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On September 26, 2025, researchers from the University of Pavia involved in the NODES – North-West Digital and Sustainable project took part in SHARPER Night 2025 in Pavia, held at the University’s Central Building. The event offered an important opportunity for the public to engage with the innovative research carried out within Spoke 2, Spoke 6, and Spoke 7, focused on environmental sustainability and digital technologies, with interactive experiments designed for all age groups.   Several researchers from Spokes 2, 6, and 7 organized experiments at a dedicated project stand. Additionally, researchers working on the FORMINABILÆ Flagship Project organized the exhibition "Cultivating the future: agriculture, energy, community" The exhibition presented a project proposal for the revitalization of Cascina Vialone, a traditional Lombard farmhouse, reimagined as an ideal model for a future farm. Through a process that intertwines theoretical research, architectural design, and comparative analysis, the project envisions an agricultural architecture capable of combining environmental sustainability, energy autonomy, and community values.  

From October 2 to 4 2025, NODES – Nord Ovest Digitale E Sostenibile will take center stage at Expo Osaka 2025, inside the Italy Pavilion hosted by the Ministry of Universities and Research, together with the Politecnico di Torino and MOST – National Center for Sustainable Mobility.    The University, coordinator of the Ecosystem, will showcase the AIRONE project – Aircraft and drones for sustainable civil mobility, a multimedia journey dedicated to the new frontiers of aerospace research and the mobility of the future. Topics presented will include: drones entering everyday mobility, next-generation low-emission aircraft, technologies for supersonic and space flight, as well as satellites and innovative applications improving life on Earth.   On the opening day, October 2, NODES will participate with a keynote by General Manager Chiara Ferroni, who will share the Ecosystem’s vision of innovation as a driver for regional development and the opportunities created by the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan). Her speech will be part of an institutional talk also featuring Mario Vattani (Commissioner General, Italy Expo 2025 Osaka), Stefano Corgnati (Rector, Politecnico di Torino), Alberto Cirio (President, Piedmont Region), Stefano Lo Russo (Mayor of Turin), and Gianmarco Montanari (General Director, MOST).   Participation in Expo Osaka represents a unique opportunity for NODES to enhance its role as a national research and innovation ecosystem and to strengthen international relations with Japan and other global stakeholders. With the contribution of its seven thematic Spokes, NODES promotes an interdisciplinary innovation model that brings together universities, enterprises, and territories.. Its presence at the Expo reaffirms the Ecosystem’s commitment to giving international visibility to the excellence of Northwest Italy and to their impact on the future of mobility, sustainability, and digitalization.  

On Wednesday, 24 September 2025, the Kyoto Room at Environment Park (Turin) hosted SPoClight2 – Ideas in Transition, the IFIB 2025 side event organised by Spoke 2 of NODES – Nord Ovest Digitale e Sostenibile, thanks to close collaboration between Proplast, Environment Park and the University of Turin.   The event represented a new opportunity for discussion between research and industry, with the aim of promoting the results of the Proof of Concept (PoC) developed within Spoke 2 in the fields of green technologies, bioeconomy and sustainable industry.   The afternoon was divided into several key moments: Pitch of Line A projects, in which beneficiaries outlined objectives, results achieved and impacts generated. A thematic round table discussion, which provided an opportunity to share experiences and perspectives on the evolution of sustainable technologies. Presentation of Line B services and overall results of Spoke 2, highlighting the value of technology transfer and opportunities for internationalisation.   The day ended with a networking session, an informal opportunity that encouraged dialogue between businesses, researchers and innovation stakeholders.   With the SPoClight2 event, Spoke 2 reaffirmed its commitment to transforming research into concrete solutions for industry and the local area, charting new paths towards a more sustainable and connected future.

In Turin, an intense weekend of research took shape with UNIGHT – The European Researchers’ Night, which turned the city into a vast open-air laboratory. Over 350 activities animated the Castello del Valentino, the Botanical Garden and many other city spaces with exhibitions, experiments, performances and talks designed to bring everyone – from children to adults – closer to the world of research.   Promoted by the Politecnico di Torino and the University of Turin, with the support of the Municipality and the Region, the initiative highlighted not only scientific achievements but also the everyday work of attempts, obstacles and errors. It was an invitation to see science as a living and imperfect process that grows precisely through its challenges. Within this rich programme, NODES – Nord Ovest Digitale e Sostenibile presented activities that combined innovation, sustainability and participation, through exhibitions, labs and institutional stands.  

September 26–27, 2025 – The European Researchers’ Night returns, an event promoted by the European Commission that brings science to squares, universities, and cities across Europe. This year again, NODES – North-West Digital and Sustainable will be a key player, with researchers from its 7 Spokes present in Turin, Pavia, Como, Busto Arsizio, and Aosta, offering many free and public initiatives.   In Turin – UNIGHT 2025: exhibitions and workshops at Valentino Castle and the Botanical Garden, covering digital communication, health, energy, and smart cities, plus a treasure hunt you won’t want to miss!   In Pavia – SHARPER 2025: experiments, games, and scientific stands dedicated to sustainability, agri-food, biotechnology, and circular economy.   In Como and Busto Arsizio – UNINSUBRIA: NODES projects and PoCs on augmented reality, immersive technologies, and circular economy.   In Aosta – UniVdA: workshops for children and families, lectures, scientific tastings, and sky observations with the Astronomical Observatory. A unique opportunity to get to know the research that is changing our daily lives and to imagine future solutions together. Discover the full program and come visit us!

On Friday, September 19, 2025, the ComoNext Innovation Hub hosted the event "Research for Textiles: Universities and Businesses for Innovation" in the presence of the University of Insubria's scientific community and a large audience of entrepreneurs.   The meeting, promoted as part of the NODES project, was held in collaboration between Spoke 2 - Green Technologies and Sustainable Industries and Spoke 3 - Tourism and Culture Industry. The event was an important opportunity to bring together academia and businesses to strengthen strategic collaborations and stimulate new opportunities in the textile sector.   During the morning, researchers from the University of Insubria and businesses discussed innovative research, ongoing collaborations, funding opportunities, and presented ongoing projects in the textile sector. The presentations by the Insubria coordinators of Spoke 3, Professor Barbara Pozzo, and Spoke 2, Professor Mauro Fasano, were of great interest. They illustrated ongoing projects and the results achieved to date.   The event was attended by over 80 people, who demonstrated great collaboration in seeking to enhance the integration between academic research and the manufacturing sector. The primary objective of the meeting was to strengthen the innovation ecosystem in manufacturing supply chains, specifically the textile sector, with particular attention to sustainability and the green transition, and to enhancing the heritage of excellence for the Nodes region.

Il dott. Giuseppe Cappellano, la prof.ssa Tracey Pirali, la dott.ssa Rita Di Martino ed in collaborazione con la dott.ssa Beatrice Riva e il dott. Luigi Azzarone (ChemiCare) hanno recentemente pubblicato, nella prestigiosa rivista Autoimmunity Reviews, una revisione scientifica dal titolo ''Calcium signaling dysregulation in rhemuatoid arthritis: a comparative perspective with osteoarthritis'' (doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2025.103923).   L'artrite reumatoide (AR) e osteoartrite (OA) sono tra le malattie croniche più diffuse a livello globale, con un impatto significativo sui pazienti e sui sistemi sanitari. Nonostante abbiano un'eziologia e una progressione differenti, le evidenze più recenti indicano che la segnalazione del calcio svolge un ruolo chiave nella patogenesi di entrambe, influenzando numerosi processi cellulari nei tessuti articolari.    Il calcio, infatti, è essenziale per funzioni fondamentali come l'espressione genica, la contrazione muscolare, il ciclo cellulare, la proliferazione, l'apoptosi e la trasmissione sinaptica. Nel contesto delle malattie articolari, uno squilibrio dell'omeostasi del calcio ha conseguenze rilevanti, poiché i processi osteogenici e condrogenici, così come la formazione della matrice extracellulare, dipendono strettamente dai livelli di calcio. In questo processo può essere coinvolto anche il SOCE (Store-Operated Calcium Entry), un meccanismo che regola l'ingresso del calcio nelle cellule e che, se alterato, contribuisce all'infiammazione e al danno articolare.    La revisione propone un'analisi comparativa dei meccanismi di regolazione del calcio in AR e OA, concentrandosi sulle cellule e i tessuti maggiormente coinvolti, e offre una panoramica sulle terapie emergenti che mirano a modulare il matabolismo del calcio.Questi approcci potrebbero aprire nuove prospettive terapeutiche, migliorando le opzioni attualmente disponibili per i pazienti.      Adattata da  Nguyen TD, Abreu H, Tommasi N, Azzarone L, Di Martino RMC, Riva B, Raineri D, Pirali T, Chiocchetti A, Cappellano G. Calcium signaling dysregulation in rheumatoid arthritis: a comparative perspective with osteoarthritis. Autoimmun Rev. 2025 Aug 28;24(12):103923. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2025.103923 

The Venture Booster Program officially kicked off on October 13, 2025. Promoted by NODES – Nord Ovest Digitale E Sostenibile in collaboration with LifeGate Way, the initiative supports startups and entrepreneurial teams committed to the dual digital and ecological transition. Following the public call that closed on October 6, three innovative projects were selected to take part in an intensive, tailor-made acceleration journey running until December 15, 2025:   Altered Materials Biodegradable bio-encapsulation for precision and sustainable agriculture. Agritech, sustainable innovation and scalable technologies using hydrogels and biopolymers to improve fertilizer efficiency and reduce environmental impact.   NAPTER Hybrid nanocarriers for RNA therapies in cardiology, with clinical applications and potential impact on cardiovascular disease treatment. Healthtech, medtech and deep science converge in this frontier project developing targeted RNA delivery systems for post-infarction therapies. New Oil Factory Self-structured oleogels for healthier and more sustainable food formulations, additive-free and low-impact. Foodtech, nutritional innovation and sustainable ingredients designed to replace animal and tropical fats in food products, delivering health and environmental benefits.   A tailor-made journey Each startup is supported by a dedicated tutor and follows a custom acceleration path that includes: Business model development and validation Fundraising and pitch preparation Legal, IP and patent protection Strategic positioning and sustainability The first training session took place on October 15, with a workshop titled “Human Sustainability & Company Culture”, led by Elga Corricelli and Helga Ogliari – a moment of cross-cutting reflection on the human values that guide the growth of sustainable startups.   The initiative is part of the strategic actions of the NODES Ecosystem, funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) under the PNRR – Next Generation EU, with the goal of promoting the emergence and development of innovative, sustainable and interconnected business models. Through the Venture Booster Program, NODES aims to concretely support the growth of high-impact entrepreneurial projects, enhancing the role of the ecosystem as a platform connecting research, business and territories. Learn more Program overview | Launch news      

On september 16, students of Polytechnic High School presented GORSE project, financed by NODES.   GORSE is about reversing mountain depopulation with a digital twin of Desate Village, mapping its past, envisioning its future, and testing sustainable revival strategies by creating an accessible 3D virtual replica that synchronizes real-time data, engages stakeholders, and supports the design of a unique Italian hospitality model, the "Albergo Diffuso", fostering cultural immersion, resilience, and informed strategies for a possible future of Italy’s mountain villages.

The Venture Booster Program kicks off, an initiative by NODES – Nord Ovest Digitale e Sostenibile in collaboration with LifeGate Way, designed to support startups and entrepreneurial teams engaged in the dual digital and ecological transition. The program will select 3 high-potential projects, offering an intensive and tailored path that combines assessments, mentorship, targeted training, and strategic networking with businesses, investors, and stakeholders. The goal is to strengthen the growth potential of emerging companies, facilitate access to new market and investment opportunities, and promote innovative and sustainable business models.   The Venture Booster Program is aimed at both teams with entrepreneurial ideas in development and startups established for less than 6 months, operating in one of NODES' strategic sectors: from aerospace and mobility to green tech and sustainable industry, from culture and tourism to mountain-related projects, from health to agroindustry.   The selected companies will benefit from personalized mentorship and consultancy, with support in business plan development, marketing strategy definition, and financial management. Additionally, they will gain access to strategic networking, with direct connections to businesses, investors, and key professionals, participation in exclusive events, and entry into a global network of contacts and partners.   “With the Venture Booster Program, we aim to provide emerging startups and teams – both within and outside the NODES ecosystem – with a tangible growth opportunity, offering tools, expertise, and connections. It is a concrete example of NODES' mission: to transform research and innovation into value for people and territories” – said Chiara L. G. Ferroni, CEO of NODES.   The Venture Booster Program is thus part of the NODES Ecosystem, funded by the MUR within the framework of the PNRR NextGenEU, as one of the tools dedicated to identifying and strengthening local startups and entrepreneurial teams, offering them a tailored path, access to specialized expertise, and concrete growth opportunities.   Timeline     •    October 6, 2025 – Application deadline     •    October 10, 2025 – Winners announcement     •    October 13, 2025 – Start of the acceleration program     •    December 18, 2025 – Final event and program closure   For more information and to apply, please visit the program page    

The preview transformed the former rice mill of Tenuta Vialone into a living laboratory of exchange between research, agriculture and community. The preview of the exhibition Cultivating the Future: Agriculture, Energy, Community took place on Sunday 7 September 2025 at the former rice mill of Tenuta Vialone in Sant’Alessio con Vialone, during the annual Rice Festival.   Curated by Carlo Berizzi and Nadia Bertolino (AUDe Lab, University of Pavia), the initiative drew over one hundred visitors, including representatives of the agricultural sector, local administrators and citizens interested in exploring how the traditional Lombard farmstead can evolve into an energy and community hub. The exhibition presents the outcomes of Research Module 1 – Formidabilae, with a particular focus on the final phase of the research dedicated to redefining Cascina Vialone as an experimental model of a future-oriented farm, integrating environmental sustainability, energy autonomy and community relations.   Ahead of the guided tour, the roundtable “The Sustainability of the Farm” was opened by Mayor Ivana Maria Cartanì, followed by contributions from Stefano Lamberti (Tenuta Vialone srl), Daniele Campari (Pro Loco Sant’Alessio con Vialone), Carlo Berizzi and Nadia Bertolino (AUDe Lab, University of Pavia), and Norma Anglani (Laboratory of Electrical Energy, University of Pavia). The session was concluded by Marta Sempio, President of Confagricoltura Pavia, who introduced the Spighe Verdi programme promoted by Confagricoltura and FEE Italia. On this occasion, the Municipality of Sant’Alessio con Vialone received the Spighe Verdi 2025 Award, recognising its commitment to sustainable rural practices.   The meeting also featured remarks by Ing. Lucia Marazzi, Head of the Third Mission Office at the University of Pavia, who highlighted the impact of the NODES project on the territory and the strategic role of research within Spoke 6 – Primary Agroindustry.   📍 Following the preview, the exhibition will be open from 23 to 27 September 2025 at the Palazzo del Broletto in Pavia, as part of Sharper Night Pavia. The week will include meetings and public discussions on sustainability, agro-industry and new energy systems.

I Ricercatori di TINCARE presentano i risultati preliminari di INTERCOACH, un programma infermieristico di teleassistenza per migliorare l'autocura dei pazienti con scompenso cardiaco.    Dal 15 al 17 maggio, a Rimini, i Ricercatori del Research Module 1 di TINCARE hanno partecipato al 56° Congresso Nazionale ANMCO presentando un poster dedicato a INTERCOACH, progetto di telenursing rivolto a persone con scompenso cardiaco. L'iniziativa mira a rafforzare l'autocura attraverso un percorso educativo infermieristico a distanza integrato da telemonitoraggio domiciliare dei parametri clinici.  I pazienti coinvolti nel programma hanno mostrato un'elevata accettazione del percorso, con un'adesione consistente ai follow-up telefonici strutturali e un impiego quotidiano degli strumenti quotidiani di telemonitoraggio forniti. I pazienti hanno manifestato un senso di maggiore sicurezza nella gestione quotidiana della loro condizione, segnalando una partecipazione attenta e motivata al programma.    Grazie al monitoraggio a distanza, gli infermieri sono riusciti a identificare tempestivamente potenziali segnali di instabilità clinica, attivando alert in tempo utile. Questo ha consentito un approccio proattivo nella gestione dei casi, facilitando comunicazioni più rapide e mirate con i servizi sanitari territoriali o ospedalieri, quando necessario.  La seduta educativa pre-dimissione e i colloqui telefonici di follow-up hanno favorito l'empowerment del paziente e dei suoi familiari, stimolando consapevolezza sui segnali d'allarme della malattia, sull'importanza dell'aderenza terapeutica e sul valore del coinvolgimento attivo nella gestione dello scompenso cardiaco. 

On June 17 and July 1, students from the Advanced Digital Marketing course (Master’s Degree in Digital Communication) at the University of Pavia, coordinated by Prof. Elisa Conz, presented their projects as part of the Student Challenge promoted by Spoke 6.   Three companies were involved: Azienda Agricola Luca Bonizzoni of Casteggio (honey production), Azienda Agricola Frigerio Anna Maria of Voghera (wine production), and Il Sabbione by Alice Zanaboni, an agricultural and agritourism business in Robecco Pavese. Working in groups, the students developed tailored marketing plans, addressing themes such as digital storytelling, social media, e-commerce, territorial identity, and sustainability strategies.The projects were presented directly to the entrepreneurs, who gave very positive feedback and acknowledged the concrete value of the proposals.   The initiative proved to be an effective bridge between university and enterprise, showing how collaboration with the local area can generate innovative digital solutions. For the students, it was a valuable learning opportunity to apply advanced skills to real-world cases.