UNIMI Connect: The University of Milan for the Local Area and Community
The University of Milan presents UNIMI Connect, an annual programme of initiatives to promote and enhance our cultural and scientific contribution at the local level, with the support of our faculty members.
The programme is part of our efforts to strengthen public engagement. Starting from 2021, all University departments have been involved in the development and design of awareness-raising, knowledge transfer and cultural promotion initiatives.
For the 2022 edition of UNIMI Connect, 7 projects out of more than 50 proposals were selected and implemented for citizens and other stakeholders, such as schools, professionals and associations.
For the 2023 edition, the University implemented 10 projects out of more than 40 proposals. Four of these ten projects were included in the celebrations programme for the University's 100th anniversary.
To find out more, check out the sections here below, which are regularly updated with information on the different projects.
An exciting treasure hunt providing children with important tips to live a healthy life: sport, a good diet, and dental hygiene. The initiative is part of the project StaiSano! Obiettivo cento anni, which is developed by the Faculty of Medicine.
Coordinator: Prof. Claudia Paola Bruna Dellavia
Ten "speaking" artefacts tell the story of the first 100 years of the University of Milan over the course of ten events. Each evening will give voice to a specific object, recounting its history and explaining its value for past, present and future research, in the form of a conversation involving two professors and a member of the civil society.
Coordinator: Prof. Angela Bassoli
What are the social and cognitive mechanisms that lead to the spread of conspiracy theories and fake news? To combat such insidious threats to our democracy, it is important to know them well.
Coordinator: Prof. Anna Ichino
UniAmoLodi is a festival aiming to raise awareness on the importance of social inclusion and to promote the implementation of animal-assisted interventions From 5 to 7 October 2023, UniAmoLodi offered three days packed with presentations and workshops, but also convivial moments, food, photographs, videos, theatre performances and music.
The event will return for a second edition from 3 to 5 October 2024.
Coordinator: Prof. Michela Minero
Workshops on cryptocurrency and financial literacy for high school students and citizens, a training day for schools — with seminars chaired by professors of the University of Milan — and a final event open to the public.
Coordinator: Prof. Giulio Peroni
Students of the University of Milan interviewed professionals from 13 prominent companies, to learn more about their best practices to promote inclusion. In light of the topic being explored, the initiative was co-sponsored by the Deputy Rector for Legality, Transparency and Equal Rights, and the interviews were included in the SUSTAINABLE CHANNEL of the scientific hub Human Hall (Spoke 6 of the Multilayered Urban Sustainability Action — MUSA project).
Coordinator: Prof. Silvia Angelon
Promoting scientific culture as a tool to reflect on stereotypes and give value to diversity.
The project, open to schools of any kind, will run for a second edition in the school year 2024-25.
Coordinator: Prof. Valentina Ciriani
A recreational learning pathway entailing exciting experiments, in order to enhance science in Italian primary and secondary schools. The project explores the topic of light, connecting art and philosophy with science and technology.
Coordinator: Prof. Francesca Selmin
A storytelling of Milan by high school students, who used interviews and new media (videos and cross-media products) to explore topics such as inclusion, belonging, identity and future in relation to the city.
Coordinator: Prof. Nicoletta Vallorani
Discovering the mysteries of art and civilisations through science.
The project included a seminar on visual disabilities and a series of workshops on cultural heritage conservation intended for high school students and held at the University.
Coordinator: Prof. Francesca Cappitelli
When swallowing is a problem: eating as a prevention method
A one-day event with various experts in swallowing disorders, to raise awareness among dysphagic patients, especially the elderly and those suffering from neurodegenerative diseases, as well as their families and caregivers, on the importance of nutrition as a preventive measure.
Coordinator: Prof. Francesco Ottaviani
Drug resistance is an underestimated problem that may play a role in new pandemic outbreaks. This awareness-raising initiative combines subjects that appear to be very distant, such as pharmacology and music, but in fact share common goals.
Coordinator: Prof. Loris Rizzello
This podcast by Radio2 gives voice to young researchers of the University of Milan and features 12 episodes on topics like sustainability, diversity,cultural heritage, public health and modern work.
Coordinator: Prof. Angela Biscaldi
Celebrating the 200th anniversary of Gregor Mendel's birth, this initiative includes cultural and playful events in the field of life sciences, as a tribute to the father of modern genetics. Venue: University's botanical gardens
Coordinator: Prof. Martin Kater
Universities, bands, chamber ensembles, children's choirs and string quartets perform in iconic city sites to showcase Milan's historical, musical and artistic heritage of the late 19th century. The result is a unique documentary, which is to have its first screening at the University of Milan.
Coordinator: Prof. Emilio Sala
Students and citizens engaging in reflections on the issues of legality and the fight against mafias on the anniversary of the 1992 massacres, with a focus on the heroic figures of La Torre, Dalla Chiesa, Falcone, Borsellino.
Coordinator: Prof. Fabio Basile
A learning pathway for high-school students and teachers, to help them spot and prevent gender-based violence and gender inequalities.
Coordinator: Prof. Irene Pellizzone