Press

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.

Ultrasound technologies for non-invasive surgery and the “superfoods” of the future, innovative electromagnets, supercapacitors for electric mobility, and satellite optical communication technologies: the national research body Area Science Park announces the five startups selected as winners of the Deep Tech Revolution call, which allocates a total of €1 million in funding to innovative high-tech business projects. Each selected startup will receive €200,000 in funding, half in cash and half in high-tech services supporting research and development activities — including privileged access to Area Science Park’s advanced infrastructures and laboratories — as well as business growth support services. Deep Tech Revolution is a programme launched by Area Science Park to promote and support frontier research and deep tech innovation, with a focus on four key areas: materials science, advanced digital technologies, green energy value chains, and life sciences. The programme will provide non-repayable funding to five entrepreneurial projects selected from dozens of applications submitted from across Italy. Soundsafe Care (Pisa) develops robotic solutions that use ultrasound technologies for extracorporeal surgical procedures without incisions; Yeastime (Rome) applies ultrasound stimulation to optimise microalgae cultivation, increasing productivity and bioactive compounds for food/feed, nutraceutical and industrial biotech applications; Novac (Modena) develops a supercapacitor for automotive applications that acts as a power reserve for battery packs, integrated into vehicles within a carbon-fibre casing to optimise weight and volume; Magnetic Future (Bologna) develops a new class of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) switches designed to facilitate the adoption of superconducting electromagnets in high-impact sectors such as nuclear fusion, wind energy, space propulsion and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); SatEnlight (Milan) proposes the use of advanced optical technologies to increase the speed, reliability and security of satellite data transmission. « The Deep Tech Revolution programme represents an ambitious challenge within Area’s strategic framework, arising from the convergence of the organisation’s long-standing experience in innovation and venture creation with recently developed scientific research capabilities,” explained Caterina Petrillo, President of Area Science Park, who added: « The initiative supports high-risk ideas and projects which, precisely because of their innovative nature, often encounter difficulties in attracting investors. In this context, the role of Area Science Park as a public research organisation can be crucial in creating the conditions for these initiatives to emerge and grow, absorbing part of the risk that the market is sometimes not yet willing to take on». The programme. The support programme will last twelve months, and its main added value is that the startups leading the funded projects will gain privileged access to Area Science Park’s technological and research infrastructures and laboratories for the first time. The offering includes laboratories for instrumental analysis, structural, cellular and molecular biology — in particular the Genomics and Epigenomics Laboratory and Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste — as well as equipment for analysing nanomaterials and innovative energy materials through the Electron Microscopy Laboratory. It also includes the High Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure with the Data Engineering Laboratory, and the network of demonstrators of the Digital Innovation Hub. The programme will also feature international study visits, allowing participants to connect directly with leading global innovation and research ecosystems through visits to centres of excellence and meetings with experts, entrepreneurs and researchers. In addition, training and capacity-building bootcamps and networking activities will be organised through dedicated events and meetings aimed at fostering collaboration, investment opportunities and strategic growth through connections with key stakeholders. Applications. During the open call period, 187 expressions of interest were submitted by startups, university spin-offs and research groups that registered in order to apply for the call. A total of 80 projects eventually completed the application process, coming from across the country and representing almost three quarters of Italian regions (14 out of 20). Two main hubs stand out: Lazio and Friuli Venezia Giulia, both with 15 projects each. In Lazio, most projects originate from Rome (13), while in Friuli Venezia Giulia they are mainly concentrated in Trieste (8) and Udine (6). In Northern Italy, strong participation came from Emilia-Romagna (10) and Veneto (8) — driven respectively by the university hubs of Bologna (6) and Padua (5) — as well as Lombardy (6, with Milan accounting for 5) and Piedmont (4). Central Italy, beyond the Roman hub, also shows solid participation with Tuscany (8, including 6 from Pisa) and Marche (1). From Southern Italy, 11 projects were submitted, led by Apulia (5, including 4 from Bari) and Abruzzo (3), alongside Campania (2) and Sicily (1). Overall, this geographical distribution reflects a widely distributed ecosystem, combining major metropolitan hubs and regional innovation centres with medium-sized provinces, demonstrating truly widespread participation across the national territory. « We were truly impressed by the quality of the proposals submitted,” commented Pablo Garcia Tello, Head of the EU Projects and Initiatives Development Section at CERN in Geneva, who chaired the evaluation committee responsible for assessing the projects and selecting the five startups awarded the funding. « They demonstrate not only an exceptional level of scientific and technological excellence, but also a strong commitment to translating these results into tangible benefits for society. The initiative appears very solid and promises significant developments in the future». The Startups Soundsafe Care (Pisa) Project: ØSCAR 2.0 – A robotic device for non-invasive tissue mechanical ablation Soundsafe Care is an accredited spin-off of the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa that integrates robotics and ultrasound technologies to redefine surgical standards. The “Zero Scar” (ØSCAR 2.0) project operates in the field of life sciences and advanced medical technologies, focusing on innovation in non-invasive surgery. The company is developing cutting-edge devices capable of performing precise extracorporeal procedures, eliminating the need for surgical incisions while protecting surrounding healthy tissue through localised robot-assisted tumour ablation. For the development of the project, the startup will use chemical and phenotypic characterisation services, the High Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure, and digital business environment analysis services. Yeastime (Roma) Project: US4BIOMA – Ultrasounds for Bioeconomy of Microalgae Based in Rome, Yeastime develops deep-tech solutions aimed at optimising biotechnological production processes through ultrasound stimulation. The US4BIOMA project operates in the life sciences sector by implementing innovative systems for microalgae cultivation. By integrating ultrasound modules into different reactor configurations (phototrophic and heterotrophic), the startup aims to increase biomass productivity and enhance the accumulation of high-value bioactive compounds. These compounds have applications in sectors such as novel food products, animal feed, nutraceuticals and industrial biotechnology. Yeastime will access services including genomics and epigenomics analysis, structural biology, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and digital market analysis. Novac (Modena) Project: SCARF – Structural supercapacitor pack for automotive applications embedded in a reinforced carbon fibre shell Novac is an innovative startup based in Modena active in the research and development of new materials for energy storage. The “SCARF” project aims to optimise a structural supercapacitor designed to be coupled with battery packs in the automotive sector, providing an additional power reserve for vehicles. Novac’s proprietary technology enables the supercapacitor to be integrated directly into a carbon-fibre shell, exploiting vehicle volumes that are typically unused and allowing a reduction in the size of the main battery. The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of scalable production for high-value markets. Services requested include atomic force microscopy (AFM), support in materials science and nanotechnology, and advanced technological analyses related to energy and critical raw materials. Magnetic Future (Bologna) Project: SuperSwitch – Scalable HTS Switching Devices for Efficient Superconducting Power Systems Magnetic Future is a deep-tech spin-off from Mercatorum University and the University of Bologna, established to accelerate the adoption of superconducting electromagnets in high-impact sectors such as nuclear fusion, wind energy, space propulsion and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The project aims to validate a new class of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) switches, essential components for flux pumps, innovative power supply systems that significantly improve the energy efficiency of superconducting magnets. The initiative lies at the frontier of applied superconductivity and power conversion technologies for the energy transition. The startup will benefit from HPC infrastructure and advanced analytical services in the fields of energy, hydrogen and critical raw materials. SatEnlight (Milano) Project: SatEnlight – Unlocking the full potential of Optical Communications SatEnlight, a Milan-based startup at the forefront of terrestrial and satellite communications, proposes the use of advanced optical technologies to increase the speed, reliability and security of data transmission. Thanks to two exclusive patents for an optical reception system based on orbital angular momentum (OAM), the company aims to transform the sector. The technology uses so-called optical vortices to multiplex multiple data channels onto a single laser beam, dramatically increasing bandwidth efficiency. SatEnlight’s mission is to establish a new standard for high-performance space communications. The development programme includes digital business analysis services and access to the High Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure.

The INGenIO project submitted by Area Science Park under the competitive call of the National Programme for Research, Innovation and Competitiveness 2021–2027 of the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) has secured funding of over €21 million. The funding will support the development of an integrated, interoperable and distributed infrastructure for the diagnosis, molecular understanding and identification of personalised therapies for rare diseases—conditions that affect around 30 million people in Europe alone. The project ranked fifth in the merit list, with a score of 96/100. INGenIO (Next-Generation Digital Infrastructure for the Study of Rare Diseases: Target Identification Guided by Multi-Omics & A.I. for Precision Drug Discovery & Delivery) aims to analyse clinical data from patients with rare diseases using Artificial Intelligence techniques designed to enable early diagnosis and identify potential drugs. On the experimental side, the project integrates Area Science Park’s multi-omics and digital technologies with magnetic resonance methods, electron microscopy and advanced preparative techniques available at partner laboratories. By bringing together specialised expertise and equipment across the national territory, the project will cover the entire value chain—from disease study to computational modelling and the synthesis of new drug candidates. INGenIO, coordinated by Area Science Park, builds on the organisation’s experience in designing and implementing research infrastructures focused on life sciences, including the Pathogen Readiness Platform for the CERIC-ERIC Upgrade (PRP@CERIC) for the study of pathogens and the ORFEO data centre. The project relies on a strong partnership including the University of Salerno, the University of Salento, the University of Florence, the CNR – Institute of Materials (IOM), the University of Naples “Federico II”, which brings collaboration with TIGEM, the CERM Magnetic Resonance Centre in Florence, and ENEA in Casaccia. This is complemented by a network of companies—particularly SMEs in Southern Italy—that have already expressed interest in collaborating on the project. The project structure integrates the expertise needed to cover the entire translational research cycle and its links with the industrial system. A distinctive feature of INGenIO, which expands the offering of the European infrastructure CERIC, is the functional integration of specialised laboratories distributed across the country and belonging to two other European research infrastructures, INSTRUCT and METROFOOD. In this way, a portfolio of instruments and expertise unique in Europe is oriented towards achieving a shared scientific objective—ambitious and with a high impact on health and society. “INGenIO’s 100% funding and its high ranking in the national list represent an important achievement for the organisation, which in recent years has focused its activities and investments on developing research infrastructures open to both the scientific community and industry,” said Area Science Park President Prof. Caterina Petrillo. “In particular, the project is an important booster to strengthen and relaunch the development strategies of the Area Sud site in Salerno, where, together with the university, we work on multi-omics characterisation in close synergy with our laboratories in Trieste”.

The Board of Directors of Area Science Park appointed Giorgio Graditi as the new Director General of the national research organization at its board meeting on 17 December 2025. Following a public selection procedure and a thorough evaluation process, the Board, following a proposal by Area Science Park’s president Professor Caterina Petrillo, approved Graditi’s appointment as Director General. Currently Director General of ENEA and a leading figure in the field of research and technological development in the energy sector, Graditi will take office on 1 March 2026 with a five-year mandate. Graditi previously served as Director of ENEA’s Department of Energy Technologies and Renewable Sources and contributed to the development of national and European strategies, projects, and initiatives in the fields of energy, digital and ecological transition, and sustainable development. His current positions include the Presidency of Medener, the association of national agencies for energy efficiency and renewable energy sources in the Mediterranean recognized by the European Commission; the Presidency of SIET (Società Informazioni Esperienze Termoidrauliche S.p.A.), which operates in the nuclear sector; membership of the Board of Directors of the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio; membership of the Board of Directors of the NEST Foundation (Network for Energy Sustainable Transition); membership of the Scientific Board of the Rome Technopole Foundation; and membership – serving as coordinator – of the Scientific Board of the National Energy Technology Cluster.    

With the kick-off meeting that began today and will conclude tomorrow, 27 November, NASCHA – North Adriatic Smart Communities Hydrogen Accelerator is officially launched. The new initiative aims to accelerate the development and adoption of renewable hydrogen-based technologies within the North Adriatic ecosystem. The European project, which will last 36 months, has a total value of approximately EUR 11 million, of which EUR 7.9 million are funded by the I3 – Interregional Innovation Investments Instrument. NASCHA represents the natural evolution and a major extension of the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley (NAHV) initiative, inheriting its vision of an integrated, resilient and interregional hydrogen value chain. It further strengthens this vision through demonstration activities, scalability tools for the proposed solutions, and dedicated acceleration programmes for SMEs. The project, led by Area Science Park, brings together 20 public and private organisations from Italy (mainly Friuli Venezia Giulia), Slovenia and Croatia, representing the entire hydrogen value chain: research institutions, innovative SMEs, large companies, business support organisations, universities and local authorities. NASCHA aims to develop three Smart Communities of Practice and two pilot projects to advance solutions based on new technologies in the green hydrogen sector from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 to TRL 9, making them ready for the market and for investment. In addition to developing three Smart Communities of Practice (SCP) in the cities of Celje, Ajdovščina (Slovenia) and Cres (Croatia)—aimed at demonstrating the effectiveness of green hydrogen applications respectively in in urban areas, sustainable irrigation, and transport and mobility respectively through the integration of innovators, businesses, public administrations and research centres—the project also aims to strengthen the ecosystem for hydrogen production, storage and distribution across the North Adriatic territories. NASCHA indeed integrates and shares knowledge between highly innovative regions and less developed regions in the EU hydrogen value chains, contributing to the European Green Deal, the EU Hydrogen Strategy, and broader decarbonisation goals. “NASCHA contributes to accelerating the energy transition across the North Adriatic”, explains Alberto Soraci, project coordinator. “It aims to strengthen the hydrogen ecosystem by contributing to the European Green Deal. It also reinforces cross-border cooperation and the integration of technologies into key value chains such as transport and urban areas, ensuring long-term impact and enabling the replication of best practices by other regions”. One of the most innovative elements of the initiative is the allocation of dedicated funds for businesses: NASCHA will support at least 20 SMEs through cascade funding (up to EUR 60,000 each) and advanced business acceleration and investor readiness programmes. The project will also develop a set of tools designed to facilitate the adoption of the NASCHA model in other European Hydrogen Valleys, including standardised procedures, know-how for third-party selection, and matchmaking services for investors.   Project partners: Area Science Park (coordinator), META Group, ETRA, Italian Business Angels Network Association, Občina Ajdovščina, STEMwise, META Circularity, CTS H2, Grad CRES, OTRA, RRA PORIN, SIST, ECUBES, Inkubator, PATRIA, University of Zagreb – Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, Energetika, Institut Jožef Stefan, Mestna Občina Celje, INCOM. Co-financed through the I3 Instrument implemented by EISMEA.  

The World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW), promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO), will take place from 18 to 24 November under this year’s theme “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together: Protecting Our Present, Securing Our Future”. The main goal is to raise global awareness of the danger of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – a phenomenon that occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites evolve to resist the effects of medicines, making infections increasingly difficult to treat. In the lead-up to this globally significant event – from health, scientific and social perspectives – Area Science Park organised today in Trieste, in collaboration with the University of Trieste, the International Workshop “Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance: Prevention, Monitoring and Counteraction”. The event focused on prevention, monitoring and counteraction strategies to fight antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The initiative, developed within the PRP@CERIC project and promoted under the patronage of major national and international scientific institutions – including the Ministry of University and Research (MUR), the Italian Society of Microbiology (SIM) and the University of Trieste – the initiative brought together experts from academia, clinical research and industry to discuss the latest studies and innovative solutions aimed at addressing the growing threat of drug-resistant bacteria. In recent years, scientific research has been striving to find effective answers and strategies to stop the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and develop therapies capable of treating infections that no longer respond to traditional treatments. International scientific cooperation remains one of the key factors in tackling what is widely recognised as one of the greatest public health challenges of our time. During the workshop, experts emphasised that monitoring is a cornerstone of the Italian National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (PNCAR). Antimicrobial resistance is an evolutionary and global process responsible for 1.27 million direct deaths and 4.95 million total associated deaths each year – a figure that exceeds the combined totals of tuberculosis and HIV. The ESKAPE group of bacteria (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli), together with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Streptococcus pneumoniae, are currently among the main culprits of the most difficult infections to treat. “The situation regarding antibiotic resistance is highly heterogeneous. In Italy, we are observing growing caution and awareness in the prescription and correct use of antimicrobials — both in human medicine and in livestock farming — but globally, management of the issue remains inconsistent,” said Federica Mantovani of Area Science Park. The World Health Organization and the European Commission have both pointed out that, despite preventive measures, there is still a serious lack of innovation in this field. Of the roughly ninety drugs currently under development, only fifteen are considered truly innovative. It is crucial to intensify research — including basic research — to develop radically new therapies and overcome antibiotic resistance, since continuing to rely on existing therapeutic models will not be sufficient”. To combat the spread of AMR, coordinated action is needed at both international and local levels, based on antibiotic stewardship programmes – promoting the rational and targeted use of antimicrobials – along with continuous epidemiological surveillance and the “One Health” approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. “Antimicrobial resistance is a global phenomenon that requires local action,” highlighted Stefania Stefani of the University of Catania. Its impact varies greatly, with much more severe consequences in Africa, India and the Far East, where there are critical issues in accessing care and new antibiotics. In Italy, for instance, we face high mortality rates due to multidrug-resistant Gram-negative microorganisms. It is a multifactorial problem with no borders. To address it, the One Health approach is essential, recognising that resistance arises equally in humans, animals (livestock) and the environment. We must study the problem in all these contexts, identifying hotspots for resistant microorganisms — such as wastewater treatment facilities — to understand their origins and assess future risks to human health”. A significant portion of the workshop was devoted to presenting innovative therapeutic strategies, including research on human monoclonal antibodies isolated from convalescent patients, capable of preventing and treating bacterial infections and helping to identify new antigens for vaccine development. These advances open up concrete perspectives for countering resistant pathogens and reducing the global public health burden of AMR. “Monoclonal antibodies represent a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics,” explained Claudia Sala of the Biotecnopolo Foundation of Siena, “as they can target only pathogenic bacteria with high specificity, preserving the ‘good’ microbiota that is often harmed by conventional antibiotics. Monoclonal antibodies are already approved for other diseases, such as cancer and autoimmune disorders, where their use is well established. As for antibacterial antibodies, we are still in the discovery phase — and human trials take time, as they must go through multiple stages of testing”. Another promising approach, discussed by Mariagrazia Di Luca of the University of Pisa and the ICGEB, involves the use of bacteriophages, viruses that infect and destroy bacteria, emerging as precision antimicrobials for targeted therapies — for example, in cases of chronic infections. These viruses offer a highly specific solution because they selectively attack pathogenic bacteria while preserving beneficial microbiota. Thanks to scientific advances, researchers can now engineer phage cocktails and derivatives to overcome bacterial resistance mechanisms, with encouraging results already observed against multidrug-resistant pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Nevertheless, significant challenges remain, particularly in terms of regulatory approval and large-scale production. Fighting antimicrobial resistance requires shared commitment and strengthened international cooperation — through the promotion of responsible antibiotic use, improved hygiene and infection prevention (including vaccination), and sustained support for research into new therapies.

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.

Imagine a universal translator that, instead of turning English into Italian, can decode the language of the proteins that make up viruses. Such a “translator” already exists: Artificial Intelligence. And it is reshaping the fight against viral diseases, from pandemic preparedness to the development of treatments. This was the key message from international experts who, today in Trieste, outlined the latest frontiers of computational virology during the workshop “AI in Virology: Leveraging AI to Advance Our Understanding of Viruses”, hosted by the Virology Unit of Area Science Park. For decades, the only way to study a virus was to grow it in the laboratory and observe its behaviour — a slow and costly process. Genetics then opened the door to reading its “instruction book”: the genome. Now AI goes further, learning the “grammar” and “syntax” of proteins — the molecular machines that allow a virus to invade cells and replicate. “New language models for proteins are like artificial brains trained on millions of biological sequences,” explains Giuditta De Lorenzo, virologist at Area Science Park. “From a single sequence of amino acids, they can identify which mutations are possible and which would instead ‘break’ the protein. This makes it possible to predict how a newly discovered virus might evolve — a crucial skill if we want to stay ahead of future pandemics. For example, our upcoming research at Area will focus on the impact of viral infection on the cell: how viruses disrupt its contents. And in collaboration with our Data Engineering Laboratory, we will also work on developing vaccines that are more effective, more stable, and designed to take into account the dynamic behaviour of viral particles   Ultra-rapid vaccines thanks to “Reverse Vaccinology 3.0” One of the most tangible impacts of AI will be on the development of vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. The so-called “Reverse Vaccinology 3.0” uses AI to instantly analyse the structure of viral proteins and identify their “Achilles’ heel” — the precise point at which antibodies can strike. “The huge advantage of Reverse Vaccinology 3.0,” explains Emanuele Andreano of the Biotecnopolo Foundation in Siena, “is the ability to discover antigens for vaccine candidates at unprecedented speed. Thanks to AI, and to advances in human immunology, it is now possible to quickly identify antibodies capable of killing a pathogen and then, from the antibody sequence, determine the target — the antigen on the surface of the virus or bacterium. This leap allows us to skip years of in vivo testing, understanding from the outset what works and what doesn’t. At the Biotecnopolo Foundation in Siena, our most important mission is to develop vaccines and monoclonal antibodies against viruses or bacteria with pandemic potential, such as the case of the monkeypox virus.” However, as noted at the workshop, this immense computing power comes with very high costs. Behind these breakthroughs are supercomputers that consume enormous amounts of energy. The public must be aware that AI, while extremely powerful, is also very expensive and demands significant investment in infrastructure.   A promising future, but one to be governed with caution The ability to read, interpret, and even “imagine” new proteins is not just an opportunity but also a profound responsibility, experts warned. “We must create shared international rules and robust control frameworks to ensure that this extraordinary scientific revolution is used solely for the benefit of humanity,” stresses Alessandro Marcello, virologist at ICGEB. “We have to consider the dual-use potential of AI, which can be very beneficial for medicine and public health, but could also pose risks if it fell into the wrong hands, given how relatively easy it could become to obtain protocols for producing highly pathogenic viruses. We must act synergistically on multiple levels: among AI developers, within the scientific community, and at the legislative level, to establish laws and regulations that, while not stifling research and innovation, protect society from these potential dangers”.

ScaleUp Lab, the capacity-building programme for technology startups promoted by Area Science Park, which aims to support new technology enterprises in developing solid, sustainable business models ready to engage with international investors. From 9 to 12 September 2025, the Summer School —organised as part of the IP4FVG-EDIH project—marks the first step of the programme: four days of intensive training that combine lectures, assessment activities and hands-on workshops. Key topics will range from open innovation to collaborative R&D models, from financial risk assessment to growth strategies, and from analysing to reinventing business models in highly dynamic markets. A significant moment will be the participation of Alexander Osterwalder, internationally recognised as one of the most influential experts in strategic innovation and co-author with Yves Pigneur of the Business Model Canvas. His presence will offer participants practical tools and proven methodologies to address the challenges of high-tech entrepreneurship and increase their chances of success in the global market. ScaleUp Lab is aimed at startups operating in high- and deep-tech sectors. Participants will have the opportunity not only to refine their skills, but also to embark on a path that will continue from September to December 2025. The programme will conclude in Trieste with Pitch Day, in mid-December, when startups will present their projects to investors and industry experts. The IP4FVG-EDIH project is funded by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) – Mission 4, Component 2 (M4C2) – Investment 2.3: “Strengthening and broadening the thematic and territorial scope of technology transfer centres for industry segments”, financed by the European Union – NextGenerationEU. The project aims to encourage the adoption of digital and green technologies by businesses and public administrations.

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.