UNITA awards 17 bachelor’s and master’s theses on European citizenship
UNITA organised a dissertation competition on European citizenship that resulted in 17 winning students from 7 universities across the Alliance. The aim was to contribute to a better understanding of the European identity. The winning theses introduces a variety of topics. From the Eurovision Festival to Ecodesign and Circular Economy. The bachelor’s students have been awarded 200 euros and the master’s students 400 euros. We interviewed some of them. UNIZAR Iker Epelde is a student of the Master in Circular Economy and currently works at Bilibin Circular, a consultancy where he carried out this project. He studied Mechanical Engineering and is interested in combining industrial design with Ecodesign, rethinking products and offering innovative solutions from a circular perspective. This master’s thesis analyses the environmental impact of three food packaging products through Ecodesign, as part of the EKODIS-FOOD project promoted by the Basque Food Cluster. Through a life cycle analysis (LCA), it shows that eco-designed packaging is more environmentally sustainable than conventional packaging, reaffirming that Eco-design is key to reducing environmental impact in the food chain. Beatriz Pelegay has studied a double international degree in Management and Public Administration at the University of Zaragoza and Political Science and International Relations at the University of Valle d’Aosta in Italy. She is currently preparing for the competitive examinations for the position of Secretary-Comptroller and working. Her work reviews the public policies applied to the phenomenon of depopulation in Aragon and, in particular, the social sphere of women, due to their decisive nature for these measures to be effective. All administrative levels (from the European Union to local authorities) have implemented actions to tackle this problem, which is a pressing one for the territories of many European states and is a reason for a lack of cohesion in European citizenship. SAVOIE MONT BLANC François Arthebise studied a Master’s degree in Modern and Contemporary History Research. He is currently preparing for the teaching exam in History and Geography. The thesis focuses on the international actions of the city of Annecy between 1956 and 2017. The research examines the key players and motivations that have made Annecy a city with European and global influence. He was particularly interested in Annecy’s cooperation and events due to his passion for contemporary history and international relations through cultural exchanges. Matteo Anthony Carotti, is pursuing a double degree in Business Law in Chambéry and European Legal Studies in Turin. He is interested on the EU’s external action, particularly in the intersection of defense and Green sustainability. He chose “The European Union as a Global Security Actor” due to the pressing security challenges Europe faces, requiring diplomatic and deterrence mechanisms to address conflicts. More specifically, his dissertation examines the EU’s evolution in defense, from foundational treaties to initiatives like PESCO and the Strategic Compass. It analyzes missions like EULEX Kosovo and EUFOR ALTHEA, EU-NATO collaboration, and proposes strategies for enhancing coordination, cybersecurity, and military mobility. UNITO Depetris Matilde is graduated in Scienze Internazionali, dello Sviluppo e della Cooperazione at the University of Turin. She was awarded the UNITA Prize, section “three-year dissertations”, with the dissertation “Non sono solo canzonette: analisi multidimensionale del fenomeno dell’Eurovision Song Contest”. This thesis analyzes the ESC’s role as a cultural and political platform, exploring its impact on national and European identity construction and its influence on international relations. The study examines the ESC’s history, its reflection of geopolitical tensions, and its role in promoting cultural diplomacy, nation branding, and LGBTQ+ rights. The thesis concludes that the ESC is not merely a musical competition but a complex phenomenon that offers insights into the complexities of contemporary Europe and the potential of music as a tool for international dialogue and understanding. Kimia Dayhim is graduate in Global Law and Transnational Legal Studies at the University of Turin. She was awarded the UNITA Prize, section “three-year dissertations”, with the dissertation “Comparative Study of Abortion Legislation and Case Law in Italy, Ireland, Poland and Malta”. This thesis examines abortion legislation and case law in Italy, Ireland, Poland, and Malta, highlighting the diverse approaches influenced by religious, cultural, and legal factors. While all four countries share a Catholic heritage, their laws range from relatively liberal (Italy and post-2018 Ireland) to extremely restrictive (Poland and Malta). The study analyzes the historical context, current frameworks, and international concerns surrounding abortion in each country, exploring the impact on women’s access to services and the ongoing debate between religious beliefs and women’s rights. Greta Caratozzolo is a graduate in Law at the University of Turin. She was awarded the UNITA Prize, section “postgraduate theses”, with the thesis “EU citizenship as a consequence and as a limit to the acquisition of national citizenship: the case of investor schemes”. This thesis examines the relationship between EU citizenship and national citizenship, focusing on the implications of investor schemes. It explores the evolution of EU citizenship, its rights, and the acquisition and loss of both EU and national citizenship. The thesis analyzes the legal framework governing these processes, particularly the “genuine link” requirement for acquiring nationality. It then delves into the controversial issue of Residence by Investment (RBI) and Citizenship by Investment (CBI) schemes, highlighting their potential to undermine the essence of EU citizenship by granting nationality without a genuine link. The thesis ends by discussing the implications of these schemes in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the ongoing legal challenge to Malta’s CBI scheme before the Court of Justice. Alessia Giacumbo is graduated in Scienze del governo at the University of Turin. She was awarded the UNITA Prize, section “postgraduate theses”, with the thesis “Oltre la tutela giurisdizionale: dall’esperienza del Mediatore europeo alle forme di garanzia in Italia”. This paper examines alternative forms of guarantee to traditional judicial ones, focusing on the Ombudsman and recent sectoral guarantee figures. While primarily focusing on the Italian case, the study adopts a broader European perspective, comparing different legal systems in a historical-legal key. The research aims to highlight the significant contribution these guarantee figures offer in protecting rights and responding to citizens’ growing political disaffection. By
UNITA holds a researchers meeting in Circular Economy and Environment in the main auditorium of the University of Zaragoza
On 22 and 23 January, the University of Zaragoza welcomed almost 50 researchers from 7 European countries linked to UNITA universities. The aim is to develop joint projects and strengthen the research community of the Alliance. They came from Italy, France, Portugal, Romania, Switzerland and Ukraine, as well as Pamplona, for a meeting between researchers, also called ‘Matching Event’. It is an event to share research lines on Circular Economy and environment and to promote joint projects. La Universidad de Zaragoza acogió los días 22 y 23 de enero a casi 50 investigadores de 7 países europeos vinculados a las universidades UNITA. Vinieron desde Italia, Francia, Portugal, Rumanía, Suiza y Ucrania, además de Pamplona, para realizar un encuentro entre investigadores/as, también llamado “Matching Event”. Se trata de un evento para compartir líneas de investigación sobre Economía circular y medio ambiente y promover proyectos conjuntos. El evento fue inaugurado por la Vicerrectora de Política Científica Rosa Bolea, el Vicerrector de Internacionalización y Cooperación Francisco Beltrán y el codirector del Hub de UNITA de Economía circular y medio ambiente, José María Fraile. Se dividió en dos jornadas, dedicando el primer día a presentaciones y el segundo a conectar proyectos. “Me lo estoy pasando tan bien que cuando llego al hotel ni siquiera estoy cansada. Me siento con energía porque estamos trabajando bien y conociendo a mucha gente”, expresaba Stefana María Dima, codirectora del Hub e investigadora de la Universitatea de Vest sin Timisoara. Francisco Beltrán, Vicerrector de Internalización y Cooperación de la Universidad de Zaragoza deseó a las personas presentes el éxito en sus futuros proyectos: “Que surjan proyectos que permitan avanzar en la colaboración conjunta. El objetivo principal de esta acción es fortalecer la comunidad de investigadores de la Alianza y conseguir que se elaboren proyectos entre los investigadores de las universidades UNITA”. Para colaborar en proyectos conjuntos, los invitados tienen que hacer match. Para ello cuentan con un máximo de 90 segundos para explicar sus investigaciones sobre economía circular y medioambiente. Después, son emparejados con otros investigadores para saber si sus líneas de trabajo son compatibles y, por último, se reúnen en grupos donde comparten opiniones sobre preguntas relacionadas con los temas del evento. “Hay mucha gente con la que estoy interesada en hablar. Deseando que podamos trabajar en futuros proyectos”, continúa Stefana María Dima. Al evento también han acudido investigadores de la Universidad de Zaragoza, José María Fraile indicaba: “Ya tengo dos posibilidades de matches con investigadores de la Universidad de Turín y Francia. Creo que es una gran oportunidad de hacer avances en nuestros proyectos y contar con la colaboración de otros compañeros”. Además, los investigadores/as han recibido una conferencia sobre la elaboración de proyectos europeos, impartida por el gestor de proyectos internacionales Oswaldo Somolinos. También han realizado una visita turística a la Aljafería y han compartido comidas de networking. Un tiempo que han aprovechado para seguir conociéndose: “Puedo saber si es un posible match si tenemos intereses parecidos, pero también si sabe mucho sobre un tema en el que yo no he trabajado aún. Ha sido muy agradable que la Universidad de Zaragoza nos haya dado la oportunidad de conocer investigadores con otras perspectivas”, indica Stefana María Dima.
A New Chapter for European Higher Education Digitalization
We are excited to share that our colleague Vlad Petcu from the West University of Timișoara, who represents the FOREU4ALL Digitalization and IT Subgroup as a Co-Chair and also coordinates the development of UNITA – Universitas Montium Digital Ecosystem, took part in recent discussions and initiatives aligned with the vision of the European Education Area, supported by the European Commission. On the 15th of January, the European Digital Education Hub proudly launched the European Higher Education Interoperability Framework. This groundbreaking initiative is set to revolutionize the higher education landscape across Europe by fostering a more collaborative and innovative ecosystem. Interoperability in higher education plays a vital role in unlocking immense benefits for students throughout Europe. By enabling seamless digital integration, this framework will enrich academic experiences, enhance mobility, and harness Europe’s full intellectual potential to address global challenges. Vlad shared his enthusiasm, stating: “I am truly inspired by the collective effort and dedication driving this mission forward. Together, we are building a connected, inclusive, and sustainable future for higher education.” This milestone highlights the collective dedication to advancing European higher education, creating opportunities for students and institutions alike. Let us continue to work together toward a brighter, more connected future!
UNITA 4 ALL
UNITA 4 ALL returns, an annual event organized by the University of Brescia to share the experiences and objectives achieved after one year of UNITA – Universitas Montium. Il 22 gennaio si è svolta la seconda edizione di UNITA 4 ALL un evento dedicato a tutta la comunità universitaria per raccontare gli obiettivi, i risultati e le esperienze vissute durante questo anno. L’incontro ha visto la partecipazione, al fianco del Magnifico Rettore Prof. Castelli, di numerosi relatori e relatrici che hanno portato la loro testimonianza. Il programma dell’evento: – Prof. Francesco Castelli, Magnifico Rettore – Prof. Roberto Ranzi, Prorettore alle Politiche di Internazionalizzazione e responsabile scientifico del progetto UNITA – Dott.ssa Aiko Terao, Responsabile UOCC Relazioni Internazionali e UNITA Office – Prof.ssa Elisabetta Ceretti, Responsabile Task 4.2 UNITA – Prof.ssa Carmen Marchiori, Delegata del Rettore all’Orientamento internazionale – Prof.ssa Irene Giustina, Referente HUB Cultural Heritage UniBs in UNITA – Dott.ssa Silvia Sidoli, esperienza di Staff Mobility presso due università dell’Alleanza UNITA – Dott.ssa Flavia Fertillo, esperienza di Blended Intensive Programme in Romania – Dott.ssa Francesca Tanghetti, finalista del concorso “My3 minutes PhD thesis” – Prof. Matteo Frau, UNITA European citizenship initiative – Marta Fieschi, presidente ESN – Erasmus Student Network Brescia – Dott.ssa Aurora Lako, Rappresentante delle studentesse e degli studenti in Senato Accademico L’obiettivo di UNITA 4 ALL è quello di coinvolgere l’intera comunità di UniBs per aumentare il senso di appartenenza ad UNITA e creare una comunità coinvolta e consapevole delle opportunità dell’Alleanza in ambito di didattica, ricerca e mobilità internazionale. Nel corso dell’evento sono stati toccati differenti aspetti tra cui la Brescia Declaration, gli HUB della Ricerca, la Cartografia, i Matching Event passati e futuri, gli Starting Grant, le Staff Mobility, i BIP, i contest e i premi in UNITA e le elezioni della Student Assembly. La presentazione si è conclusa con una sessione di domande e risposte in cui la platea si è dimostrata coinvolta e partecipativa.
UNITA Universities in Action: Advanced Animal Reproduction Research Presented at Fertility 2025
Results from a project developed by the Department of Veterinary Sciences at UniTO in collaboration with the University of Zaragoza were showcased at the international Fertility 2025 congress in Liverpool. The project, funded by the Grant For Internationalization, exemplifies the cooperation among partner universities of the UNITA Alliance. A significant milestone for research within the UNITA Alliance. During the annual congress of the Society for Reproduction (SRF) held in Liverpool, Irene Viola, a research fellow at the Department of Veterinary Sciences of the University of Turin, had the honor of presenting the findings of an innovative study born from collaboration with the University of Zaragoza. The Fertility 2025 congress brought together researchers from around the globe to share the latest scientific advancements in reproductive medicine. In this prestigious setting, Dr. Viola had the opportunity to present the results of a research project that involved international expertise. Initiated in 2023, the project emerged from a collaboration between the Department of Veterinary Sciences at the University of Turin and the Department of Animal Production at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Zaragoza in Spain. The study was funded through the Grant For Internationalization, an initiative by the University of Turin to promote global collaboration. Professors Paola Toschi and Silvia Miretti from the University of Turin combined their expertise with Professor Alfonso Abecia from the University of Zaragoza to advance research on the physiology of animal reproduction. This synergy between the two research groups exemplifies how the UNITA Alliance fosters collaboration among universities from different countries to drive scientific progress. UNITA: An Alliance for International ResearchThe University of Turin and the University of Zaragoza, both members of the UNITA Alliance, continue to strengthen international research cooperation. This partnership not only advances veterinary science but also highlights how the UNITA Alliance promotes dialogue among universities across nations, creating opportunities for growth and innovation on a global scale.
Apply Now for the 2025 Université d’été on Cultural Heritage and Responsible Tourism
The 2025 edition of the Université d’été, a summer course on enhancing cultural heritage for responsible tourism, is open to UNITA students. Taking place in Sant’Anna di Valdieri, Italy, from August 25 to 30, applications are open until March 31. The 2025 edition of the Université d’été, a summer course on enhancing cultural heritage for responsible tourism, is open to UNITA students. Taking place in Sant’Anna di Valdieri, Italy, from August 25 to 30, applications are open until March 31. The Université d’été 2025 is inviting applications for its upcoming multidisciplinary summer course, focused on the enhancement of cultural heritage for responsible tourism in cross-border areas. Set in the picturesque town of Sant’Anna di Valdieri (Cuneo, Italy), the program will run from August 25 to 30, 2025, offering a unique opportunity for students to explore these crucial themes in an immersive, hands-on environment. The course is open to 20 students from the UNITA Alliance. Applicants should have a good command of Italian, the course’s official language. During the 6-day program, students will engage in lessons, workshops, and guided tours designed to provide in-depth knowledge on responsible tourism practices and cultural heritage conservation. Accommodation and meals for the duration of the course will be covered by the Organising Association. Students will stay at the Casa Alpina in Sant’Anna di Valdieri, where the academic activities will take place. However, participants are responsible for their own travel expenses to and from the venue, as well as any insurance costs not covered by their home university. Applications for the program are open until March 31, 2025. Interested students can apply through the official form provided here. Flyer FR Flyer IT For more details, students can reach out to Professor Cristina Trinchero at cristina.trinchero@unito.it. This summer course represents a unique chance for students to gain valuable knowledge and experience in the fields of cultural heritage and sustainable tourism while enjoying the beauty of the Italian Alps.
Exibition “I primi custodi della memoria – Le sepolture nel Paleolitico”
The University of Turin hosts the exhibition I primi custodi della memoria – Le sepolture nel Paleolitico (The First Guardians of Memory: Burials in the Paleolithic), showcasing the collection of casts of Paleolithic burials from the Museum of Human Anatomy at UniTO. The exhibition will then be presented at the partner universities of UNITA as part of the Alliance’s Cultural Heritage activities. The exhibition, running until March 14, 2025, features casts of intentional burials from the Paleolithic era. These casts provide valuable insights into how populations of that time approached the death of a fellow human. Funerary practices offer a unique opportunity to explore the deeper elements of human thought during a period preceding the emergence of artistic expression. The death rituals of the Paleolithic era were not driven by material necessities but by concerns of a different nature, often reflecting beliefs about the fate of an individual—or their body—after death. For this reason, they represent a significant milestone in the social history of humanity, shedding light on the life of the deceased and their community. The Turin collection of casts of prehistoric burials, partially created in Turin and partially acquired from other laboratories, is the most significant of its kind on an international level. To highlight the uniqueness of these artifacts, the UNITA Alliance has designed this exhibition, starting at the University of Turin and later traveling to the partner universities of the UNITA project as part of the Alliance’s Cultural Heritage initiatives. The exhibition is open to the public from January 16 at 6:00 PM to March 14, 2025, in the Sala Principe d’Acaia at the Palazzo del Rettorato (via Verdi 8/via Po 17, Turin). Information: https://www.unito.it/eventi/i-primi-custodi-della-memoria-le-sepolture-nel-paleolitico
The first meeting of the Renewable energy for transport vehicles project it has been a success
UNITA researchers from the project Renewable energy for transport vehicles had a successful first meeting at the University of Zaragoza. “It was great. The meeting was quite useful. We were looking at the possibilities of working on renewable electric mobility and we also shared the tasks for the following meetings”, answered Ángel Bayod, researcher at the University of Zaragoza. This project has received a Starting Grant from UNITA in order to begin working together on research into renewable energy in the automotive sector. During the workshop, the project members and collaborators from each university presented their research areas. “The researchers were very kind. I feel like we’re going to work well together”, continued Angel. The meeting also included a discussion on the types of renewable energy applied to transport vehicles. “We achieved the objectives of getting to know each other and sharing the topics. At the University of Zaragoza, for example, we are going to work on the photovoltaic part”, explained him. The meeting was attended by researchers Radu Tarulescu and Stelian Tarulescu, Lecturer from Universitatea Transilvania Brasov (UTBV), Frederico Miguel Freire Rodrigues and Kateryna Shvydyuk from Universidade de Beira Interior in Portugal (UBI), Ángel Bayod and Amaya Martínez (UNIZAR), and also featured a presentation from the Universitatea de Vest din Timisoara (UVT). In addition to the presentations and discussion, the UBI’s work on plasma-enhanced vertical axis generators was presented and UNIZAR provided insights into the possibilities and requirements of photovoltaic systems associated with electric vehicle chargers. Ángel Bayod, researcher at the University of Zaragoza, presenting the project to his colleagues The project continues The working team will meet in person at two additional meetings during 2025, the first one in Timisoara and the second one in Brasov. The results will be shared at conferences and academic journals to jointly advance research on the possibilities of mobility associated with renewable energy. UNITA’s Starting Grant initiative, in which the project is integrated, consists of awarding research start-up grants to strengthen collaboration between at least three UNITA universities through the implementation of new projects or the consolidation of existing projects. The maximum amounts in the last edition were €15,000 for projects with three partners, and €25,000 for those involving five or more partners.
1st Workshop of the UNITA Project: Decolonizing Women’s History: Collecting Archives and Oral Histories
The workshop is organized within the UNITA Starting Grant Project – Cultural heritage face of the colonial legacy “Decolonizing Women’s History: Collecting Archives and Oral Histories” (P.I. Silvia Bruzzi). For info: silvia.bruzzi@unito.it Streaming online: https://unito.webex.com/meet/imperial.history
EMPOWERING YOUTH: Active participation and engagement within the EDUC Alliance and beyond
EMPOWERING YOUTH: Active participation and engagement within the EDUC Alliance and beyond This international event will bring together professors, researchers, staff, and students involved in activities not only within the EDUC Alliance but also with colleagues from other European university alliances, as well as Ryan Wakamiya (ECIU University Alliance), Zakarya Seif (FORTHEM Alliance) and Krystina Kolinova (4EU+)alongside representatives of the European Commission. It will be an excellent opportunity to explore how we, as European University Alliances, aim to empower young people(not only belonging to students’ body) through active involvement in governance and activities as well as EDUC Think Lab for Student Engagement in the Virtual Campus, that is a collaborative initiative where students from EDUC universities actively contribute to the development of the EDUC Virtual Campus. This miniature think tank is designed to engage students—one of EDUC’s most significant stakeholder groups—in shaping the future of international and digital education. Here you will find the detailed program of the event, the link for the streaming and the link to register to the event: EDUC Alliance – Open your world of European education The event will take place on December 12, 2024, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The UNITA community is welcome to join.