The Free University of Bozen-Bolzano has published its 2024 Research Report, which provides an overview of the university’s research activities over the past year, highlighting results, projects, and collaborations across its five Faculties and eight Competence Centres.

In 2024, unibz managed 112 new projects, amounting to a total volume of 14.5 million euros, marking a 147% increase compared to 2021. More than 5 million euros came from European and international funds, including Horizon Europe, Erasmus+ and ERDF, while over 6 million euros were provided by national and provincial funding sources. These figures demonstrate the ability of unibz researchers to attract competitive resources at both the national and international levels, consolidating the university’s role in the European research and innovation network.

2024 was also a record year for commissioned research, reaching the highest level of funding ever recorded. This result reflects the growing trust of companies and institutions in the university’s ability to address the needs of the region and the productive sector. Within this framework, two new Competence Centres were established: the International Competence Centre for Food Fermentations (ICOFF), dedicated to sustainable food innovation, and the Competence Centre for Cooperative Management, supporting the transformation of cooperative enterprises.

Last year’s success was made possible by integrating basic and applied research, developed in strategic areas such as sustainable systems, digital and green transition, social inclusion, and regional development. Among the main achievements were: the patent for NESTED, a three-stage speed reducer; 5.6 million euros in funding from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) for the training of highly qualified personnel; unibz’s entry into the Jean Monnet PROSPER European network, dedicated to the EU’s economic resilience; and participation in the Alliance for Fruit, Viticulture and Horticulture, which aims to strengthen the agricultural sector.

“The Research Report is not just a collection of numbers, but a mirror of the vitality and quality of our scientific activity,” says Tanja Mimmo, Vice-Rector for Research at unibz. “The ability to attract competitive funds and the growth of international projects demonstrate that unibz is a young university, but one that is fully integrated into the global dynamics of knowledge. These results were made possible thanks to the commitment and creativity of our academic community, supported by a dedicated administrative staff. Together, we are building a university that not only advances knowledge, but also actively contributes to a more sustainable, inclusive and innovative future.”

The 2024 Research Report is available on the unibz website at the following link and includes insights into projects and partnerships developed by the university over the past year.