The investment, implemented by the MUR, aims to finance the creation of research infrastructures (RI) and technological innovation infrastructures (ITEC) capable of bridging academia and business, in accordance with the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures roadmap (ESFRI) and with the National Research Infrastructure Plan (PNIR).
Research infrastructures (RI)
Research infrastructures are facilities, resources and services that are used by the scientific communities to conduct research in their fields. They include facilities or sets of scientific instruments, knowledge-based resources such as collections, archives or scientific data, and infrastructures based on information and communication key enabling technologies, IT materials, software, communication means, and any other tools that are essential to conduct research. Each RI can be single site or distributed.
Funding was awarded through a public call for applications, structured around the ESFRI thematic areas: Physical Sciences & Engineering (PSE), Environment (ENV), Health & Food (H&F), Social & Cultural Innovation (SCI), Data, Computing & Digital Research Infrastructures (DIGIT), and Energy (ENE). The infrastructures – both existing and yet to be implemented, with their different level of priority for the country – and the actors involved are those already identified in the PNIR. Unlike national champions, extended partnerships and innovation ecosystems, NRRP RI projects do not operate within a hub-and-spoke governance model. Rather, they are submitted by a single actor (proposer), either alone or in a consortium with other partners.
The University of Bologna’s projects for research infrastructures
30 projects have been awarded funding for RI creation, enhancement or networking; the University of Bologna participates as joint proposer in 8 of them.
This section provides key information on the research infrastructure projects in which the University of Bologna is involved as a partner; the ESFRI thematic area is indicated in brackets.
The winning projects are:
SoBigData.it – Strengthening the Italian RI for Social Mining and Big Data Analytics (DIGIT)
- Acronym: SoBigData.it
- RI name under Italian PNIR: SoBigData, Slices (EU)
- Type of intervention: Potenziamento di IR
- Proposer: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
- Scientific coordinator for the University of Bologna: Prof. Paolo Bellavista
- Lead Department of the University of Bologna: Informatica - Scienza e Ingegneria - DISI
- Funding: € 19.998.550
- Keywords: data science, artificial intelligence, social mining, big data analytics, pervasive intelligence
Goals
The project aims at strengthening SoBigData RI to enhance interdisciplinary and innovative research on the multiple aspects of social complexity by combining data and model-driven approach. SoBigData emphasizes the concept of "responsible data science” and puts into practice the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) and FACT (Fair, Accurate, Confidential, and Transparent) principles. Four main aspects of the IR will be strengthened: (i) Technological: creating new computational nodes distributed on the Italian territory with centralized and networking technologies; (ii) Scientific: creating new virtual laboratories (VL) to explore specific aspects of society through data science; (iii) Ethical: promoting the new generation of "responsible data scientists" with the academia and industry; (iv) creating DIGIT services for multidisciplinary communities. Complex social phenomena will be tackled: Social Impact of AI and explainable machine learning, Societal Debates, Misinformation Analysis, Disaster response and recovery, Societal and industrial impact of Next-Generation Internet beyond 5G.
Role of the University of Bologna
Strong competences on advanced wireless and 5G/beyond-5G infrastructures (UNIBO-DEI unit) and on distributed middleware/software for quality management over edge computing nodes and cloud continuum chains involving end-user devices in wide-scale smart city deployment environments as well as sensors/actuators in manufacturing production lines (UNIBO-DISI unit). Creation of the two new nodes: “beyond-5G network” (UNIBO-DEI) and “pervasive computing & networking” (UNIBO-DISI).
Composition of the consortium
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
- Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna
- Università di Pisa
- Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna
- Scuola Normale Superiore
- Scuola IMT Alti Studi Lucca
- Università degli studi dell'Aquila
- Università di Roma "La Sapienza"
- Università di Genova
- Università degli studi di Palermo
- Università di Catania
Departments of the University of Bologna involved
- Informatica - Scienza e Ingegneria - DISI
- Ingegneria dell'Energia elettrica e dell'Informazione "Guglielmo Marconi" - DEI
ELIXIRxNextGenIT – ELIXIR x NextGenerationIT (H&F)
- Acronym: ElixirxNextGenIT
- RI name under Italian PNIR: ELIXIR
- Type of intervention: Potenziamento di IR
- Proposer: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
- Scientific coordinator for the University of Bologna: Prof. Pier Luigi Martelli
- Lead Department of the University of Bologna: Farmacia e Biotecnologie - FaBiT
- Funding: € 18.629.476
- Keywords: life sciences, bioinformatics, omics data, big data analysis, HPC infrastructure, biological database, human data management, interoperability, data standards
Goals
The aim of the project is to consolidate the capacity of the Italian node of the European Research Infrastructure ELIXIR to develop, provide and support reliable services for the Life Science research community and beyond. ELIXIRxNextGenIT will endow the country with a state-of-the-art Bioinformatics and integrative Omics infrastructure, providing access to the most advanced platforms for high-throughput generation and analysis of genomic, proteomic and metabolomic data. The project also aims to promote, develop and integrate ISBE-IT, with its Systems Biology oriented know-how and activities, into ELIXIR-IT. The project plan foresees the acquisition of cutting-edge equipment for "omics" data production as well as the creation of an Italian BioDataCenter, which will provide open access to a rich portfolio of Bioinformatics resources. This will be functional to the establishment in Italy of a federated node of the European Genome-Phenome Archive (FEGA) and provide proper national infrastructural support to the forthcoming European "Genome Data Infrastructure".
Role of the University of Bologna
i) New computational algorithms to perform large scale analysis of biological data; ii) release of freely available tools for interpreting, integrating, and making inference on biological data of different nature (protein/nucleic acids sequence, structure and function; multiomics data, networks, phenotypes; iii) curation, implementation and maintenance of secondary databases, mainly devoted to the study of the relationship among structure and function; iv) methods for the annotation of mutations related to diseases in humans; v) active involvement at the European level in the FAIRification process of biological data; vi) education and training activities.
Composition of the consortium
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
- Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna
- Università degli studi di Bari
- Università degli studi di Milano
- Università degli studi di Milano Bicocca
- Università degli studi di Napoli
- Università degli studi di Padova
Departments of the University of Bologna involved
- Farmacia e Biotecnologie - FaBiT
BBMRI.it – Strengthening of the Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure of Italy (H&F)
- Acronym: Strenghtening BBMRI.IT
- RI name under Italian PNIR: BBMRI-IT
- Type of intervention: Potenziamento di IR
- Proposer: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
- Scientific coordinator for the University of Bologna: Prof. Luigi Ricciardiello
- Lead Department of the University of Bologna: Scienze mediche e chirurgiche - DIMEC
- Funding: € 23.396.591
- Keywords: biobanking, translational research, data management, quality of samples, quality of data, innovation in analysis, access to services, master courses, digital science, scientific citizenship, gender equity, young talents attraction, south territory investment
Goals
The Italian node of BBMRI-ERIC (BBMRI.it) is a distributed infrastructure including 97 biobanks and biological resource centers, including web portal, a Help Desk and Common Services for ICT, Quality and ELSI. Current biobanks will be upgraded and connected with core services, and new biobanks will be created and developed also in a south region. Omics data will be included through the development of omics Core Facilities that will ensure molecularly characterized biobanked sample. Key objectives are: digital and participatory infrastructure of the BBMRI Common Service ELSI and its shift towards a RRI integrated service; development of a digital informed consent via SPID and pathways of consenting access and returning results integrated to the ehealth record and /or to the APP IO. Novel facilities to be developed within this project include 4th generation biobanks (Biobanking 4.0) of models including organoid, microbiome and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and adult progenitor cells. The FAIR data infrastructure and project platform will be a reference also for the industry.
Role of the University of Bologna
Implementation of a pilot BB towards Biobank 4.0 Microbioma. Development of BBMRI.IT expert center (ATMA-EC). Development, publication and management of specific calls for training services dedicated to young scientists.
Composition of the consortium
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
- Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna
- Università di Trento
- Università di Verona
- Università degli studi di Milano Bicocca
- Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II
Departments of the University of Bologna involved
- Scienze mediche e chirurgiche - DIMEC
- Scienze biomediche e neuromotorie - DIBINEM
iENTRANCE@ENL – Infrastructure for ENergy TRAnsition aNd Circular Economy @ EuroNanoLab (PSE)
- Acronym: iENTRANCE@ENL
- RI name under Italian PNIR: EuroNanoLab
- Type of intervention: creazione di nuova IR
- Proposer: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
- Scientific coordinator for the University of Bologna: Prof. Loris Giorgini
- Lead Department of the University of Bologna: Chimica industriale "Toso Montanari" - CHIMIND
- Funding: € 75.165.078
- Keywords: energy transition, circular economy, nanotechnology, advanced materials, digital transition, FAIR data
Goals
The project aims to become the first research infrastructure of European excellence in Italy with the mission to provide the scientific community with access to facilities for: 1. Nanomaterials for energy; 2. Processes and devices for green energy production, storage and management; 3. Micro and nanoscale characterization; 4. Technologies for the realization of devices and systems. It will be structured across 6 geographical nodes, internationally recognised in complementary research domains, but will operate through a Central Hub acting as single-entry point and unique catalogue of all the methods and technologies available within the consortium. In the Design and Implementation phase (M1-M18), the operational and management backbone of the RI will be constructed, and the digital infrastructure, based on FAIR principles, will play a key role. In the Ramp-Up phase (M19-M30), users from academia and industry will have access to the facilities, and new instrumentation will be acquired and commissioned to further enable cutting-edge research.
Role of the University of Bologna
Characterization techniques and top level expertise on nanomaterials, providing knowledge, equipment and services to scientific and industrial communities on an assorted portfolio of advanced materials based on molecular, supramolecular, biomolecular, polymeric, nanostructured, ceramic, and composite paradigms. In this frame, development, implementation and optimization of methodologies guided by the principles of sustainability is a primary activity.
Composition of the consortium
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
- Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna
- Politecnico di Torino
- Università di Roma “La Sapienza”
- Università di Roma Tor Vergata
- Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica
Departments of the University of Bologna involved
- Chimica industriale "Toso Montanari" - CHIMIND
- Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician" - CHIM
- Fisica e Astronomia “Augusto Righi” - DIFA
- Farmacia e Biotecnologie - FaBiT
CTA+ – Cherenkov Telescope Array Plus (PSE)
- Acronym: CTA+
- RI name under Italian PNIR: CTA
- Type of intervention: creazione di nuova IR
- Proposer: Istituto nazionale di astrofisica
- Scientific coordinator for the University of Bologna: Prof. Andrea Cimatti
- Lead Department of the University of Bologna: Fisica e Astronomia “Augusto Righi” - DIFA
- Funding: € 71.477.541
- Keywords: astronomy and astrophysic, relativistic astrophysics, Cherenkov telescopes, transient sources, multi-messenger astrophysics, large sized telescopes, small sized telescopes, multifrequency follow-up, research and development, CTAO
Goals
The Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory ERIC, with Headquarters in Italy, will soon revolutionize the field of gamma-ray astrophysics thanks to its unprecedented sensitivity extending over 4 decades in energy (0.02-300 TeV). Due to budget constraints, the approved CTAO “Alpha configuration” of the Southern Array in Chile does not yet include the Large-Sized Telescopes (LSTs) and has a reduced number of Small-Sized Telescopes (SSTs). This is unfortunate because LSTs are needed to provide sensitivity below 100 GeV, and more SSTs will strongly enhance the sensitivity at the highest (>10 TeV) energies. CTA+ represents a unique opportunity to fill this gap by providing the much needed additional telescopes, specifically 3 LSTs and 9 SSTs to be deployed in Chile. To maximize the scientific return, we will pursue the enhancements of INAF-led facilities (the VST and TNG telescopes, and the 3 Italian VLBI radio antennae) for e.m. multi-wavelength (IR/Opt/radio) follow-up observations, which would establish CTA+ as a cornerstone of the national multi-messenger strategy.
Role of the University of Bologna
Contribution to creation of an Italian network of PhD students in gamma-ray astronomy. Provide support to the CTAO Project Scientist team in verifying and validating the two CTAO arrays during the early stages of the observatory construction. boost the scientific expertise on surveys in the Italian gamma-ray astronomy field. Outreach and communication.
Composition of the consortium
- Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare
- Università degli studi di Bari
- Università degli Studi di Palermo
- Università degli Studi di Siena
- Politecnico di Bari
Departments of the University of Bologna involved
- Fisica e Astronomia “Augusto Righi” - DIFA
- Sistema Museale di Ateneo
STILES – Strengthening the Italian leadership in ELT and SKA (PSE)
- Acronym: STILES
- RI name under Italian PNIR: ELT SKA
- Type of intervention: creazione di nuova IR
- Proposer: Istituto nazionale di astrofisica
- Scientific coordinator for the University of Bologna: Prof. Andrea Cimatti
- Lead Department of the University of Bologna: Fisica e Astronomia “Augusto Righi” - DIFA
- Funding: € 69.999.999
- Keywords: astronomy, astrophysics, optics, optomechanics, adaptive optics, radio frequency devices, HP computing, machine learning, astronomical instruments, optical telescopes, radio telescopes, laboratories
Goals
STILES is a comprehensive program aimed at strengthening the Italian leadership in the exploration of the Universe by developing laboratories and instruments for the two largest ground-based telescopes of the next decades: the European Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) and the Square Kilometer Array (SKA). STILES includes: direct upgrades of ELT and SKA observational capabilities; investments in Information Technology; development of laboratories to study exo-atmospheric conditions; development of R&D experiments and laboratories; national testing facilities; a unique scientific and educational program.
Role of the University of Bologna
Strengthen the capabilities of INAF testing facilities therefore enabling innovative concepts and technologies. Having state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with the most updated instruments is key to maintaining, for the next decades, a leading role in new instrument developments. The integration hall facility at INAF-OAS will be supplemented with two further laboratories devoted to optics and electronics activities. These laboratories, one of which under the coordination of UNIBO, are intended to carry out tests of components and subsystems in a controlled environment with the availability of specific equipment such as optical bench, laser, oscilloscope etc.
Composition of the consortium
- Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna
- Università degli Studi di Catania
- Università degli Studi di Milano
- Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
- Università degli Studi di Palermo
- Università di Roma “La Sapienza”
- Università di Roma Tor Vergata
Departments of the University of Bologna involved
- Fisica e Astronomia “Augusto Righi” - DIFA
ETIC – Einstein Telescope Infrastructure Consortium (PSE)
- Acronym: ETIC
- RI name under Italian PNIR: ET
- Type of intervention: creazione di nuova IR
- Proposer: Istituto nazionale di fisica nucleare
- Scientific coordinator for the University of Bologna: Prof. Andrea Cimatti
- Lead Department of the University of Bologna: Fisica e Astronomia “Augusto Righi” - DIFA
- Funding: € 49.998.931
- Keywords: gravitational waves, fundamental physics, astrophysics, underground infrastructures, photonics, optics, cryogenics, environmental sensors, sustainable design
Goals
Einstein Telescope aims to realise a 3rd generation Gravitational Wave (GW) observatory, which will revolutionize the way we look at the Universe through GWs. Although ET is based on the well proven detector concept realised in Virgo and LIGO, it will need new technologies to achieve the target sensitivity. Advancement in lasers, optics, electronics and photonics in different wavelengths are necessary to implement the ET detectors. Enhanced precision mechanics is needed to realise the seismic filters and the cryogenic suspensions for achieving the expected low frequency sensitivity. New materials must be developed to reduce the mechanical and optical energy dissipations in the ET mirrors. The realisation of the ET underground infrastructure, cutting edge technologies and advanced models are necessary in order to secure a sustainable engineering design. ETIC will address environmental, architectural, infrastructural and socio-economical aspects to support the feasibility study for the ET infrastructure in the Sardinian site.
Role of the University of Bologna
Enabling R&D for accelerated science in ET via a heterogeneous computing platform to support design and testing of innovative ET applications, and to find the best coating for ET mirrors.
Composition of the consortium
- Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna
- Agenzia Spaziale Italiana
- Istituto nazionale di astrofisica
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari
- Università degli studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli
- Università di Genova
- Università degli studi di Padova
- Università degli Studi di Perugia
- Università di Pisa
- Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
- Università di Roma “La Sapienza”
- Università di Roma Tor Vergata
Departments of the University of Bologna involved
- Fisica e Astronomia “Augusto Righi” - DIFA
ECCSELLENT – Development of ECCSEL - R.I. ItaLian facilities: usEr access, services and loNg-Term sustainability (ENE)
- Acronym: ECSELLENT
- RI name under Italian PNIR: ECCSEL
- Type of intervention: creazione di nuova IR
- Proposer: Istituto nazionale di oceanografia e di geofisica sperimentale - OGS
- Scientific coordinator for the University of Bologna: Prof. Marco Giacinti Baschetti
- Lead Department of the University of Bologna: Ingegneria civile, chimica, ambientale e dei Materiali - DICAM
- Funding: € 16.500.000
- Keywords: CO2 capture, transport, storage, utilisation, CCS, CCUS, research infrastructure, ERIC, long-term, access, increased use, expand, climate change
Goals
The project aims at upgrading most of the Italian facilities part of ECCSEL ERIC and to expand the Italian node to promote the development and internationalization of our country's research in the full chain of CCUS (CO2 Capture, Utilisation, Transport and Storage). The work plan of ECCSELLENT proposal will interest the facilities owned by OGS, University of Bologna, Politecnico of Milano, ENEA, already part of ECCSEL and the two ones owned by CNR (ITAE) of Messina and CNR (STEMM) of Naples, which will be proposed for the inclusion in the IR. The new technologically advanced instrumentation will allow the integration and networking of the data and the collected results, offering the opportunity for the stakeholders (industrial sector, small and medium-sized enterprises) to test the equipment in conditions of real operation making use of the experience of scientific staff. ECCSELLENT aims and scope are aligned with the importance of energy sector, coupling for a systemic innovation approach projected toward the acceleration of energy transition where CCUS has a pivotal role in the global effort to shape the energy systems of the future.
Role of the University of Bologna
DICAM offers access to a capture facility: the MEMLAB (Membrane characterization - Laboratory of Membrane Processes, Bioseparations and Diffusion in Polymers). The focus will be mainly related to the application related to CO2 capture and transport, focusing the attention of the study of CO2 transport in polymeric or hybrid membranes for separation purposes from CO2 containing gas mixtures (e.g. flue gases, reforming product streams), and in the analysis of the properties of polymers exposed to supercritical or liquefied CO2 in the case of transport.
Composition of the consortium
- Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna
- Politecnico di Milano
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
- Agenzia nazionale per le nuove tecnologie, l'energia e lo sviluppo economico sostenibile
Departments of the University of Bologna involved
- Ingegneria civile, chimica, ambientale e dei Materiali - DICAM
Technological innovation infrastructures (ITEC)
Technological innovation infrastructures are facilities, equipment, capabilities and services that aim to enhance technology transfer mechanisms and encourage the systematic use of research results by the whole production system, favouring closer integration between businesses and research.
Technological innovation infrastructures operate in production sectors and geographical areas defined by their development and innovation community, mainly small and medium-sized enterprises or production technology chains, which use them to develop and incorporate innovative technologies for the marketing of new products, processes and services. While retaining open and competitive access for private users that contribute to open innovation and open data, as is typical of research infrastructures, technological innovation infrastructures provide their services in secure mode too.
Funding was awarded through a public call for applications. Each project is structured around a public-private partnership providing for innovative management models and the co-funding by proposers up to 49% of eligible costs.
The University of Bologna’s projects for technological innovation infrastructures
25 projects have been awarded funding for ITEC creation or upgrading. The University of Bologna participates in several proposals coordinated by other universities, indicated in brackets.
- National Consortium for Innovation and development of Radiopharmaceuticals (Università di Pavia)
- Digital Energy Storage Park (Politecnico di Milano)
- Infrastruttura di Innovazione Nazionale in Rete per la Simulazione e il Monitoraggio del Sistema Energetico (National Innovation Network Infrastructure for Simulation and Monitoring of the Energy System) (Politecnico di Torino)
- Infrastruttura per la Mobilità Sostenibile in Italia (Infrastructure for Sustainable Mobility in Italy) (Politecnico di Torino)
- IN FUTURO (Politecnico di Torino)
UniboMagazine news
- Navile District: the University of Bologna invests 10 million euros in major research and innovation equipment - 28 July 2022
- Fighting climate change: the Alma Mater in the field with the ECCSELLENT project - 23 December 2022
