Programme

The COMP-R project

The challenge of COMPlexity for sustainable development:

towards Regeneration

The project integrates chemical, biological and geological expertise from the Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability to develop processes, knowledge and tools that enable ecological transition, with investments in highly qualified professionals, infrastructure and advanced training.

Strategic themes

The COMP-R project is structured around five strategic themes (ST) that represent the fundamental guidelines for developing innovative knowledge and technologies dedicated to the regeneration of resources and ecosystems, ecological transition and the sustainability of production processes. These areas integrate chemical, biological and geological approaches in an interdisciplinary manner, promoting the transfer of results from basic research to concrete applications.

ST1. Processes - Sustainability and regeneration

Development of sustainable chemical and biological processes for large-scale synthesis and production, aimed at reducing waste and environmental impact and regenerating degraded environments.

ST2. Materials - Circular innovation

Design of innovative “sustainable by design” materials, intended to be recyclable, reusable and reprocessable, with applications ranging from molecular electronics to biomedicine and agro-industry.

ST3. Monitoring - Tools for understanding and protecting

Development of advanced analytical and sensory methods to detect emerging contaminants and monitor environmental quality in real time.

ST4. Energy - Efficiency and renewable sources

Development of new technologies to reduce energy consumption, optimise energy flows and produce energy from renewable sources using low-cost materials with low environmental impact.

ST5. Ecosystems - Regeneration and biodiversity

Study and application of innovative solutions for the environmental regeneration of contaminated or degraded sites and for the conservation of functional biodiversity.

Specific objectives

The COMP-R project defines a coherent set of strategic objectives aimed at strengthening the scientific and training capacity of the Department, enhancing infrastructure and human capital, and promoting the dissemination of research results at the academic, socio-economic and territorial levels.

🧭 O1 · Development of research and recruitment lines

The project involves strengthening the five strategic themes (ST1–ST5) by hiring new teaching and research staff in the fields of chemistry and biology, with the involvement of geological expertise. Particular attention will be paid to recruiting young researchers at the beginning of their careers and to gender balance, in order to strengthen innovative capacity and disciplinary diversity.

🧪 O2 · Infrastructure enhancement and sustainability of research practices

The infrastructure and equipment developed under the previous COMP-HUB project will be refocused on the objectives of COMP-R and expanded through the acquisition of new scientific equipment. A general modernisation of laboratories and experimental procedures is also planned, aimed at improving the sustainability and accountability of research activities.

🎓 O3 · Strengthening higher education

The project aims to develop advanced training activities on strategic topics, particularly in the field of materials, by enhancing the range of master's degrees and highly specialised courses on offer. The objective is to contribute to the training of highly qualified professionals who are able to work in interdisciplinary contexts and tackle the scientific and technological challenges of the ecological transition.

🌍 O4 · Dissemination and transfer of results

COMP-R provides for a comprehensive programme for the dissemination and transfer of results to the scientific community, civil society and the productive sector. These actions aim to enhance the value of the knowledge produced, promote the dissemination of innovative practices and solutions, and strengthen the role of the Department in the local and international context.

💡 O5 · Human resource development and internal incentives

The project promotes the active involvement of researchers and technical-administrative staff through dedicated support and reward systems. Specific resources are allocated to new recruits and staff involved in project activities in order to encourage participation, stimulate scientific productivity and strengthen the sense of belonging to the departmental community.

This articulation of objectives forms the basis for consolidating and developing the Department's position as a centre of scientific and educational excellence on the national and international scene.

Expected results

The COMP-R project aims to achieve measurable and significant results in terms of science, training and technology transfer, helping to strengthen the Department's role as a centre of excellence at national and international level.

1️⃣ Growth in research capacity

A significant increase in the capacity to conduct cutting-edge research in strategic thematic areas is expected, as evidenced by high-level scientific output and the achievement of the expected scientific targets.

2️⃣ Technology transfer and regional networking

The project will promote technology transfer at various levels through:

• the establishment of the Joint Laboratory ‘Reprocessable Structural Composite Materials’, in collaboration with Elantas Europe srl, Dallara SpA and other local companies;
• the creation of a permanent environmental monitoring network for contaminants in the basin scale of river Po, in synergy with the Parma Carbon Neutrality Alliance, ARPAE and the Po Basin Authority.

3️⃣ Environmental certifications

Within the first three years, at least three research laboratories will obtain international ‘green laboratory’ certification.
Guidelines and best practices will be developed to extend this certification to other facilities over the following two years, contributing to the sustainability of experimental activities.

4️⃣ New international master's degree

An international master's degree course in Sustainable Materials will be established, characterised by an interdisciplinary approach and focused on the themes of environmental regeneration and sustainable development.

5️⃣ Enhancement of doctoral programmes and highly qualified training

Doctoral programmes will be strengthened through:

• the activation of COMP-R fellowships;
• support for initiatives self-managed by doctoral students (seminars, workshops, discussion groups);
• the presentation of a proposal for a joint Advanced Qualification Course with other European Universities on the theme of Science and Technology for Environmental Regeneration.

6️⃣ Training and dissemination activities

Training and awareness-raising activities are planned for schools, teachers, students and citizens, including: citizen science activities; participation in the European Researchers' Night; the organisation of two educational events dedicated to the project's themes.

Overall, the expected results will contribute to: strengthening scientific production and international appeal; consolidating technology transfer and collaborations with the local area; improving the sustainability of research infrastructure; innovating the educational offering at all levels; increasing the Department's impact in the socio-economic and environmental context.

Expected impact

The COMP-R project will generate significant impacts at international, national and local level, contributing to consolidating the Department's position as a centre of advanced research and promoting integration between scientific activity, technological innovation and territorial development.

🌐 International level

The publication of results in high-impact scientific journals will increase visibility and international competitiveness. COMP-R will support participation in European programmes, in particular:

• Horizon Europe, with reference to four of the five Missions:

1. 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities (wth the city of Parma),
2. Adaptation to Climate Change,
3. Restore our Ocean and Waters,
4. A Soil Deal for Europe;

• PRIMA, LIFE, EURAMET thanks to the Department's participation in the European Consortium of Metrology Institutes.

Furthermore, collaboration with the EU GREEN network will enable COMP-R advanced training activities to be integrated into the European educational context, promoting the training of citizens and professionals focused on sustainability.

🇮🇹 National level

COMP-R will contribute to the achievement of the strategic objectives of the 2021–2027 National Research Plan, strengthening the University's initiatives in PON programmes and creating synergies with PNRR projects (Innovation Ecosystems, Infrastructure, Extended Partnerships, MASE calls for proposals). The project will also provide innovative technological solutions for materials and production processes, in line with Industry 4.0 and Transition 4.0 policies, thus supporting the competitiveness of the national industrial system.

🏞️ Local and regional level

At the local level, COMP-R will strengthen the University's role within the Parma Carbon Neutrality Alliance, which involves the Region, Province, Municipality, ARPAE, CNR and Industrial Union. The project's initiatives:

• will be consistent with regional Smart Specialisation Strategies, particularly for drivers linked to sustainable development;
• will encourage participation in PSR and POR-FESR projects;
• will generate technological and operational benefits for the local production system through innovative solutions in the field of industrial processes, new materials, sustainable packaging and environmental monitoring systems.

Overall, COMP-R aims to generate measurable and systemic impacts, contributing to international scientific competitiveness, national ecological transition and integrated territorial innovation.

Strategies

The COMP-R project strategies are divided into four main areas — personnel, infrastructure, advanced training and networking — supported by a reward system. These areas constitute the operational framework for the implementation of the departmental research and development programme.

👩‍🔬 Personnel

In line with the department's human capital investment strategy, COMP-R:

• plans to recruit two associate professors (sectors 03/C1 and 05/A2), six tenure track researchers and three RTDa researchers in key sectors for the project;
• adopts measures to attract talent, with particular attention to ERC, MSCA and Rita Levi Montalcini profiles;
• activates personalised incentives for new PAs (doctoral scholarships, initial research funds, merit-recognition bonuses);
• integrates recruited personnel into teaching (LM Sustainable Materials) and research programmes;
• uses University co-funding (2.75 staff points), “Excellent Science” grants and PON/PNRR recruitment to expand project capacity.

🧪 Infrastructures

A targeted investment is planned in advanced instrumentation for TS1–TS5 topics and in the sustainable modernisation of laboratories for €1,968,750, to which at least another €451,000 will be added (Department funds, University funds, Ministerial Decree 737/2021, contributions from companies).
The departmental infrastructure and that of the METROFOOD-IT network will be integrated to ensure the sustainability of activities in the medium to long term.

🎓 High education

COMP-R will enhance the appeal and quality of advanced high through:

• the proposal of a joint Advanced Qualification Course with other European universities dedicated to environmental regeneration;
• the expansion of cross-disciplinary pathways between doctoral programmes and the coordination of communication activities;
• the launch of a new international interdisciplinary Master's degree in Sustainable Materials.

🌐 Network

The project consolidates relationships with:

• the local economic and social fabric, through the Parma Carbon Neutrality Alliance and participation in Clust-ER Greentech;
• national and international research institutes (MIT Boston, AIT Vienna, KTH Stockholm, INRIM, Marine Research Institute Klaipeda);
• other departments of the University (Engineering, Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science) for joint research and development of the new Master's degree programme.

🌟 Incentives

Incentives for researchers and technical-administrative staff will be managed through the departmental system, with resources dedicated to encouraging involvement in projects and the achievement of scientific and educational objectives.

This integrated strategy strengthens the Department's scientific positioning, ensures structural sustainability and broadens its educational and territorial impact.