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An in-depth look at the many facets of Electro, the Spoke 1 Flagship Project for electric mobility. In the Green Economy Guide published in the Scenari supplement of Il Sole 24 Ore, it is possible to discover the research lines of the Flagship Project, which follow the trajectories of electric mobility with a wide spectrum, in order to cover the widest possible number of the technological needs of the market. The Electro Flagship contains multiple research teams, working on different strategic areas and components of electric vehicles, which together lead to an integrated common proposal, which aims to support the change imposed on the entire supply chain. In fact, research ranges from the development of devices, to new innovative materials, to the study of business models and commercial developments. Electro is coordinated by the Politecnico di Torino, partnering with University of Turin, Links Foundation and the Università di Catania. The article can be found at page 14 at the link below:   Green Economy Guide (ITA)  

On 24 October 2024, the event “Sustainability and Digitalisation in Agro-Industry” was held at the Gran Torre Hotel in Oristano as part of the Roadshow Mezzogiorno. Among the key speakers, Prof. Alberto S. Atzori from the University of Sassari presented the Formidable project, focused on digital innovation in agro-livestock. Dr. Giorgio Todde, an Open Innovation Specialist from the same university, discussed digitalisation and innovation in the primary sector. This was followed by Eng. Lucia Marazzi from the University of Pavia, who explained the cascading funding schemes Spoke6 and 7 under the Mezzogiorno Line.   A roundtable followed, where various companies showcased their innovative projects. Key participants included Iosef Cigagna from Drop S.r.l., who presented the “DAIRY LIFE PRO” project; Giuseppe Diana from C.A.O. Formaggi, who discussed “DIGICAO”; and Marta Polimeno from Agrigeos S.r.l., who presented “SPIDPAP.” Additionally, Emanuele Gosamo and Maurizio Naletto from Primo Principio S.c.a.r.l. introduced “GAINS,” while Sofia Matia Lilli from Agricolus S.r.l. discussed “CEBUS.” Gianluigi Demuro from Studio-A Automazione S.r.l. concluded the session by presenting the “MICENE” project, on behalf of Spoke 7.   The event served as a valuable platform for dialogue among universities, companies, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector. It highlighted how new technologies and sustainability initiatives are transforming the agro-industry in Southern Italy. Following a Q&A session, the event concluded with a networking lunch, providing participants with the opportunity to further explore the topics discussed and establish new collaborations.

On 24 October 2024, the event “Sustainability and Digitalisation in Agro-Industry” was held at the Gran Torre Hotel in Oristano as part of the Roadshow Mezzogiorno. Among the key speakers, Prof. Alberto S. Atzori from the University of Sassari presented the Formidable project, focused on digital innovation in agro-livestock. Dr. Giorgio Todde, an Open Innovation Specialist from the same university, discussed digitalisation and innovation in the primary sector. This was followed by Eng. Lucia Marazzi from the University of Pavia, who explained the cascading funding schemes SP6 and SP7 under the Mezzogiorno Line.   A roundtable followed, where various companies showcased their innovative projects. Key participants included Iosef Cigagna from Drop S.r.l., who presented the “DAIRY LIFE PRO” project; Giuseppe Diana from C.A.O. Formaggi, who discussed “DIGICAO”; and Marta Polimeno from Agrigeos S.r.l., who presented “SPIDPAP.” Additionally, Emanuele Gosamo and Maurizio Naletto from Primo Principio S.c.a.r.l. introduced “GAINS,” while Sofia Matia Lilli from Agricolus S.r.l. discussed “CEBUS.” Gianluigi Demuro from Studio-A Automazione S.r.l. concluded the session by presenting the “MICENE” project.   The event served as a valuable platform for dialogue among universities, companies, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector. It highlighted how new technologies and sustainability initiatives are transforming the agro-industry in Southern Italy. Following a Q&A session, the event concluded with a networking lunch, providing participants with the opportunity to further explore the topics discussed and establish new collaborations.

ERSAF has completed a crucial phase of soil investigations as part of the flagship Spoke6 "VINO" project, aimed at supporting viticulture in the Oltrepò Pavese by creating soil suitability maps in relation to current climatic conditions. These activities, outlined in Task 1.2 "Suitability maps for actual climatic conditions at macro scale," are essential for identifying the region's viticultural potential and guiding agricultural and territorial management decisions.   ERSAF's soil investigations focus on describing a defined number of soil profiles in the mountainous area of the Oltrepò Pavese, with the goal of producing a large-scale map of the region's pedological units. This detailed analysis is fundamental for expanding knowledge of key soil parameters and evaluating the potential for viticultural development in the southern part of the area.   During the spring and summer of 2023, ERSAF conducted a series of preliminary drillings to identify the different soil types in the area. Based on these surveys, a detailed description of the soil profiles was then carried out, allowing the collection of key information on characteristics such as colour, structure, texture, root presence, macropores, and other pedogenetic features. Additionally, mottling due to oxidation-reduction processes and secondary concentrations of carbonates and other minerals were observed.   Between August 2023 and August 2024, 11 soil profiles were described and sampled, with chemical-physical analyses currently underway in the laboratory. These analyses, conducted on samples taken from various horizons of each profile, will provide detailed data that will complement field observations, enabling a more precise understanding of the soils' suitability for viticulture.   The ultimate goal of this study is to support more effective management of the Oltrepò Pavese's viticultural landscape, providing scientific data useful for agricultural planning and soil management. The results of ERSAF's investigations will create a clearer picture of the soil's potential for viticulture in the area, helping inform future decisions for the sustainable development of vineyards in the region.

On 10 October, the first edition of the NODES Academy - Primary Agro-Industry, organised by ComoNEXT, commenced with an initial session held at the Museum of Electrical Engineering at the University of Pavia. The event was attended by NODES researchers interested in developing entrepreneurial skills, with projects and ideas related to the themes of primary agro-industry.   During the first day, the training programme was initiated, including the definition of objectives and the presentation of participants and teams. Additionally, the first lesson on Business Model Canvas (BMC) and Value Proposition Canvas was held, featuring practical exercises. This approach provided participants with the necessary tools to develop innovative business strategies applicable to their research projects and ideas related to the agro-industry sector.   Among the teams of industrial Proof of Concepts (POCs) participating in the NODES Academy under Spoke 6 are projects such as DigiNut, DigiMilk, Demetra, BioRestart, and Sapevo, focused on innovative solutions for sustainability and the digitalisation of agro-industry. Also participating is the team from the WakeUp POC (Spoke 2) and a NODES PhD student working on the flagship project VINO, contributing innovative skills and ideas for the sustainable management of natural resources and the improvement of agro-food supply chains.   The NODES Academy represents an important opportunity to provide researchers with the necessary tools to develop innovative business strategies applicable to their projects related to the primary agro-industry sector.  

The 12 start-ups that will take part in ReAction, the NODES acceleration programme, have been officially selected! Created in cooperation with OGR Torino and Feat. Ventures, ReAction aims to boost the growth of Italian start-ups active mainly in the fields of environmental sustainability and circular economy.   This 7-month intensive course is designed for the most innovative start-ups in the green sector, with the aim of helping them consolidate in the market and reach new heights.   Participating start-ups will benefit from: dedicated mentorship, practical workshops and tailor-made support to accelerate their business development; the opportunity to present itself to a network of international investors; strengthening networking and matchmaking, facilitating connections with experts, professionals, investors and other key stakeholders crucial for growth and access to new capital.

In Novara, a full day divided into four sessions to esplore innovative solutions in the field of regenerative medicine, marked not only by the presence of a large number of young researchers in the audience but also by the participation of international guests.    The academy dedicated to regenerative medicine took place on October 10, 2024, at the ''Gaudenzio Cattaneo'' Auditorium in Novara. The event was organized by professor Francesca Boccafoschi, , full professor of Human Anatomy and Scientific Coordinator of the flagship project ''INNDIANA'' of the Spoke 5 of NODES.  The academy concluded with great satisfaction among participants, confirming the crucial role of advanced training initiatives in the professional development and growth of students, PhD candidates, researchers and professionals in the field, also used in industry.    The initiative provided a unique opportunity to explore innovative solutions in the field of regenerative medicine, with a particular focus on the use of stem cells and their reprogramming, advanced biomaterials, and new therapeutic approaches.  The contributions of experts from prestigious European universities and Italian research institutes enriched the program, offering an international and multisciplinary vision. Thanks to their expertise, the sessions covered topics ranging from the challenges of basic research to clinical applications, fostering discussions on topics of great relevance.    <<Due to the progressive changes in the population, a global phenomenon that is certainly prominent within Italy as well  - stated Professor Boccafoschi -, regenerative medicine has become increasingly important in the last decade, confirmed by the interest in science and research as well as strong market trends from companies operating in the biomedical sector. It was an important day for all of us, not only due to the presence of a large number of young researchers in the audience, who needed to learn about new fields of science application, but also because they had international guests, which have strengthened existing partnerships with UPO and created new ones>>.   The feedback collected from participants highlights the success of the initiative and the added value brought by the highly interactive, in-person sessions. Particular appreciation was given to the focus on attendees' opinions, the quality of the hospitality, and the enthusiasm shown by the speakers, emphasizing the importance of informal discussions between espertx and young researchers. The academy also stimulated suggestions for improving future editions, such as extending the time allocated for debates with the experts.     Watch the video summary of the day: Click here   

New perspectives on Fe(III)-based MRI contrast agents: NODES researcher awarded for innovative research on iron-based contrast agents.   During the ''13th conference on Fast Field Cycling NMR Relaxometry'', held in Palermo from September 10th to 13th, an important award was given to Dr. Alessandro Nucera of the University of Piemonte Orientale, a researcher of the group of Professor Mauro Botta.  His presentation entitled ''Relaxometric investigations of Fe(III)-based complexes as T1-weighted Contrast Agents'', was awarded by the Royal Society of Chemistry as the best oral presentation (RSC Award Under 35). The work, evaluated by an international jury of experts, focuses on the study of Fe (III) complexes as potential paramagnetic probes for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to the commonly used gadolinium complexes. This research is contextualized in the activities of Spoke 5 - Health Industry and Silver Economy and more in detail in the macro-area of innovative and sustainable diagnostics.     

On 27 September 2024, researchers from Spoke 6 of the NODES - Nord Ovest Digitale e Sostenibile project participated in Sharper Night 2024 in Pavia, held at the University’s Central Palace. The event offered the public a valuable opportunity to engage with innovative research focused on environmental sustainability and digital technologies, through interactive experiments aimed at all age groups. The activities presented by the researchers were part of two flagship projects, VINO and Formidabilae, and stood out for their hands-on, engaging approach. Among the experiments presented, the "Memory of plant species" game, created by Vaglia and Ferrari, combined fun and learning to raise awareness of plant biodiversity. Ravazzolo demonstrated the crucial role of soil texture in the natural filtration of water, with his experiment on natural filtration. Brugellis showcased a prototype in development, connected to a moisture and temperature sensor, and demonstrated the functioning of the Volta battery, one of the founding principles of modern technology. Rossi conducted an extraction experiment using shredded vine prunings and water as a solvent, followed by filtration of the extract through a pleated filter. Cusaro led participants on a virtual tour from the vineyard to the Laboratory of Plant Biodiversity and Biosystematics, explaining how research under RM 5, Task 5.5, focuses on the sustainable management of herbicide resistance in weeds. Pasotti, Macovei, and Conti highlighted the potential of low-cost devices for monitoring agro-industrial processes, while Galinetto, Patrin, and Albini demonstrated how portable Raman and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopies can be used to enhance the food supply chain. These experiments and demonstrations provided a practical overview of the research carried out under the VINO and Formidabilae projects, showing how innovative technologies and sustainability can integrate to address environmental challenges. Sharper Night 2024 was a valuable moment of exchange, where the citizens of Pavia had the chance to experience first-hand the innovative solutions proposed by NODES researchers.  

The usual appointment with the Researchers' Night 2024 was held on Friday 27 September 2024 and the University of Insubria, leader of Spoke 3, in collaboration with Confindustria Varese and the City of Busto Arsizio organized a conference entitled: "The textile industry and its culture between past and future". The event, which was held in the conference room of the Textile Museum of Busto Arsizio, brought together researchers and entrepreneurs in the textile field who had the opportunity to discuss the future of this important reality thanks to the use of new technologies aimed at sustainability. Historical, economic and cultural interventions captured the attention of those present; at the end of the conference it was also possible to take a guided tour to discover the museum and its important collection. Numerous initiatives were organized by the other partner universities as part of Spoke 3; the University of Valle d'Aosta and the University of Eastern Piedmont have put their expertise to work by proposing conferences and meetings of various kinds. For example, as regards Valle D'Aosta, the day was characterized by dissemination activities, moments of thematic study and spaces for discussion between researchers and the public, divided into various activities and thematic tables. One of the main tables concerned the Flagship Project TOEP and Spoke 3 NODES, with particular attention to the Lower Valle d'Aosta. In this section, contents and results resulting from the advancement of research within TOEP were presented, with specific attention to the local context. The table proposed prize questionnaires, explanatory slides and paper materials for the presentation of the territory, involving the 80 participants in four rounds of dynamic and interactive presentations. The sessions were led by professors Raimondi, Pioletti and Dr. Favro, who involved the audience with quizzes on the Mentimeter platform, dedicated to various topics related to the Aosta Valley region, such as linguistic aspects, natural and cultural heritage, historical and industrial issues, and local events. The material produced for the event saw the active collaboration of Dr. Pons, Dr. Perri and Dr. Bernabei, who contributed to the development of the contents. A second table, dedicated to Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, allowed us to explore the applications and perspectives of these themes in the context of the TOEP - Spoke 3 NODES project. Prof. Nava, with the collaboration of Dr. Tedeschi, currently visiting abroad, led the two presentation rounds that involved a total of 70 participants. During the sessions, the possible applications of artificial intelligence in ongoing research projects were illustrated, and the activities concluded with an interactive quiz created on the Qualtrics platform, in which visitors actively participated. The University of Eastern Piedmont in Alessandria presented the TOEP project dedicated to encouraging tourism through a user-friendly, responsive app that can exploit user preferences to suggest new experiences through a sophisticated recommendation system based on artificial intelligence. The people present were also able to view the prototype in an advanced state.  

Tanto pubblico in giro per le città dell'Ecosistema alla scoperta dei progetti delle ricercatrici e ricercatori NODES   Venerdì 27 e sabato 28 settembre 2024 si è svolta la Notte della Ricerca in diverse città europee. A Torino, Alessandria, Aosta, Busto Arsizio, Como, Cuneo e Pavia, l'Ecosistema NODES è stato davvero protagonista, offrendo l'opportunità di scoprire i progetti e le innovazioni che lo coinvolgono.   I ricercatori dei sette Spoke dell'Ecosistema hanno partecipato con entusiasmo agli eventi. In ogni città dei vari Atenei partner, hanno mostrato come la scienza e la tecnologia possano contribuire a risolvere sfide globali come il cambiamento climatico, la sostenibilità e la salute pubblica, offrendo a ciascuno un'esperienza unica per entrare in contatto diretto con la scienza e far comprendere il valore della ricerca e il suo impatto sulla società. A Torino, NODES ha distribuito il Passaporto della Ricerca per far giocare il pubblico a esplorare i diversi eventi innovativi portati in scena dalle ricercatrici e ricercatori.  E così i giardini e Palazzo Reale hanno fatto da cornice a un corri corri tra gli stand per completare tutto il percorso composto da diversi eventi innovativi: dall'esplorare la montagna nel metaverso attraverso visori VR per un'esperienza immersiva e interattiva, a scoprire il ruolo della digitalizzazione sostenibile e partecipare a quiz, laboratori e giochi educativi dedicate alle nuove tecnologie.  Leggi gli approfondimenti: Spoke 1 - Aerospazio e mobilità sostenibile | Spoke 2 - Green technologies e industria sostenibile |  Spoke 5 - Industria della salute e silver economy Ad Alessandria, presso il Dipartimento di Scienze e Innovazione Tecnologica, i ricercatori hanno illustrato progetti legati allo sviluppo di integratori alimentari per migliorare la salute di adulti e anziani, oltre a innovativi modelli sperimentali per lo studio delle malattie intestinali. Il pubblico ha potuto partecipare a esperimenti di laboratorio su nuove tecnologie per la cura e rigenerazione dei tessuti, esplorare gli strumenti della telemedicina per l'assistenza dei pazienti fragili e cimentarsi in un gioco interattivo sulla ricerca di farmaci e dei loro bersagli molecolari. Ad Aosta, gli eventi si sono concentrati sulla riscoperta del territorio, attraverso quiz e giochi educativi che permettevano di conoscere meglio i beni culturali e ambientali della regione. Inoltre, sono state organizzate attività legate all'intelligenza artificiale, coinvolgendo il pubblico in una riflessione sul ruolo della tecnologia nel futuro.   A Busto Arsizio, si è tenuto presso la sala conferenze del Museo del Tessile di Busto Arsizio, ricercatori e imprenditori nel campo del tessile  hanno avuto modo di confrontarsi sul futuro dell'industria del tessile grazie all'impiego di nuove tecnologie votate alla sostenibilità. Leggi di più A Cuneo, il Dipartimento di Management "Valter Cantino" ha proposto lezioni interattive su temi di marketing e gestione aziendale, offrendo spunti di riflessione sui cambiamenti del mondo economico. Inoltre, si è ragionato con la cittadinanza di consapevolezza della salute e acquisti alimentari responsabili. Leggi di più A Pavia, l'attenzione si è concentrata sulla sostenibilità e sull'uso di scarti caseari per produrre molecole energetiche attraverso la biologia sintetica. Altre attività pratiche includevano l'uso di microalghe per la produzione di biomassa e la purificazione dell'acqua tramite tecniche di filtrazione naturale. Leggi di più Infine, non sono mancate conferenze e laboratori incentrati su temi di grande rilevanza contemporanea, come la gestione sostenibile dei rifiuti minerali, la produzione di bioplastiche a partire da oli di scarto e la rigenerazione di biomateriali per applicazioni mediche. Ripercorri tutte le iniziative in programma