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Third Mission Projects for Health and Wellbeing
The University of Padua has several departments in the medical and scientific fields. In 2024, these departments carried out numerous third mission projects aimed at promoting health and well-being within the local community.
Projects
Lead department: Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science – BCA
Other departments involved: Department of Agronomy, Animals, Food, Natural Resources and Environment – DAFNAE Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health – MAPS Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry – TESAF Department of Neurosciences – DNS Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health – DCTV Lucio Toniolo Experimental Farm University Veterinary Teaching Hospital – OVUD
The RINASCO project addresses global issues such as climate change, epidemics, environmental sustainability, and the relationship between nutrition, health, and food safety, promoting the concept of One Health, which integrates the well-being of people, animals, and the environment. Through collaboration among six departments, the project aims to spread scientific knowledge and awareness across the Veneto region with a multidisciplinary approach. Its four-phase activities include building a research network, public engagement initiatives, experiential learning in parks and natural areas, training programs for professionals, and medical monitoring to assess the impact of the activities carried out.
Lead department: Department of Molecular Medicine – DMM
Following the success of the 2023 project “Aging Well: Instructions for Use”, the Department of Molecular Medicine decided to continue its activities, introducing new elements, including the integration of Artificial Intelligence themes. The goal is to promote a culture of conscious and healthy aging by engaging citizens, general practitioners, volunteers, and residents of nursing homes through conferences, training meetings, and outreach activities. The project seeks to increase knowledge of physical and mental health resources, ethical and legal protection tools, and opportunities offered by AI, fostering dialogue between research, healthcare, and society, also through the Science and Society website.
Lead department: Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology – DPSS
This project promotes the psychosocial well-being of people throughout the life cycle through public health support initiatives and the dissemination of open scientific culture. Activities include psychological support spaces for parents of children with Down Syndrome, athletes, and gymnasts; mentoring programs for minors and isolated older adults; and public engagement initiatives on topics such as pediatric oncohematologic diseases in migrant families and lifestyle habits in pandemic prevention. At the same time, the project aims to spread the principles of Open Science and establish the first Methodological Review Board in Psychology in Italy, fostering dialogue between research, professionals, and citizens.
Lead department: Department of General Psychology – DPG
Other structure involved: University Centre for Psychological Clinical Services – SCUP
The APPASSIONATA-MENTE project, promoted by the Department of General Psychology and the SCUP, combines diverse expertise to enhance individual well-being in all its forms, regardless of age, gender, or health conditions. The initiative offers a rich program of cultural and scientific activities—performances, talks, walks, visits, and prevention initiatives—aimed at spreading psychological culture and awareness of mental well-being. Themes range from basic research to clinical and applied psychology, as well as the relationship between digital technologies and quality of life in Society 5.0. Activities, hosted in various locations in and around Padua, aim to actively involve citizens and strengthen collaboration between DPG and SCUP in service to the community.
Lead department: Department of Women’s and Children’s Health – SDB
Other department involved: Department of Medicine – DIMED
This project promotes psychosocial well-being across all life stages, combining public health interventions and scientific outreach initiatives. It includes psychological support spaces for parents of children with Down Syndrome, athletes, and gymnasts, as well as mentoring programs for minors and isolated older adults. Through events and publications, it explores topics such as pediatric oncohematologic diseases in migrant families and the importance of lifestyle habits in pandemic prevention. At the same time, it promotes Open Science culture and lays the groundwork for the establishment of the first Methodological Review Board in Psychology in Italy.
Lead department: Department of Biomedical Sciences – DSB
Other department involved: Department of Linguistic and Literary Studies – DISLL
The Departments of Biomedical Sciences and Linguistic and Literary Studies propose a joint project to combat prejudice about cancer and bring the public closer to the illness in all its dimensions—from prevention to culture and literature. The person is at the center, with their experiences, relationships, and emotions. The project includes a variety of initiatives—meetings, workshops, performances, readings, debates, and screenings—organized also in unconventional venues and aligned with international WHO events, including a festival hosted by the DISLL. Collaboration between the two departments, together with a wide network of local partners and associations, makes this project an effective tool for public engagement and research enhancement.
Lead department: Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences – DISCOG
The project “Well-being at School: Prevention Starts with Us” stems from WHO analyses on adolescent health, which highlight deficiencies in physical activity, nutrition, alcohol and tobacco use, mental health, and safe sexual behaviors. The project aims to promote healthy lifestyles from an early age by creating an inclusive and safe environment, reducing inequalities, and enhancing both physical and psychological well-being for all students. With a multidisciplinary approach, it addresses topics such as balanced nutrition, physical activity, cancer and fracture prevention, responsible use of social media, and awareness of sexuality—contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.
Lead department: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences – DSF
The DSF of the University of Padua integrates expertise in pharmaceutical development and pharmacy services, and has launched an initiative to enhance its knowledge with a focus on inclusion and sustainability. The 2024 Third Mission project continues previous efforts, aiming to position DSF and UNIPD as active players in promoting sustainable, appropriate, and inclusive practices throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain. Under the theme of “Inclusive Medicine,” the project includes initiatives for knowledge protection, public engagement, and sustainable development, involving stakeholders such as companies, pharmacists, patients, and associations, as well as established partners like EUPATI and Doctors with Africa CUAMM. For the first time, sociologists of science will also participate in some public engagement initiatives. This project aligns with the DSF’s strategic and communication plans, marking a step toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and socially responsible pharmaceutical sector.
Questo articolo è disponibile anche in: Italiano (Italian)