06/10/2023The Turin University delegation on October 5, 2023, immersed itself in a series of strategic meetings. Butterfly Area is pleased to report on the developments that occurred on this busy and promising day.
Prof. Alessandro Vercelli and Prof. Marina Boido of the UniTo Department of Neuroscience had the privilege of meeting with the leadership of IDOR – the Istituto D’Or for Research and Education, a nonprofit organization dedicated to innovation in the fields of science, education and health. During their meeting, they presented the University of Turin and its excellence in biomedical research, with a focus on the Department of Neuroscience and the Cavalieri Ottolenghi Neuroscience Institute (NICO). The enthusiasm and interest was palpable, with hopes for future collaboration and signing of specific agreements on research topics. Prof. Boido also shared NICO’s research guidelines, focusing on motor neuron diseases. The visit to IDOR labs was a significant moment, with the opportunity to explore the labs dedicated to the creation of cellular models of disease, advanced microscopy and Brain Imaging.
Meanwhile, Vice Rector Prof. Cristina Prandi, together with Prof. Luisella Celi and Prof. Cristina Giovanna Varese, visited the Cidade Universitaria, where meetings were held with colleagues from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ).
At the Centro de Ciências Matemáticas e da Natureza (CCMN), Prof. Celi’s colleagues expressed great interest in meteorology and the study of environmental risks in forestry, with a focus on the development of satellite technologies (remote sensing). This collaboration promises to involve other colleagues in the Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences (DISAFA) in the implementation of these innovative technologies.
At UFRJ’s Institute of Chemistry, Professor Prandi and her colleagues met with Prof. Rodrigo de Souza and Prof. Raoni Schroeder. During the meeting, a strong interest in biocatalysis emerged, with a particular focus on the possibility that UniTO could contribute by sending “laccases” (enzymes produced by fungi) for various reactions, particularly for bioremediation.
At the COPPE Department, one of the most prestigious at UFRJ, a common affinity emerged: the development of slow-release nanofertilizers to optimize plant nutrient delivery. The Turin delegation had the opportunity to visit laboratories dedicated to biopolymers and bioengineering, hydrogen research, and the NUMATS Center, where research is being conducted on the use of low-impact materials and sustainable technologies for building materials.
In general, with all representatives of the institutions visited, it was agreed to organize thematic webinars on their return to Turin, giving all research groups the opportunity to get to know each other and collaborate.
The day of meetings ended in a masterful way on the beautiful terrace of the Consulate General of Italy, with the hospitality of the Consul General, Massimiliano Iacchini, and his diplomatic colleagues in Rio. This meeting was a unique opportunity for the UniTO delegation to meet Italian and Brazilian researchers with whom specific meetings had not been possible. Representatives of Italian companies in Rio and local Brazilian institutions also attended the event, creating an atmosphere of exchange and collaboration.
The UniTO delegation also had the pleasure of meeting with Prof. Renato Lessa, director of the International Center for Primo Levi Studies, and other Italian and Brazilian colleagues living and working in Rio de Janeiro. This meeting further strengthened the ties between the two research communities and opened new prospects for collaboration.
