Research scenarios at Mediterranea: the University takes stock of the VQR 20/24 and the impact of PRIN and PNRR projects.

On Thursday, July 16, 2026, starting at 10:30 a.m., the Quistelli Aula Magna will host a day of study and discussion on scientific research and its impact. Presentations by University leaders, directors of the Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (MIUR), and ANVUR (National Agency for National Research) will be given, along with an international final review.

The Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria is preparing for a day of strategic importance for its academic and scientific future. On Thursday, July 16, 2026, starting at 10:30 a.m. in the Quistelli Aula Magna, the event titled "Research Scenarios at the Mediterranean University. Evaluation of VQR 20/24 and Impact of PRIN and PRIN PNRR 2022 Projects" will be held. This event will provide an in-depth assessment of the University's research activities, analyze the current state of the art, and define guidelines for future growth and innovation scenarios.

The meeting is intended as a space for collective reflection and will offer a detailed overview of two fundamental pillars of national university research: the Research Quality Evaluation (VQR 2020-2024) and the concrete impact generated in the region by projects funded through the PRIN (Projects of Relevant National Interest) and PRIN PNRR 2022 funds. Today, more than ever, the latter represent the driving forces for scientific, technological, economic, and social innovation in the entire metropolitan and regional area.

The event will see the active participation of the University's top leaders, the Directors and Delegates of the five Departments of the Università Mediterranea, joined by authoritative institutional guests and internationally renowned experts.

Morning Session: Research Quality Assessment (VQR 2020-2024)

The proceedings will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a session entirely dedicated to the 2020-2024 VQR. The day will begin with institutional greetings from the Rector of the Università Mediterranea, Professor Giuseppe Zimbalatti, followed by a speech by Dr. Valter Brancati, Director of ANVUR (National Agency for the Evaluation of the University and Research System) and member of the University's Evaluation Committee (NdV). The presence of ANVUR underscores the importance of systematically discussing the parameters of scientific quality and productivity across the national landscape.

Subsequently, at 11:00 a.m., the analysis will get underway with technical reports on the University's results. The data presentation will be led by the Deputy Rector for Research and Technology Transfer, Professor Massimo Lauria, and the Deputy Rector for Sustainability and Monitoring of Indicators of the Università Mediterranea, Professor Mariantonia Cotronei.

At 11:45 a detailed Round Table will begin which will see the Directors of the five Departments and the heads of the internal quality assurance bodies discuss: Prof. Marco Poiana (Director of the Department of Agriculture), Prof. Consuelo Nava (Director of the dAeD Department), Prof. Giuseppe Barbaro (Director of the DICEAM Department), Prof. Claudio De Capua (Director of the DIIES Department), Prof. Massimo Finocchiaro Castro (Director of the DiGiES Department), together with Prof. Giovanni Leonardi (Coordinator of the University Quality Assurance Committee) and Prof. Giacomo Messina (Coordinator of the Evaluation Unit).

The Afternoon Session: The Impact of the PRIN and PRIN PNRR 2022 Projects

The second part of the day, focusing on the evolution of Projects of Significant National Interest, will resume at 2:15 PM. The afternoon session will once again be opened by the Rector, Professor Giuseppe Zimbalatti, together with Dr. Laura Patella, Director of the Ministry of University and Research (MUR). The presentation will offer a valuable institutional and ministerial overview of current funding lines and strategic opportunities for future developments in research funded by PRIN funds.

At 2:45 PM, the operational focus on the University's PRIN projects will begin. Deputy Pro-Rector, Professor Massimo Lauria, will introduce the analytical presentations by the respective Departmental Research Delegates, who will outline the progress, intermediate milestones, and the concrete scientific and regional implications of ongoing research.

A further opportunity for scientific synthesis and perspective will be held at 5:00 PM with a Round Table discussion featuring members of the University Scientific Committee, academics representing the various macro-areas of Mediterranea knowledge: Professor Nicola Moraci for Engineering, Professor Massimiliano Ferrara for Law, Economics, and Human Sciences, Professor Michele Monti for Agriculture, and Professor Tommaso Manfredi for Architecture.

The final review is entrusted to Professor Sergio Altomonte of the Université Catholique de Louvain (Belgium). His external and European perspective will allow the results of Mediterranea's research to be assessed and valorized within the broader and more competitive global context.

The entire academic community, students, local stakeholders and the press are warmly invited to participate in this day which charts the course of knowledge and future development of our University.