FBK and the University of Padua together for research and development

Trento-based Fondazione Bruno Kessler and the University of Padua, which have been collaborating for years, have signed an agreement by which they will undertake synergetic actions in a number of areas of mutual interest, namely: network medicine; computational epidemiology and biology; artificial intelligence; cognitive ergonomics; complex systems; cybersecurity; digital industry, agriculture, health and psychology; health emergencies; human computer interaction; neuroscience and neuroinformatics; and computing and communications.

The agreement also provides for the drafting of specific application agreements aimed at the implementation of collaborative projects between researchers and the setting up of joint research laboratories, with the sharing of infrastructures, if applicable, between research groups of the two institutions for the development of shared research projects.

Doctoral Courses activated at the University are also envisaged, and for which FBK may fund – in a number and manner to be set within the Application Agreements – doctoral scholarships for the activities that will be agreed from time to time in the fields of joint activities.

FBK will also support the setting up of university Master’s degrees in accordance with the methods and procedures provided for by the University regulations.

As many as eighteen departments of the University of Padua have expressed interest in the agreement, which will run for three years. The University’s participation will be coordinated by the Vice chancellor for research Prof. Fabio Zwirner.

“With the agreement signed, we are consolidating a collaboration, the one with Fondazione Bruno Kessler, that has already existed for years, Daniela Mapelli, University of Padua Chancellor, said. ‘In this way we will be able to intensify the development of synergic research projects in various sectors. Not only that: the collaboration will also cover educational activities, with a focus on PhD and Master’s degrees. With the Foundation, in fact, we share the multidisciplinary nature of the fields of study and the focus on the economic and social impact of research activities.  Digital technologies, data science and artificial intelligence are essential fields to keep research and innovation competitive in the University and in the region, in an increasing number of areas ranging from medicine to transport, cognitive sciences, agriculture, communications and the humanities. This agreement is an excellent opportunity to become more incisive in these areas, as demonstrated by the 18 departments of our University that have already expressed their interest”.

 “In an increasingly interconnected world, where global challenges call for innovative and shared solutions, strategic partnerships are essential tools for pooling skills and resources, creating critical mass on crucial issues. The synergy between research centers and universities thus becomes a decisive junction also for enhancing the mobility of researchers, fostering a fruitful exchange of knowledge and expertise between the various institutions,” Fondazione Bruno Kessler President Ferruccio Resta, said.  “From this perspective, doctoral programs act as catalysts for the advanced training of researchers. By enhancing them through targeted collaborations, we can raise their quality and impact, with the aim of reaching the European average. With the new opportunities arising from PNRR investments, now is the right time to embark on bold and ambitious projects capable of triggering significant progress in areas of common interest”.

Ferruccio Resta, Presidente FBK; Daniela Mapelli, rettrice dell’Università di Padova; Andrea Simoni, segretario generale FBK; Fabio Zwirner, Prorettore alla ricerca dell’Università di Padova; Paolo Traverso, direttore Pianificazione Strategica FBK; Alessandro Sperduti, professore dell’Università di Padova e direttore del centro Augmented Intelligence di FBK.

UniPD | FBK Press Release