The University of Bologna’s Independent Research Takes to the Streets for the Bologna Marathon

Everything is ready for the fifth edition of the Termal Bologna Marathon, which for the first time will include the University of Bologna among its partners. 

This year’s event, dedicated to “Bologna the Learned”, will give participants the opportunity to support University research by taking part in the “Bologna City Run”, a 5 km non–competitive race open to everyone. Registration for the Bologna City Run is still open: taking part means sharing a collective experience centred on solidarity, wellbeing and support for research. 

In this spirit, the University of Bologna has also organised three days of activities as part of the event to showcase how free research takes shape and develops – research that anticipates society’s needs and generates knowledge for the benefit of all.

 From 27 February to 1 March, a University stand in Piazza Nettuno will welcome anyone wishing to discover first–hand the work of Unibo researchers and explore, through demonstrations, games, tastings and hands–on activities, the many opportunities offered by knowledge.

 Alongside the outreach activities, the Podiatry Teaching Clinic will provide a free biometric foot analysis service. Technology enthusiasts will also be able to see a prototype electric racing motorcycle in the MotoStudent category, developed by the UniBo Motorsport team – an example of excellence in education, technology and sport.

 Programme of activities at the University stand

 Friday 27 February

 4.00–5.00 pm – “Pause attive: piccoli movimenti, grandi benefici in aula e in ufficio” and “Quando il movimento diventa dato: valuta il tuo salto e/o la camminata tramite sensori inerziali” - Prof. Laura Bragonzoni and research team: Dr Maria Scoppolini, Dr Lorenzo Romano.

Participants will be able to try active breaks (simple movements to incorporate into study or work routines to counteract sedentary habits, improve concentration and psychophysical wellbeing, and reduce stress) and experiment with the G–Walk inertial sensor, which transforms movement into data.

 5.00–6.00 pm – Nutri.m.e.n.t.i: Nutriamo il futuro! Prof. Cecilia Prata, Dr Carola Parolin.
Short interviews and interactive activities will explore the “Healthy Plate”, ways to nourish the microbiota, and strategies to reduce food waste in school canteens.

 6.00–7.00 pm – Olio buono e pane…e se fosse proteico? Prof. Tullia Gallina Toschi and research team: Dr Matilde Tura, Dr Rosalba Roccatello.

How can you tell when extra virgin olive oil is truly good quality? Why can protein–enriched bread be sustainable? How many calories are in bread and oil? Can proteins be extracted from hemp? And what does bread enriched with these proteins taste like?

 Saturday 28 February

 10.00–11.00 am – Il cervello che corre: neuroscienze e riabilitazione del movimento - Prof. David Neil Manners.

Physical therapies (physiotherapy and therapeutic exercise) can have a significant impact on the brain. University researchers are collaborating with partners including the Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna and the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute to better understand cortical plasticity using advanced MRI techniques. Two contrasting projects will be presented with video screenings and demonstrations.

 11.00 am–12.00 pm – Una pausa di salute – Prof. Andrea Ceciliani.

Active breaks in schools and teacher training.

 12.00–1.00 pm – Progetto PUREMIND: metti alla prova la tua attenzione e sfidaci con i nostri giochi! - Prof. Laura Bragonzoni.

The project aims to develop the first Integrated Ecosystem for Mental Care, designed to predict and support the early identification of risk factors linked to the development of Mental Health Disorders.

 1.00–2.00 pm – Influenza dell'attività fisica sulla salute delle donne in menopausa - Prof. Pasqualino Maietta Latessa, Dr Federica Moro and Prof. Mirko Ranieri.

 2.00–3.00 pm – Ingegneria meccanica: non solo motori ma anche corpo umano e salute cardio vascolare - Prof. Stefania Falfari, Dr Giulio Cazzoli, Dr Alessandro Zannoni.

Through physical and mathematical modelling of the cardiovascular system, it is possible to help surgeons understand patient–specific critical issues and assess potential corrective actions using MRI and/or CT scans. Mathematics, physics and engineering combine to support human health.

 3.00–4.00 pm – Ti stai allenando bene? - Dr Antonio Cicchella.

Brief guidance on marathon training loads.

 4.00–5.00 pm – Dentro l'aria: il polline e le particelle che respiriamo ogni giorno - Prof. Iris Aloisi, Dr Alessandro Zappi.

An interactive activity to examine pollen, particulate matter and air quality up close, and to understand how biological and non–biological components of the air affect health.

 5.00–6.00 pm – Il nostro clima, la nostra salute: il progetto TRIGGER - Prof. Erika Brattich.

Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent, partly due to human activity. This session explores the links between climate change and human health and how they can be studied, with a focus on wearable devices.

 6.00–7.00 pm - Sviluppo di un dispositivo che offra supporto a pazienti affetti da più malattie: il progetto REMEDY - Prof. Igor Diemberger.

Participants will discover the new wearable device currently under development within the REMEDY project, designed for the remote monitoring of patients with multiple diseases. The session will demonstrate how the device, together with an AI–based telemedicine platform, can support patients throughout their care pathway by collecting real–time vital data for more personalised and integrated treatment.

 Sunday 1 March

10.00–11.00 am - Il team di Formula Student e MotoStudent - Dr Francesco Di Giacomo.
Presentation of the electric racing motorcycle prototype (MotoStudent category) developed by the UniBo Motorsport team.

 11.00 am–12.00 pm - Correre per la città, 'fare' cittadini. La lezione degli antichi - Prof. Giuseppina Paola Viscardi.

Not just athletes: a journey through ancient Greece and Rome exploring the link between athletic training and moral virtue, when sport was also civic education.

 1.00–2.00 pm - La salute del suolo per la salute di tutti - Prof. Gloria Falsone, Prof. Livia Vittori Antisari.

Soil produces 95% of our food and hosts 66% of global biodiversity. Starting from this silent yet fundamental protagonist, researchers from the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences will engage the public to explore how the One Health approach connects soil health with human, animal and plant health, the environment, food safety and nutrition.

 2.00–3.00 pm - Sport! Fra conflitti e soluzioni - Dr Francesco Olindo dal Maso.‌

The School of Sports Law of the Department of Legal Studies promotes research and advanced training in sports justice and conflict management in sport, through dedicated courses, seminars and conferences, also in collaboration with the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI). Through Third Mission activities and partnerships with sports organisations and local institutions, it develops and disseminates tools and a culture of prevention, management and resolution of disputes in sport, placing academic knowledge at the service of sport and the wider community.

  Sunday 1 March – Sporting Events Programme:

 • Marathon (42.195 km)

• 30 km under the Porticoes

• Run Tune Up (21.097 km), now in its 22nd edition

• 5 km City Run, open to all –> registration still open on the official website

• Kids Marathon (Saturday 28 February)

 Piazza Maggiore will be at the centre of the event — the finishing point for all races and the home of the Marathon Village, which will host activities, talks, presentations, and cultural and musical events throughout the weekend.

 For University of Bologna students who take part in the Run Tune Up (21.097 km), the “UNIBO 21K CHALLENGE” prize is planned, dedicated to the top three male and female students with the best speed. The award ceremony will take place on the main stage in Piazza Maggiore.

 Participants can register individually or as a team for the Bologna City Run (starting from Via Irnerio) via the Termal Bologna Marathon website: https://www.bolognamarathon.run/bologna-city-run

A dedicated discount is available for the University of Bologna community. All information is available on the University website. Link: https://www.unibo.it/en/university-outreach/people-and-the-community/termal-bologna-marathon-2026