Focusing on research
The University of Padova fosters an environment which facilitates top-quality scholarship and research, providing leadership in setting research goals for the University, developing and implementing strategies for achieving them, capitalising on the interdisciplinary strength of University research centres, and ensuring that the research infrastructure is robust and responsive to the expanding and ever-changing needs of researchers. A particular effort is being made to enhance collaboration between university research groups and industry, with special emphasis on small and medium enterprises in North-East Italy.
Specific actions are implemented through a set of programmes providing financial support for:
- University-funded research projects
- Strategic projects strengthening existing excellence
- Matching funds for research projects co-financed by the Ministry of Education and Research (MIUR)
- Purchase of new scientific instrumentation or replacement of obsolete equipment.
Results
The first-ever report issued by the Italian Research Assessment Committee ranked the University of Padova as highest among leading Italian universities for the quality of its research results.
Twenty panels of evaluators, 25% of whom come from foreign institutions, analysed the scientific articles, monographs, patents, works and publications presented by 77 universities, 12 public bodies and 13 private research institutes from all over Italy, before awarding the University of Padova a vote of excellence in 12 out of the 20 disciplines and scientific areas covered. According to the number of citations of articles and publications by its researchers (source: ISI), the University of Padova ranks among the top three Italian universities for total impact index, productivity index and presence index.
7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (7FP)
The Programme is the EU's main instrument for funding research in Europe and it runs from 2007 to 2013. FP7 supports research in selected priority areas - the aim being to make, or keep, the EU as a world leader in those sectors.
FP7 is made up of 4 main blocks of activities forming 4 specific programmes plus a fifth specific programme on nuclear research: Cooperation, Ideas, People, Capacities, Euratom, Joint Technology Initiatives.