Unipd collaborations with health institutions

The University of Padua distinguishes itself as a leader in health research and innovation, supported by a network of collaborations at both local and global levels. The commitment goes beyond just academic research: it aims to promote physical and psychological well-being through strategic partnerships and innovative projects.

There are several collaborations with local, national and global health institutions to promote and improve physical and psychological health and well-being. The network of collaborations includes prestigious institutions such as the Hospital of Padua, the Institute of Neuroscience of the National Research Council, and the National Center for Gene Therapy and Drugs. These partnerships allow us to be at the forefront of biomedical research and health and patient care.

The University is actively involved in many national and European projects, such as the “Veneto for Health” protocol and various Horizon 2020 projects, ranging from combating diabetes to research on neurodegenerative diseases. Participation in international networks such as the European Athlete Student Network for dual career student-athletes (EAS), the network of the national university sports system UNISPORT-IT, the Smoke-free Universities Network, and the Network for Sustainable Universities (RUS) with dedicated working tables to health to nutrition, highlights the University’s commitment to promoting health and well-being through sports and education, key elements for individual and collective well-being.

On this page, a constantly updated list of collaborations, ongoing projects and networks of which the University is a part, and which demonstrate how the University of Padua is improving the future of health and wellness not only locally and nationally but also globally.

LOCAL HEALTH COLLABORATIONS
- University Hospital of Padua
The Padua University Hospital (AOUP) is a regional center of excellence that integrates healthcare, teaching, and research in collaboration with the University of Padua. It provides high-quality medical education and innovation and is ranked among the world’s top 100 hospitals by Newsweek. In 2023, plans were announced for the new Padua East Health Hub, which will complement the Giustiniani Hub. This new facility, set on a 40-hectare site and featuring 963 beds, will focus on high-specialty care, with the executive design expected to be approved by late 2024.
- Veneto per la Salute protocol agreement
The “Veneto Protocol for Health” is a regional initiative focused on promoting the well-being and health rights of the Veneto population. It marks a significant step towards a more integrated and collaborative approach to public health management in Veneto. The protocol establishes a Regional Coordination Table, “Veneto for Health,” involving the Veneto Region, the University of Padua, the Veneto Oncology Institute, and other entities. Aligned with the 2020-2025 Regional Prevention Plan, it promotes a multidisciplinary and intersectoral approach, emphasizes shared responsibility for public health, seeks to integrate policies and actions for wellness and prevention, and strengthens the University of Padua’s role in medical research and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
- Pediatric Preventive Care in Middle-High Resource Countries – The Padova Chart for Health in Children
The project focuses on promoting healthy lifestyles, especially among children, to prevent noncommunicable chronic diseases and enhance quality of life. Guided by the Padua Charter for Children’s Health, it aims to implement initiatives that foster early adoption of healthy habits. Involving various local authorities, the project seeks to positively influence behaviors related to nutrition, physical activity, and the prevention of harmful habits, with the overarching goal of promoting lifelong health and well-being.
- Health, sports and wellness working table (Padua European Volunteer Capital 2020)
Padua, as the European Volunteer Capital, aligns with Goal 3 of the UN Agenda, aiming to become a model city that promotes quality of life, with particular attention to vulnerable people. Volunteering plays a key role in responding to community needs and building a more inclusive society. Through the collaboration of diverse experiences, the city is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles for all generations, contributing to a healthier society. The commitment and example of volunteers are key to creating a supportive and caring community for the well-being of all its members.

NATIONAL HEALTH COLLABORATIONS
- Italian Government Presidency of the Council of Ministers
The Italian government is the constitutional body that holds executive power in the Italian Republic. It is headed by the Prime Minister, who is the head of the government.
- National Center for gene therapy and drugs based on RNA technology
The National Center for Gene Therapy and Drug Development Based on RNA Technology is an innovative initiative bringing together 46 organizations, including universities, research institutes, and private companies. Following a Hub-and-Spoke model, the Center aims to develop cutting-edge RNA-based drugs and gene therapies. With over €320 million in funding from the EU’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), the project is led by a central Foundation (Hub) that coordinates ten Spokes dedicated to advancing personalized medicine. This initiative positions Italy at the forefront of the technological revolution in medicine.
- National Observatory on Local Food Policies protocol
The National Observatory on Local Food Policies was established through a Memorandum of Understanding among 31 organizations, including 27 universities, 2 National Research Centers, and 2 associations.
- UNISPORT-IT – National university sports system network
The National University Sports System is a network of Italian universities aimed at enhancing the potential of university sports as an effective, interdisciplinary tool for education, research, innovation, and improving overall well-being and the university experience.
- RUS Food Working Group
The RUS (Network of Universities for Sustainable Development) is an Italian initiative that brings together universities dedicated to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Its mission is to promote sustainable practices both within and beyond universities, contributing to the SDGs and showcasing Italy’s efforts internationally. The RUS Food Working Group focuses on sustainable food consumption within universities, addressing areas such as procurement, distribution, waste management, and food education. The aim is to make universities models of food sustainability within their communities, fostering the sharing of data and best practices.
- Smoke-Free Universities Network
The National Network of Smoke-Free Universities involves numerous Italian universities, united in their commitment to promoting public health through the creation of smoke-free academic environments. The network represents an important step towards creating a healthier university environment, contributing significantly to the public health and well-being of the Italian academic community.

GLOBAL HEALTH COLLABORATIONS
- Neuroscience Institute of the National Research Council
The CNR Institute of Neuroscience is an international center of excellence dedicated to brain research, with locations in Pisa, Milan, Padua, Cagliari, and Parma. It conducts both basic and applied research on various aspects of neuroscience, from neural plasticity to neurodegenerative diseases, utilizing state-of-the-art technology. The Institute frequently publishes in prestigious journals such as Nature and Science and is recognized for its innovative research methods. It is regarded as one of Italy’s leading centers for advanced training in neuroscience.
- European projects Horizon 2020: FORGETDIABETES, DIRNANO, LIVERHOPE, NEUREKA, MTPHAGYTREAT, FLAMMES, PhasAGE, SYNVIVO, Hypo-RESOLVE, etc.
Horizon 2020 is the European Union’s Framework Program for Research and Innovation, which ran from 2014 to 2020 with a budget of nearly €80 billion. Open to international cooperation, it stands as the largest research and innovation program ever implemented by the EU.
- EAS – European Athlete Student for Dual Careers
EAS (European Athlete as Student) is an international network founded in 2004 that focuses on promoting and supporting dual careers for student-athletes. Its primary mission is to help elite athletes balance their sports careers with education. The network includes experts, researchers, and professionals from educational institutions, sports organizations, and private companies across Europe. EAS hosts annual conferences, shares best practices, promotes research, and collaborates with various organizations to enhance dual-career policies and programs. The association strives to create an environment where athletes can excel both academically and athletically, preparing them for a successful transition to life after sports.
- PCU Commitee Network
The PCU Committee Network (Panathlon Club University Committee Network) is an international network connecting university Panathlon Clubs. The network aims to strengthen the role of sports in the university environment by promoting values such as fair play, integrity, and social responsibility through sport.

Unipd collaborations with health institutions

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