Third Mission activities of the PhD Program are developed through integrated initiatives in knowledge transfer, public engagement, and collaboration with the healthcare and industrial sectors, with the aim of generating a tangible impact at the social, cultural, and economic levels.
In the area of translational research and collaboration with public institutions, the PhD Program participates in nationally and regionally funded projects, including initiatives within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and Rome Technopole, aimed at the development of innovative medical devices and the study of the role of diet in chronic inflammatory diseases. These activities are complemented by a strong commitment to technology transfer, as also demonstrated by the filing of patents. The clinical and research activities of the PhD Program are embedded in a highly application-oriented context, as evidenced by participation in numerous multicenter clinical studies, contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge and clinical practice.
The PhD Program is also strongly engaged in public engagement and science communication activities. Among these, innovative projects based on the use of virtual reality for communicating rare genetic diseases are particularly noteworthy, having been presented in widely attended public events such as the European Researchers’ Night, Frascati Scienza, and Maker Faire Rome. These initiatives have involved citizens, students, and schools, promoting inclusion and the dissemination of scientific knowledge through advanced technological tools.
Additional outreach and interaction with society are represented by public events and opportunities for dialogue among specialists, patients, and associations. An example is the event “GastroPediatria sotto l’Albero,” dedicated to the latest perspectives in the management of pediatric gastrointestinal diseases, which fostered dialogue between the scientific community and citizens, including the direct participation of patient associations.
The contribution to the Third Mission also extends to science communication and public information activities, including editorial initiatives aimed at a broader audience, with the goal of increasing awareness of higher education and research topics.
Overall, these initiatives demonstrate a structured and continuous commitment to Third Mission activities, promoting integration between research, society, and the productive sector, and contributing to the training of researchers who are aware of the value and social impact of their work.