Transnational Educational Initiatives (TNE)

Project Code: TNE23-00049

CUP: B71I24000240006

Total Funding: €2,569,629.23

Coordinating Institution: University of Palermo

Scientific Contact at UNIPV: Prof. Morone, Prof. Balestrazzi, Department of Political and Social Studies

Project Objectives

The Mediterranean Alliance for Research and Education (MARE) is a project aimed at promoting international collaboration and knowledge exchange between universities and research centers in the Mediterranean region. The project focuses on interdisciplinary and intercultural engagement, with the goal of fostering academic, economic, and cultural development in the involved countries. To achieve these objectives, MARE has developed a comprehensive work plan that includes several coordinated activities, with an emphasis on mobility programs and thematic work packages. The number of work packages is proportional to the scale and complexity of the project, and they are divided into two main categories: joint training programs and mobility programs for the exchange of students, faculty, and staff. The project is based on the idea that the internationalization of higher education institutions is crucial for the development of the Mediterranean region, promoting the exchange of students, faculty, and researchers to create a diverse and stimulating academic environment that transcends national borders. The project assumes that the transfer of knowledge and the development of skills are key drivers of economic growth and social progress. By facilitating the export of Italian academic experience to the Mediterranean, the project aims to contribute to the training of highly qualified professionals capable of addressing contemporary challenges.

The specific WPs are dedicated to covering a wide and multidisciplinary range of scientific fields: a) History, society, and cultural circulation in the Mediterranean; b) Migration, social and political changes; c) One Health; d) Sustainable development and climate change; e) Renewable energy and sustainable mobility; f) Sustainable tourism; g) Employability, entrepreneurship, and inclusion in the digital age.

Partners

University of PALERMO, University of PAVIA, University of MACERATA, University of CAGLIARI, University of MESSINA, University of PISA, Polytechnic University of TORINO, University of BOLOGNA, University of BARI ALDO MORO, University of TORINO, University of SIENA.

Scientific Contact at UNIPV: Prof. Morone, Department of Political and Social Studies

Project Code: TNE23-00041

CUP: J31I24000290006

Total Funding: €2,702,173.89

Coordinating Institution: Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna

Project Objectives

HerIt4Future aims to strengthen collaboration and synergies between partner institutions in Italy and Latin America (LATAM) to develop innovative transnational educational programs focused on Heritage. Partner universities will reflect together on the variety of meanings and impacts arising from a deep understanding, preservation, and enhancement of cultural and natural heritage, contributing to the design of innovative solutions for global challenges. These impacts extend to various fields, from inclusive education to public health, sustainable development to environmental protection, and digital transformation to migration.

Thanks to a shared cultural heritage, further strengthened by the significant presence of Italian descendant communities in LATAM countries, universities from both regions have built strong and lasting collaborations. These collaborations involve a wide range of actors committed to preserving and advancing a legacy that spans generations. Since 1998, the Project Coordinator (UniBO) has maintained a permanent representation in Buenos Aires (Representación en la República Argentina - Centro de Altos Estudios de la Università di Bologna). Building on this foundation, HerIt4Future intends to elevate these collaborations by intensifying internationalization efforts through the joint planning and implementation of innovative academic programs.

Specific Objectives (SO)

SO1: Create an inclusive and diverse mobility program for students and academic staff between Italy and LATAM.
SO2: Develop and implement joint innovative second- and third-level academic programs with partner universities.
SO3: Create a structured framework for joint Advanced Skills Courses (ASCs).
SO4: Establish two hubs in Latin America that will serve as reference points for the project’s activities and ensure the sustainability of cooperation beyond the project’s duration.

Implementation Strategy

The mobility program (SO1) will leverage existing collaborations to provide solid administrative support to participants and ensure mentoring for students during their international experiences. A rigorous selection process will ensure the quality of the program, promoting inclusion in terms of gender and socio-economic diversity.

By deepening the multifaceted nature of heritage, partner institutions will jointly design innovative educational programs (SO2) based on mutual learning. These programs will primarily target Master's and Doctoral students, with a specific focus on doctoral studies related to digital and green transitions.

The joint Advanced Skills Courses (SO3) will be aimed at early-career researchers, university staff, and alumni/professionals interested in lifelong learning. These courses will be organized both in Italy and in LATAM, ensuring accessibility and knowledge exchange between the regions.

The academic excellence of SO1, SO2, and SO3 will be reinforced through the thematic specialization of Work Packages (WPs, see 3.1), designed to offer structured, interdisciplinary, and diversified learning opportunities.

To ensure long-term impact, SO4 includes the creation of two teaching and learning hubs: one in Buenos Aires, Argentina (Hub1 - Cono Sur) and another in Cuenca, Ecuador (Hub2 - Andes). These hubs will coordinate activities within two major geographical regions in LATAM, the Southern Cone and the Andean region, providing the necessary infrastructure, logistics, and facilities to ensure the successful implementation of the project.

Partners

Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna; Polytechnic University of Turin, University of Brescia, University of Calabria, University of Messina, University of Naples Federico II, University of Padua, University of Pavia, University of Salento + 69 universities from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay.

Scientific Contact at UNIPV: Prof. Gamba, Department of Industrial Engineering and Information Technology

Project Code: TNE23-00050

Total Funding: €2,407,557.46

Coordinator: University of Brescia

Project Objectives

UnITAFRICA is an initiative promoted by 21 Italian universities within the framework of the University Network for Development Cooperation (CUCS). The project strategically involves 93 academic institutions in 18 African countries to promote joint education, research, and international academic cooperation, with the goal of improving the quality and effectiveness of higher education.

To achieve these objectives, the project encourages academic mobility, facilitating physical participation in training programs for students and faculty, as well as offering research opportunities for Master’s and Doctoral theses. Innovative teaching methodologies such as "learning by doing," "job shadowing," and hybrid learning models (both virtual and in-person) will also be adopted, fostering a co-design approach between Italian and African partner universities.

A key aspect also involves the training of administrative staff to ensure the necessary support for academic cooperation. The broader goal is to strengthen academic partnerships between Italy and Africa, improve educational systems, increase student inclusion, promote intercultural exchange, and develop multidisciplinary knowledge transfer through the mobility of students and faculty. Furthermore, the project aims to introduce innovative educational approaches for sustainable academic development.

Activities:

• Creation of the UnITAFRICA Alliance between 21 Italian universities and 93 African universities.
• Development of an Innovative Teaching Platform (PIT) and a dedicated project website.
• Promotion of international mobility programs.
• Educational programs aimed at Master’s and Doctoral students.
• Advanced courses for early-career faculty and researchers.
• Training programs for administrative staff supporting academic collaboration.

Thematic Courses Offered in Africa and Italy:

a) Rural development, land management, agri-food and food supply chains.
b) Health, water, hygiene, and the One Health approach.
c) Sustainable energy, environmental conservation, and natural resource management.
d) Entrepreneurship and industrial development for local economic growth.
e) Cultural heritage and sustainable tourism.
f) Social sciences and humanities.

Main Objectives:

Higher Education, Capacity Building, Scientific Diplomacy, and International Cooperation

a) Definition of guidelines and best practices for effective teaching methodologies.
b) Development of joint training programs between Italian and African universities.
c) Promotion of innovative teaching methods.
d) Increase in the level of internationalization of Italian and African universities.
e) Redefinition of the role of science for human development and growth through collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Partners

University of Brescia (Lead Partner), Polytechnic University of Milan, University of Bergamo, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, University of Florence, University of La Statale of Milan, University of Padua, University of Parma, University of Pavia, University of Pisa, University of Turin, University of Trento, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, University of Verona, University of Rome La Sapienza, University of Aldo Moro of Bari, University of Basilicata, University of Messina, University of Federico II of Naples, University of Genoa, University of Udine + 93 African universities from the sub-Saharan region.

Scientific Contact at UNIPV: Prof. Parigi, Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic, and Pediatric Sciences

Project Code: TNE23-00080

CUP: F31I24000320006

Total Funding: €1,988,761.28

Coordinating Entity: Italian Interuniversity Consortium for Argentina (CUIA)

Project Objectives

General Objectives

A. Strengthen the Italian higher education system in Argentina and contribute to the consolidation of the European Higher Education Area, in line with the Bologna Declaration and subsequent interministerial communications.
B. Increase the attractiveness and interest in the Italian university system in Argentina, promoting it also as a model of international higher education.
C. Support the guidelines and strategies arising from the bilateral government agreements on higher education, cultural and scientific cooperation, as well as from EU directives, OECD, UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Do No Significant Harm (DNSH) principle.

Project Lines

The following project lines will effectively contribute to achieving the general objectives outlined above:

TNE Double/Joint Degree

Promote the joint implementation of academic training courses, introducing double degrees and co-supervised doctoral programs between Italian and Argentine universities. The initiative will encourage a balanced territorial distribution between the two countries and ensure the participation of universities of varying sizes. Considering the structural differences between the two higher education systems, it is essential to develop comparative frameworks. Studies will be conducted on the recognition of Italian and Argentine university degrees, the integration of joint programs, and co-supervision of doctoral theses. Unlike Spain, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, Italy has yet to formalize such a framework. This project line will contribute to objectives A, B, and C.

TNE Professors/Researchers

Foster bilateral cooperation in teaching, research, and knowledge and skills transfer through a mobility program for faculty and researchers involved in joint research projects. This strategy will contribute to strengthening the European Education and Research Area, improving scientific and cultural cooperation between Italian and Argentine academic institutions. Moreover, it will allow for the identification of new international collaborations and consolidation of already existing networks. This project line will contribute to objectives A and C.

TNE Students

Bring talented Argentine students closer to the academic reality of Italian degree programs and vice versa. The mobility program will encourage participation in Italian university courses, offering the opportunity to attend lectures, take exams, and earn academic credits. This mobility scheme responds to the internationalization indicators of higher education established by the Italian Ministry of University and Research and will stimulate, over time, greater integration between the Argentine and Italian academic systems. This project line will contribute to objectives A and B.

TNE Advanced Skills

Organize joint training activities in Argentina and/or Italy, selecting the most suitable territorial and academic context for achieving educational objectives. Italian and Argentine faculty will collaborate to ensure high-quality standards in the courses offered. The initiative aims to share knowledge and skills, foster cultural and professional growth, and promote innovation and experimental development in scientific and social sectors of common interest. This project line will contribute to objectives A and B.

An integrated information system, combined with digital tools, will monitor the results of the project lines, providing data on quantitative indicators and impacts, thus contributing to the creation of a platform for mutual learning.

Partners

Interuniversity Consortium for Argentina, University of Molise, University of Messina, University of Turin, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, University of Florence, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Teramo, University of Tuscia, University of Padua, University of Federico II Naples, University of Aldo Moro Bari, University of Pavia, Polytechnic University of the Marches + 52 Argentine universities.

Scientific Contact: Prof. Silva Bortolussi, Department of Physics