Italy-Azerbaijan University: the University of Bologna takes the field for sciences and agri-food technologies

The Rector of ADA University, Hafiz Pashayev, and the Deputy Rector of the University of Bologna, Simona Tondelli, during the ceremony at the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Italy

The University of Bologna is among the protagonists of the academic collaboration that will give life to the Italy-Azerbaijan University, the new international Azerbaijani-Italian university that will be based in Baku, inside the ADA university campus.

The agreement was made official on 1st September in the new premises of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Italy, in Rome. The president of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Illham Aliyev, who was in Italy for a State visit, attended the agreement exchange ceremony.

For the occasion, other than the Rector of ADA University, Hafiz Pashayev, the leaders of the five Italian Universities involved were also present: the Deputy Rector of the Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Simona Tondelli, the Vice President of LUISS University Guido Carli, Paola Severino, the Rector of the University of Rome La Sapienza, Antonella Polimeni, the Rector of the Polytechnic University of Turin, Guido Saracco, the director of the Department of design of the Polytechnic University of Milan, Alessandro Deserti.

The Italy-Azerbaijan University will represent a centre for the diffusion of research, technology, competences, and innovation between the two countries. It will also contribute to the growth expectations of Azerbaijan, which aims to innovate implementing the know-hows of made in Italy, without forgetting in its own cultural identity and traditions.

The University of Bologna will join ADA University to create a School of Agricultural and Food Sciences, focusing on Food Science and Technology, Food Safety and Risk Management, Food and Beverage Fermentation, and Horticultural Science.

First, an analysis of the Azerbaijani agri-food system and of the university education system in the field of agri-food sciences and technologies will be carried out. Particular attention will be put towards the local educational needs, the relationships with companies in the same field, employment opportunities and internationalization perspectives.

The University of Bologna will support the definition and design of curricula and first- and second-cycle programmes within the new School of Agricultural and Food Sciences, and the recruitment of personnel. The collaboration will involve the design of infrastructures, with particular focus on classrooms, laboratories, and experimental fields to support teaching and research activities.

In addition, a professional training course for young operators in the agri-food field and a pre-doctoral course will be set up to promote a PhD in Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences and Technologies. Five “PhD Executive” positions will be funded and reserved for ADA personnel.