Sustainable Territory 2.0: the University of Bologna takes the lead in a new project on ecological transition and sustainability PhD programmes

The University of Bologna, in collaboration with Modena and Reggio Emilia, Parma, Ferrara, Politecnico di Milano, and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Piacenza campuses), launches a new regional advanced doctoral programme. The project is named "Territorio Sostenibile 2.0” (Sustainable Territory 2.0) and is dedicated to addressing global challenges. Its primary goal is to educate professionals capable of harmonizing the requirements of the local production system with environmental preservation, combating climate change, and reducing inequalities.

Financed by the Regional Council of Emilia-Romagna with almost 5 million euros, the new programme will have 56 research scholarships. This includes 23 for the University of Bologna, 10 for the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 10 for the University of Parma, 10 for the University of Ferrara, 1 for Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, and 2 for Politecnico di Milano.

"The 'Territorio Sostenibile 2.0' programme, in continuity with its first edition – states Marco Carricato, Delegate PhD Programme Degrees – will train a new generation of scholars who, we are confident, will provide significant contributions on research topics crucial for the University of Bologna and with significant implications for society and the reference territories."

According to the Vice Rector for Research Alberto Credi, "this initiative confirms the commitment of the University of Bologna, together with other universities in Emilia-Romagna and with the support of the regional administration, to strengthen doctoral research as an essential tool to face the challenges of the future."

Sustainability and welfare, enhancement of cultural heritage through digital humanities, educational-formative tools for social transition, economic choices in a context of scarcity of environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic resources. But also, sustainable and inclusive data use, implementation of new technologies and workforce changes, discursive practices, storytelling, and ecological citizenship to address the challenges of climate change, new strategies for the enhancement of regional artistic and cultural heritage.

These are just some of the PhD projects, lasting three to four years, that will be activated at the University of Bologna under the "Territorio sostenibile 2.0" programme: 23 scholarships distributed across 18 PhD Programmes in the Social and Humanistic Area. The programme seeks to explore collaborations among a diverse array of PhD projects and programs across participating universities. Its goal is to establish a regional doctoral community with a keen focus on cultural, economic, technological, and social changes essential for achieving a well-rounded and sustainable development of society. Special emphasis will be given to the local context.

In addition to joint programmes and training activities among the universities, the programme incorporates international collaborations and exchange periods in research institutions and universities worldwide. The aim is to cultivate skills that contribute to fortifying the Emilia-Romagna research and development ecosystem, promoting its expansion and innovation. To achieve this goal, the project incorporates an extensive network of research partners, actively engaging local businesses in the process.