PRESS RELEASE
Today, Fondazione Edmund Mach celebrated its PhD community on the occasion of the PhD Day, an event dedicated to young researchers from Italian and international universities who carry out their study and research activities at the San Michele campus.
Active since 2012, the international PhD programme within FEM Research and Innovation Centre has involved more than 300 doctoral students from over 40 countries.
Today’s initiative, held at the Palazzo Ricerca e Conoscenza and organised in collaboration with the University of Trento, involved around fifty PhD students working in the Foundation’s research areas. Opening remarks were delivered by FEM President Francesco Spagnolli, the Head of the Research and Innovation Centre Damiano Gianelle, and Professor Gerardo Puopolo, PhD programme coordinator at C3A – University of Trento.
Through these challenges, the PhD Day aims to demonstrate how doctoral training prepares researchers who are attentive to societal needs and capable of enhancing the results of their research by transforming innovation into applicable technology. This objective is reflected in the words of President Spagnolli: “Since its foundation in 1874, FEM has combined education and research. It is no coincidence that the first teachers at the San Michele school were both lecturers and researchers. Directly transferring research results to students, who are then called to apply them, represents a major advantage. After 150 years, this mission remains largely unchanged. Today, you represent the highest level of education offered by FEM: a community of skilled young people, capable of collaborating externally and engaging at an international level.”
Working in small interdisciplinary groups, participants addressed topics related to research and innovation, ranging from artificial intelligence applied to research to soil enhancement, as well as adaptation and resilience to climate change. Other topics included technological innovation in local agri-food supply chains, balancing sustainability, tradition, and trust within the territory.
Participants tested their analytical skills, interdisciplinary approach, and technical expertise under the supervision of senior researchers.
Advanced research-oriented training represents one of the core missions of the Fondazione Edmund Mach. Originating from the integration of the Genomics and Molecular Physiology of Fruit (GMPF) network and training activities in other strategic areas of the Foundation, the programme has evolved into a solid international PhD programme, the FEM International Research School. Since its establishment, it has become one of the most innovative initiatives promoted by the Research and Innovation Centre, contributing to the development of a strong international collaboration network with leading academic and private sector institutions.
The programme currently includes around 70 PhD students involved in research projects developed in collaboration with a network of more than 30 national and international partners. Students are engaged in innovative, internationally oriented projects addressing current challenges in agriculture, the environment, and food systems.
A key objective of the programme is to train a new generation of researchers prepared for international careers. From this vision, in 2025, the training pathway “Mentoring Routes: Unleashing Innovative Careers for Young Researchers” was launched, funded by European resources within the Era Talent initiative promoted by the European Commission.
The programme includes training paths aimed at adopting strategies to enhance and translate research results into concrete solutions. FEM’s commitment is also reflected in its active and ongoing participation in the Euraxess network, promoted by the European Commission, supporting mobility and career development for PhD students and young researchers.
