August 2025: The FBK projects making headlines
September 3, 2025
From Summer learning programs to heat islands and pollution, measles and cardiology studies: the FBK initiatives that made headlines in August.
Summer Learning Programs
National news agency ANSA, local outlet L’Adige, and several other publications highlighted the results of the Arcipelago Educativo project—promoted by Save the Children and the Agnelli Foundation, and evaluated by the FBK IRVAPP Center—which involved over 1,000 students across Italy. Through cooperative workshops, outdoor activities, and targeted mentoring, the initiative offered a summer learning pathway aimed at reducing skill loss during the school break.
Researchers reported significant progress: a +7% improvement in Italian and +4% in mathematics compared to non-participating peers, with even greater gains among elementary school students and those with special educational needs. The program proved effective in reducing educational inequality and strengthening core skills.
ANSA – “Alunni ai programmi estivi migliorano in italiano e matematica” – August 7, 2025
The Measles Study
La Repubblica and RaiNews covered a study by the FBK Center for Health Emergencies , which found that nearly one in ten Italians lacks protection against measles. According to the analysis—coordinated by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità and FBK, and published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases—9.2% of the population is susceptible. The research reconstructed the distribution of vaccination coverage across the country, revealing variations by age and birth cohort, especially among individuals with incomplete vaccination or waning immunity. The study emphasizes the importance of achieving 95% coverage to limit virus circulation.
La Repubblica – Morbillo, Bassetti: “Alla gente va detto di vaccinarsi” – August 2, 2025
RaiNews – Morbillo, quasi un italiano su 10 è a rischio infezione – August 5, 2025
Mapping heat islands and pollution
Wired and Trentino TV explored an innovative FBK project that uses artificial intelligence to address major environmental challenges in urban areas. The initiative, developed in collaboration between the Center for Digital Industry and the Center for Sensors & Devices. By integrating satellite data, aerial surveys, and mobile sensors, researchers from the 3DOM and MTSD units have created a system capable of producing high-resolution maps of heat islands and air quality.
In interviews, Raniero Beber and Andrea Gaiardo explained that downscaling techniques refine images to a resolution of about one meter, enabling estimation of air temperature—not just surface temperature. Mobile sensors collect real-time data on ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide, identifying areas where heat and pollution intersect.
This data helps pinpoint the most vulnerable urban zones and supports planning for interventions like de-paving, green roofs, and new green spaces. The project continues to evolve, aiming to integrate more data and parameters for sustainable, resilient urban development.
Trentino TV – Progettiamo il futuro – sostenibilità – 25 August 2025
Innovation and training, two challenges for Italy
FBK President Ferruccio Resta, in two articles curated by Stefano Paleari for Corriere della Sera, reflects on the opportunities and risks tied to artificial intelligence, and on the education choices of Italian youth. In the first, he stresses the need to balance protective regulation with the risk of stifling innovation—highlighting AI’s potential for economic and social progress. In the second, he points to the urgent need for better educational guidance to reduce the mismatch between training paths and labor market needs, aiming to develop talents and skills for collective advancement.
Corriere della Sera – “Regole, ma l’AI non va frenata” – August 5, 2025
Corriere della Sera – “I giovani e le scelte per l’università” – August 23, 2025
Heart monitored remotely
L’Adige, RTTR, and Trentino TV reported on a Trentino-based study led by TrentinoSalute 4.0 in partnership with FBK and the Trento Province Healthcare System, recently published in JCDD. The “Heart under Control” project leverages telemonitoring through wearable devices and constant remote tracking, allowing doctors to detect anomalies in real time and intervene before hospitalization is needed.
The results are notable: hospitalizations for cardiac complications dropped from 25% to 5% among monitored patients. This demonstrates how integrating digital technology into clinical practice can reduce pressure on hospitals, improve quality of life, and make healthcare more preventive and efficient.
TG RTTR and Trentino TV – Cuore sotto controllo – August 19, 2025
“Messaggi vocali”
Two FBK researchers were featured inn the Radio Rai 1 podcast “Messaggi vocali”, which collects short reflections and life stories via audio messages. In early episodes, Maurizio Napolitano shared his thoughts on intelligence, passion, and vacation. In episode seven, Sara Hejazi recounted a personal story centered on adventure, dreams, and risk—three elements she sees as key to growth, work, and envisioning new possibilities.
The podcast will continue with additional voices from the Foundation, offering both personal and professional insights.
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