University of Padua first in Italy for projects funded by the European Commission in the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2025
08.04.2026
The University of Padua has received a prestigious recognition from the European Commission, ranking first in Italy and ninth in Europe for the number of projects funded under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks 2025 of Horizon Europe.
Objectives of the MSCA Doctoral Networks
The MSCA Doctoral Networks fund high-quality doctoral programmes that bring together universities, research centres, and businesses in European and international consortia, with the aim of training a new generation of researchers through an intersectoral, interdisciplinary, and international approach.
Projects coordinated by the University of Padua
The University of Padua will directly coordinate two projects and participate as a beneficiary partner in another 12, for a total funding of over 6 million euros. The two coordinated projects are led by Edmondo Maria Benetti and Francesca Lorandi, both from the Department of Chemical Sciences.
Details of the coordinated projects
The AGRIPOLYS project, coordinated by Edmondo Maria Benetti, aims to develop biodegradable polymeric materials to increase agricultural productivity and reduce environmental impact, while ensuring food security in a context of climate change. The POLY4EV project, under the guidance of Francesca Lorandi, aims to create new sustainable polymeric materials to improve the performance and durability of electric vehicles.
Involvement of various Departments
In total, eight departments of the University of Padua are involved. The Department of Chemical Sciences stands out with four projects, including two as coordinator and two as beneficiary partner. The Departments of Information Engineering and Industrial Engineering have obtained three and two projects respectively. Additionally, the Departments of Biology, Physics and Astronomy "Galileo Galilei", Medicine, Technical and Management of Industrial Systems, and Geosciences each participate in one project.
Official Statements from the University
"The success in this year's Doctoral Networks is an important recognition of the quality and project capability of our University," highlighted Fabio Zwirner, Vice-Rector for Research at the University of Padua. "Coordinating two consortia with international partners means not only attracting resources and talents but also exercising a role of scientific leadership at the European level."
University of Padua Confirmed as a Centre of Excellence in European Research
The success in the MSCA Doctoral Networks demonstrates the effectiveness of the initiatives implemented by the University to support participation in competitive European calls, from consultancy during the project design phase to the management of funded projects.
