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All the news about NODES and its innovation ecosystem: projects, partners, announcements, and events.

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6. Primary agroindustry
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6. Primary agroindustry
Second Edition of the Precision Livestock Farming Course Kicks Off
  On 24 January 2025, the second edition of the advanced training course "Innovations in Precision Livestock Farming with a Sustainability Perspective", organised by Spoke 6, commenced. The 72-hour course will run until 7 March 2025 at the Santa Monica campus of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Cremona.   The 22 participants, primarily from the agro-livestock sector, include feed industry technicians, veterinarians, and consultants for agro-livestock businesses. The programme features thematic modules addressing current challenges faced by agricultural enterprises, with the aim of providing advanced skills in physiology, nutrition and animal welfare, adaptation to climate change, and improvements in economic and environmental sustainability.   During the Spoke 6 Assembly on 27 January 2025, Alessandra Todisco, Director of CAI Nutrizione, shared positive feedback on the course:   "I had the opportunity to see my colleagues apply in their daily work what they had learned just days earlier while attending the course."   The course represents an important opportunity for discussion and professional development for sector specialists, encouraging the adoption of innovative and sustainable practices in precision livestock farming.
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6. Primary agroindustry
A Spoke 6 Assembly full of guests from SMEs
On Monday, January 27th, the University of Pavia successfully hosted the Spoke 6 Assembly online. The event was attended by 50 people, including researchers involved in the flagship projects and Academic PoCs, and staff from some of the SMEs involved.  After a presentation on the state-of-the-art of Spoke, which highlighted how the Spoke has already achieved several KPIs, guests from companies told their “Success Stories” in the framework of NODES Spoke 6.    The 9 “Success Stories” involved: 1) Francesco Biale (Calatroni Vnini) and Elisabetta Tumminelli (University of Pavia – NODES PhD candidate), who talked about the research they are carrying out on the flagship project VINO ("don't waste the waste") and the training course for professionals working in businesses titled “Vegetable Extracts and Health”, held in February 2024 2) Paolo Bazzano (Eco srl) and Graziano Rossi (University of Pavia), who talked about how they are collaborating on the OLIOP project, funded by a NODES cascade call, and about the successful course on frontier olive growing in Oltrepò Pavese, which is part of the training programme for businesses proposed by Spoke 6 3) Paolo Landolfo (ProLogic Inofrmatica) and Simone Allasia (AlpiRobot), who talked about early detection of vine diseases and machines for harvesting plums, describing the status of the projects DIVINE and EVA, respectively, funded by the NODES cascade call 4) Mattia Masseroni (Veronesi-AIA), who is managing the DIGIFARM project on behalf of Azienda Agricole le Colombaie, and spoke about digital and efficient farms 5) Alberto Lasagna (Confagricoltura) and Valentina Vaglia (University of Pavia – NODES researcher), who spoke about the industrial doctorate they are supervising together, to understand how to mitigate the effects of climate change and manage the cultivated areas of Oltrepò Pavese 6) Paolo Monti (Api dei Monti) and Elisa Conz (University of Pavia – head of the Advanced Digital Marketing course), who highlighted the benefits of the Students Challenges organized by Spoke 6 both for local micro-businesses and for the students involved 7) Alessandra Todisco (CAI Nutrizione) and Antonio Gallo (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore), who spoke about the success of the NODES Spoke 6 training courses for companies operating in the livestock sector 8) Sara Lucca and Marina Fabre (ComoNext), who talked about the academies organized within Spoke 6 to introduce researchers to entrepreneurship 9) Nicola Giulietti (University of Pavia), who talked about his new startup RDKore, established following the participation in UNIVENTURE 2023 where he obtained a prize funded by NODES Spoke 6 to finalize his technology The Spoke 6 Assembly proved to be a crucial opportunity to showcase many of the activities carried out so far and those that will take place between now and the end of the project.  Participants also showed a lot of interest for the Spoke 6 NODES Roadshow that will take place in March 2025 in Pavia. Keep following us to know more!
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6. Primary agroindustry
Spoke 6 launches Students Challenges 2025
Yesterday, Spoke 6 presented its Students Challenges 2025 call and the winners of the Students Challenges 2024.   During the event Students Challenges NODES Spoke 6: an opportunity for local SMEs held on Thursday 16 January 2025, at University of Pavia, Spoke 6 presented its second Students Challenges aimed at SMEs operating in Business to Consumer (B2C) in the primary agro-industry sector (micro-small-medium enterprises in the area). The challenges will involve the students of the Advanced Digital Marketing course at the University of Pavia, who will be asked to develep tailored digital marketing plans for the selected companies aiming at improving brand awareness and engagement, focusing on competitiveness at a national and international level.   The finalists and winners of the last edition were then awarded. Between March and June 2024, 117 students of the Advanced Digital Marketing course at the University of Pavia, led by Dr Elisa Conz, divided into groups of 3, worked on tailor-made solutions for the challenges proposed by the three companies Api dei Monti, La Costaiola (Rossetti e Scrivani) and Calatroni Vini, selected by the 2024 call.   In the following, the 2024 winners: Marketing Challenge Api dei Monti FINALISTS •    Arianna Lapenna, Erika Adriomi, Matteo Rossi •    Noemi Pellizzaro, Maria Larovere WINNERS Francesca Bocca, Jana Di Pauli, Susanna Sforza    Marketing Challenge La Costaiola FINALISTS •    Anastasia Bastonero, Martina Catino, Arianna Gervasutti Pietrobon WINNERS Giulia Rossetti, Teresa Orefice, Susanna Sassi Giulia Membri, Michela Pisanello, Matteo Rossi   Marketing Challenge Calatroni  FINALISTS •    Alessia Paola Di Bello, Martina Lucchiari, Stefania Daffonchio •    Dylan Bettoni, Maryam Aboumar, Nicole Vinelli WINNERS Erica Dornetti, Domenica Fontana, Alessandra Onofri   The 2024 challenges were a success. Companies were happy with the presented solutions. The winning group of the challenge proposed by the Calatroni Vini company was offered an internship by the company itself, while Paolo Monti of Api dei Monti commented: “For a small company like ours, this initiative has proven to be extremely helpful. We have opened our doors to 35 students in the past months. The winning group has proposed such a complete and valuable digital marketing plan, that we will continue the collaboration in order to put it into practice”.    Congratulations to all the companies that participated in the NODES Spoke 6 Students Challenges 2024 and to the winning students!   Present your challenge to the Advanced Digital Marketing students of the University of Pavia!  Just fill out a short Challenge Proposal and send it to servizi_imprese_nodes_spoke6@unipv.it by February 18, 2025.  Further information is available on the call page.
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6. Primary agroindustry
The DEMETRA Project Presented at the EIMA 2024 International Fair
The DEMETRA academic POC, a system designed to train agricultural operators in a virtual reality environment, was presented at the EIMA 2024 international fair at the stand of Pellenc Italia. Pellenc, a partner company, provided the 3D model of the pruning shears used in the simulation.   During the event, visitors were able to test a demo of the immersive platform, discovering its potential to revolutionise training in the agro-industrial sector. The activity facilitated discussions with industry specialists, allowing the collection of valuable feedback for improving the technology and initiating new contacts with companies interested in implementing the system for their business.   Coordinated by Prof. Carnevale of the University of Pavia, the DEMETRA project aims to implement simulation and training solutions in the primary agro-industrial sector. These solutions overcome the temporal limitations typical of agriculture—such as seasons, day-night cycles, and weather conditions—freeing agricultural learning processes from seasonal dependency.
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6. Primary agroindustry
Call for abstracts: Soil management practices and land degradation in vineyards (EGU 2025)
As part of the General Assembly of the European Geosciences Union (EGU), which will take place in Vienna from 27 April to 2 May 2025, abstracts are now being accepted for the session titled “Soil Management Practices and Land Degradation in Vineyards.” This session, aligned with the flagship VINO project, focuses on the impact of agricultural practices on soil degradation in hillside vineyards, addressing key issues such as erosion, shallow landslides, soil compaction, and organic matter loss. Advanced technologies, including remote sensing, field and laboratory measurements, predictive modelling, and mitigation strategies, will be presented to monitor and tackle these challenges. The session aims to foster dialogue among experts on innovative and traditional approaches to sustainable soil management. Contributions are invited on the following topics:   Remote sensing techniques and field measurements to monitor the effects of agricultural practices on soil; Implementation, parameterisation, and uncertainty management in predictive models; Simulation of the effects of climate change and soil management practices; Innovative mitigation measures to support farmers and policymakers in combating soil degradation and promoting sustainability.   This initiative seeks to integrate science, technology, and agricultural practices to develop effective and sustainable strategies for hillside vineyards.   The call for abstracts is open until 15 January 2025. Further information is available at: Session SSS9.7.   Conveners: Claudia Meisina, Jantiene Baartman, Mihai Niculita, Alessia Giarola  
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6. Primary agroindustry
"Incontri con la Scienza": Prof. Graziano Rossi discusses the VINO Project on Corriere TV
During the Incontri con la Scienza event, organised by Fondazione LGH in collaboration with Corriere della Sera, Prof. Graziano Rossi presented the PNRR NODES VINO project, focusing on adapting agricultural crops to climate change. He emphasised the critical role of agricultural innovation in supporting biodiversity and fostering crop resilience amidst resource constraints, highlighting its strategic importance in tackling environmental and climatic challenges.   The Incontri con la Scienza series promotes dialogue on scientific innovation and sustainability. The Pavia event on 8 November 2024, held at Collegio Borromeo, featured discussions on technology, renewable energy, and climate change.   Rossi's talk can be viewed from 1:05 here.
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6. Primary agroindustry
Pavia researchers from Spoke 6 engage with the University of Aachen delegation to discuss innovation in the primary agro-industrial sector.
On October 29th, a delegation from the University of Aachen and the BioeconomyREVIER cluster visited Pavia as part of the NODES project, strengthening collaboration between European academic and research institutions. Researchers from Spoke 6 participated in discussions on sustainable energy, innovative biosensors, and agricultural strategies.   Norma Anglani from the Department of Industrial and Information Engineering presented on developing agricultural energy hubs, focusing on microgrids to optimize energy consumption in farms, as part of the RM1 project under the flagship initiative "Formidabile." Lorenzo Pasotti and Michele Conti from the Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture showcased biosensors engineered from living materials using 3D bioprinting, useful for monitoring agro-industrial processes.  Graziano Rossi from the Department of Earth Sciences and Environment discussed vineyard management strategies in the face of climate change, suggesting alternative crops like olives and hazelnuts. The delegation also visited the Germplasm Bank at the Botanical Garden, guided by Francesco Ferrari, to explore genetic resource conservation. In the afternoon, Pietro Galinetto and Maddelena Patrini from the Department of Physics introduced advanced optical sensing methods for vineyard management. Daniela Rossi presented techniques for extracting biologically active compounds from viticultural waste, with applications in sectors such as medicine and cosmetics.   The meeting reinforced dialogue between Pavia and Aachen, highlighting the importance of innovative solutions for sustainability in the primary agro-industrial sector.
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6. Primary agroindustry
Roadshow Mezzogiorno: Experts and Companies Gather in Oristano to Discuss Digitalisation and Innovative Projects in the Agro-Industry Sector
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.
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6. Primary agroindustry
ERSAF: New Soil Maps for the Future of Viticulture in the Oltrepò Pavese
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.
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6. Primary agroindustry
Entrepreneurship and Primary Agro-Industry: the launch of the NODES Academy of Spoke 6
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.  
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6. Primary agroindustry
Spoke 6 researchers present NODES to Pavia citizens at Sharper Night 2024
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.  
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6. Primary agroindustry
The event organized by Spoke 6 on the occasion of the G7 Agriculture in Syracuse was a success!
On September 26, 2024, at the National Institute of Ancient Drama in Syracuse, the University of Pavia organized the event “Responsible production and consumption from fields to tables”, as part of the initiatives of the G7 Agriculture. Coordinated by Carola Ricci, Aldo Piccone and Anna Facchinetti, the meeting attracted the interest of the public and industry professionals, generating numerous questions and constructive debates.   The event focused on crucial issues such as agricultural and food sustainability, presenting the intermediate results of the ONFOODS and NODES research projects, funded by the PNRR. Valentina Vaglia discussed solutions for climate mitigation in viticulture, while Nadia Bertolino presented her studies on water landscapes, arousing particular interest on the link between territory and water management.   Furthermore, Dr. Marco Acciai presented the SPIDAP project, developed by Agrigeos as part of the cascade calls for proposals of Spoke 6 "Linea Mezzogiorno". SPIDAP proposes an innovative system for monitoring and managing water resources for the agro-industry, with the aim of improving agricultural productivity by reducing water waste.   The meeting offered a platform for discussion between research, innovation and sustainability, receiving enthusiastic feedback from participants, with particular attention to practical applications for the future of sustainable agriculture.
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6. Primary agroindustry
Spoke 6 at G7 Agriculture Summit to talk about sustainable agroindustry
On the occasion of the G7 Agriculture meeting, which will take place in Syracuse from 21 to 29 September 2024, the University of Pavia is organising a side event accredited by the Ministry of Agriculture. The first event, titled “Responsible Production and Consumption from Farm to Table: Technology, Policies, Behaviour, and Education,” is part of the Divinazione EXPO24 initiatives.   The event, coordinated by Carola Ricci, Aldo Piccone, and Anna Facchinetti from the Department of Political and Social Sciences, will be held on 26 September, starting at 3:00 p.m., at the Istituto Nazionale Dramma Antico, Ortigia Island, Syracuse. During the meeting, scientific insights and best practices will be presented in relation to three areas on which the G7 Agriculture Ministers reached a common agreement at the Miyazaki summit in April 2023.   Additionally, the intermediate results of research projects conducted by the University of Pavia and its affiliated partners within the framework of two PNRR projects funded by the European Union will be presented: ONFOODS (Research and Innovation Network on Food and Nutrition Sustainability, Safety, and Security), Spoke 7, and NODES (North-West Digital and Sustainable), Spoke 6.   The event will be structured into three thematic modules: Environmental sustainability and innovation: tools for mitigating water stress in agriculture. Prevention and reduction of food waste: from field to table, in search of a common definition. Responsible production and consumption of food without discrimination: traditions, culture, and art in the service of vulnerable groups.   Among the speakers for Spoke 6 will be Valentina Vaglia, who will present results on climate mitigation and soil erosion in viticulture, and Nadia Bertolino, who will discuss her research on water landscapes.   The following day, 27 September, a second event will take place at 4:00 p.m. at the Teatro Comunale in Syracuse, also in connection with the G7. Several researchers from Spoke 6, including Carola Ricci, Claudia Meisina from the University of Pavia, and Paolo Sabbatini from the University of Turin, will present ongoing solutions to reduce the impact of climate change on the wine sector.   Proposals for revising the current regulatory framework, which were previously introduced at a conference in May in Pavia, will also be discussed, with a focus on potential guidelines for policymakers and the wine industry, in collaboration with FIVI (Italian Federation of Independent Winegrowers).
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6. Primary agroindustry
Spoke 6 researchers from UniPV at the Annual Conference of the International Society of Public Law at IE University of Madrid
On 10 July 2024, Carola Ricci and Aldo Piccone from the University of Pavia (Department of Social and Political Sciences) participated in the Annual Conference of the International Society of Public Law (ICON•S), held at IE University in Madrid (8-10 July). The researchers proposed a dedicated panel on "Sustainable and Responsible Production and Consumption of Food: Redefining Its Multiple Dimensions," which was selected by the scientific committee. The panel, chaired by Prof. Ricci, aimed to present the interim results of the research conducted with Anna Facchinetti and Andrea Iurato, both senior researchers at the University of Pavia working within another Next Generation EU-funded project, OnFoods ("Research and Innovation Network on Food and Nutrition Sustainability, Safety and Security – ON Foods"). Following Prof. Ricci's introduction on the definition of the right to "adequate" food in international law and its multiple dimensions, focusing on the interrelation of its quantitative and qualitative components, including both material and immaterial elements (such as religious, ethical, and cultural constituents), Anna Facchinetti discussed the case study of indigenous peoples' rights. The value of food once discarded from (or falling out of) the food chain was subsequently analysed by Andrea Iurato, addressing the issues posed by the lack of a uniform definition of food waste in (re)defining EU food waste prevention policies. To complete this framework, the value of food as a universal immaterial heritage protected under the UNESCO Conventions regime was addressed by Aldo Piccone. The three-day conference provided the team with the opportunity not only to share the interim research results but also to expand their network of interested stakeholders, including researchers and institutions (both private and public), presenting the NODES project to a global audience.
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6. Primary agroindustry
Enrolment is now open for the course "Digital and Sustainable Strategies in the Primary Agro-Industry"
Enrolment is now open for the course "Digital and Sustainable Strategies in the Primary Agro-Industry," offered by the University of Turin.   The course explores competitive strategies that enable companies to stand out in the market and their practical implementation, including the efficient allocation of resources and the alignment of business activities with defined strategic objectives. By integrating business testimonies and practical case studies, the course offers participants the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real and current situations in the sector.   The course is free of charge and will run from 18 October to 30 November, with a total duration of 50 hours.   Enrolment is open until 20 September 2024.   For more information, you can consult the course details or write to: corsodigital@unito.it