenue of investigation as to whether mechanical stimuli could, in the future, be harnessed as a therapeutic strategy against cancer. The concept of a “mechanical therapy” remains to be developed, but the principle emerging from this work is clear – physical forces are not merely a passive context for disease; they can act as regulators of tumour growth. A deeper understanding of how cancer cells respond to pressure, movement and mechanical load could shed light on tumour behaviour in other organs and potentially inspire new therapeutic strategies that target not only molecular pathways but also the physical characteristics of tissues. In an increasingly interdisciplinary scientific landscape, this study exemplifies the power of integrating advanced experimentation, human sample analysis, computational modelling and international collaboration to uncover previously unrecognised dimensions of disease biology.

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.  

Synthetic data, digital twin modelling, diagnostic devices, and machine learning: these are some of the topics at the heart of the Trilateral Company Mission organized today by Area Science Park, a partner of the Enterprise Europe Network, together with the Jožef Stefan Institute in Ljubljana (Slovenia) and the STEP RI Technology Park in Rijeka (Croatia). A delegation of around thirty professionals from Italian, Slovenian, and Croatian companies took part in the initiative, gathering to share solutions, experiences, and expertise in the field of artificial intelligence applied to healthcare. The meeting provided an important opportunity to discuss artificial intelligence activities with applications in the health sector, as well as the High-Performance Computing (HPC) services that the Laboratory of Data Engineering of Area Science Park makes available to SMEs. There was also strong participation from companies based in the science and technology park, which took part in the pitching session aimed at fostering mutual acquaintance among participants and promoting the launch of new technical and scientific collaborations.

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.

Area Science Park welcomed 95 students and two professors from the Department of Mathematics and Physics of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) of Trondheim. The delegation visited the campus of Padriciano as part of a programme aimed at gaining deeper insight into the Scientific and Innovation System of Friuli Venezia Giulia. The visit follows a first experience held in March 2024, which was highly appreciated by students and professors of the Norwegian university, encouraging them to return in 2026 with an even larger delegation. During the visit, the students had the opportunity to learn more about some of the scientific and technological excellences of Area: LAME – the Laboratory of Electron Microscopy and LADE – the Laboratory of Data Engineering. Two other realities, located in the science and technology park were presented: Picosats srl, specialised in the development and design of nanosatellites for scientific and technological applications, and ICGEB – the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, whose laboratories they visited. The visit ended with the presentation of the Master in Data Management and Curation (MDMC) and of the Data Center ORFEO. The visit in Area Science Park was part of a three-day stay in Trieste, during which the Norwegian delegation also had the opportunity to learn more about other institutions of excellence of the region, including SISSA, the University of Trieste (UNITS) and ICTP, demonstrating the international appeal of the region’s scientific institutions.