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Scientific Programming Languages
Title : Programming with Python ()
Name of the proponent (Host) : Alfonso Pedone
Speaker Name : Julien Bloino
Duration : 12h
Date: first week of July 2026
Brief abstract : Basic Python language concepts; object-oriented programming; the Python library system: internal and external modules. Python in science: introduction to some libraries and their use Key language concepts will be illustrated through the progressive development of a complete program during the course.
Title : Introduction to Data Science with R (Scientific Programming Languages)
Name of the proponent (Host) : Federico Lugli
Speaker Name : Federico Lugli
Duration : 16h
Date: 22-25 June 2026
Brief abstract : The course provides an introductory overview of R and its use in data science. The course is tailored for PhD students from diverse disciplines and backgrounds. Participants will learn the main principles of data science, including data tiding, visualization, univariate and multivariate statistical analysis, and (machine learning) modeling, with an emphasis on reproducibility and best practices. Through coding exercises and real-world case studies, students will explore key R packages such as e.g. tidyverse, ggplot2, dplyr and caret. By the end of the course, attendees will be equipped with the skills to clean, analyze, and interpret complex datasets, allowing them to integrate data science techniques into their research effectively by using R coding. No prior experience with R is required, but basic knowledge of statistics will be beneficial.
Relevant topics in chemometrics and data analysis
Title : Deep Learning for Chemical Data Analysis
Name of the proponent (Host) : Marina Cocchi
Speaker Name : Daniele Tanzilli
Duration : 16h
Date : 16-17 July 2026
Brief abstract : The integration of artificial intelligence and chemometrics is becoming a key driver in the analysis of complex chemical data. This lecture aims to provide the conceptual foundations required to understand the relevance of artificial intelligence approaches, particularly deep learning methods, in modern chemistry. The seminar is divided into two sections. The first part introduces the core ideas behind artificial intelligence, tracing their historical and conceptual development. It discusses fundamental machine learning concepts, what an artificial neuron represents, how neural networks are built from simple processing units, and how they learn patterns directly from data. The concepts of convolution, as a tool for extracting relevant features, and attention-based models, including transformers, as a framework for handling complex and structured information. The second part of the seminar focuses on applications in chemistry using spectroscopic data, with a particular emphasis on regression and classification problems that are typical of chemometrics. Through illustrative examples and case studies, the seminar demonstrates how deep learning models can address high dimensionality and complex data structures. It also highlights the strengths and limitations of these models compared to traditional chemometric approaches.
Title: Introduction to multivariate data analysis and Experimental Design
Speaker Name: Lorenzo Strani
Duration : 16h
Date : 13-15 May, 18-19 June 2026
Brief abstract :
First module: Introduction to multivariate data analysis with exercises (PCA)
Instrumental or computed data holds useful information that could be hardness to extract. Data analysis is an important aspect of scientific research. This course aims at providing the necessary tools for extracting useful information from complex and large data sets, difficult to interpret using traditional statistical univariate analysis techniques. This course deals with the study of two important multivariate data analysis techniques, i.e. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Square Regression (PLS). Finally, some case studies will be presented to show the potentiality of the described techniques and different data set will be analysed as well.
Second module: Introduction to Experimental Design Methodology
In scientific and technological fields, obtaining reliable results requires not only accurate measurements but also a rigorous planning of experiments. Experimental Design approach provides essential tools for optimizing operating conditions, identifying significant factors and understanding the interactions that influence the system. This course aims to introduce the fundamental principles and techniques of Design of Experiments (DoE), offering systematic methods to maximize the information gained from a limited number of experimental trials. Several approaches will be examined, highlighting their advantages, limitations and areas of application. Finally, several case studies will be presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the described methodologies and to deepen the interpretation of results in real-world scenarios.
Hot environmental topics in a changing world
Title : Microplastics: chemistry, impact, and solutions
Name of the proponent (Host) : Marina Cocchi
Speaker Name : Costanza Scopetani
Duration : 20h
Date : 24-25-27 February2026
Brief Abstract : Chemical structure and classification of microplastics. Mechanisms of degradation and formation. Sources and transport in environmental compartments (water, soil, air). Analytical techniques for detection and characterization (FTIR, Raman, Py-GC/MS, microscopy). Ecotoxicological and human health impacts. Overview of current regulatory approaches and sustainable material alternatives. Emphasis on scientific discussion and critical analysis of real-world case studies.
Title : Climate change-induced sea-level rise: Impact on the natural environment and socio-economic systems of coastal areas
Name of the proponent (Host) : Paola Coratza
Visiting Professor : Efthimios Karymbalis
Duration : 16h
Date : 21-23 may 2026
Brief Abstract : The seminars will focus on climate change-induced long-term and short-term sea-level rise and its direct and indirect impact on the natural environment and socio-economic systems of coastal areas. It aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the causes of climate change induced sea-level rise (including thermal expansion, melting ice caps, and glacial retreat), an overview of future predictions, as well as how the anticipated global sea-level rise can negatively affect the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The seminars will focus on various methods of sea-level rise risk assessment, addressing the urgent need for future planning at all levels —from individuals to nations— and across different scales, from local to global, in various policy fields. Special attention will be given to the negative impacts caused not only by long-term sea-level rise but also by storm surges resulting from extreme low-pressure meteorological events. Examples of cities and countries already experiencing severe sea-level rise (including those in the Mediterranean region) will be presented to stimulate discussion and engage seminar participants in interactive activities on sea-level rise risk assessment, management and communication. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of applying research findings to tailor regional and local sea-level rise risk assessment for stakeholders and end-users involved in developing mitigation and adaptation strategies umbrella sampling simulations adopted for studying product-release step of enzymatic reaction, passing through electronic description of catalytic reactions (transition states and reaction intermediates) using full-quantum mechanics approach.
Title: Advanced Simulation Techniques for Catalysis, Environmental Chemistry, and Sustainability
Proponent (Host):
GiovanniMaria Piccini
Visiting Professor:
Vassiliki-Alexandra (Vanda) Glezakou
Duration:
4 seminars, 2 hours each
Dates:
May 27 – May 28 – June 3 – June 4
Brief Abstract: The Course comprises four seminars:
Title : Palynology for biodiversity assessment: principles of sampling, laboratory methods, and data interpretation
Name of the proponent (Host) : Assunta Florenzano
Speaker Name : Eleonora Clò
Duration : 8h
Date : 3 sessions (around 10 September 2026)
Brief Abstract : This course offers a comprehensive theoretical and practical introduction to palynology, the study of pollen and spores as key proxies for reconstructing past environments and investigating the interactions among climate, vegetation, and human activities. The course is structured into three main parts, combining theoretical background, data interpretation, and laboratory practice.
The first part (2h) introduces the fundamental principles of palynology, its main branches (actuopalynology and palaeopalynology), and the historical development of the discipline. Particular attention is devoted to the phylogenetic significance of pollen morphology. Students will be guided through the complete palynological research workflow, from field sampling in natural and archaeological deposits to laboratory pollen extraction, data handling, and the preparation and interpretation of pollen diagrams using Tilia software.
The second part (2h) provides an overview of recent advances and current challenges in palynology. Students will explore the development of floristic dataset from archaeological sites and the use of pollen morphology to investigate biodiversity, with particular attention to applications in biodiversity conservation and management strategies.
The third part (4h) consists of a practical laboratory session in which participants will gain hands-on experience in pollen extraction procedures, chemical treatments, sample preparation, and microscopic observation.
Transferable Skills
Title : Scientific Communication in English
Speaker Name : Adrian Wallwork
Duration: 24h
Date : 3, 5, 8-12 June 2026 (online); 15, 16 June 2026 (presence)
Brief Abstract : This course will teach you how to communicate effectively in English (and any other language) in the academic world. You will learn how to: - Write a research paper using a simple, clear style that allows your readers to immediately understand your unique contribution; - Present your research at an international conference and network successfully to increase your chances of future collaborations; - Write effective emails to editors and fellow academics; - Write a CV. The classes are dynamic, interactive and, above all, very practical.
Title: Complementary Course for PhD Students 2026 - Core research skills for cross-disciplinary work
Host : Unimore Research Office
Duration : 30h
Date : 19, 20, 27-29, January 2026
Brief Abstract : The course aims to explore in depth topics related to the fundamentals of project design and national and international research funding opportunities. Through its programme, the course seeks to foster a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach, promoting transferable skills that contribute to building the curricula of early-career researchers. The course and all related materials provided will be in English.
Title : Meet UB & SOS – Masterclass (Publish or Perish?), Focus and Game
Host : Ufficio Bibliometrico & Servizio Open Science Unimore
Duration : 10h
Date : 3,5 February (Masterclass, 3h); 10,11,12,17 (Focus, 1h each); 18, 19 February 2026 (Game, 3h)
Brief Abstract : Series of training and in-depth sessions on research evaluation and open science. The Masterclass ‘Publish or Perish? Survival guide’ introduces bibliographic research, the use of scientific databases, the management of bibliographic citations in scientific work, and provides an introduction to bibliometric indices and their importance in scientific publications. The Focus specific sessions cover bibliometrics, open access, IRIS, and artificial intelligence, and will conclude with a Game (fun and useful as a “review” of the content covered in the various sessions).
ADDITIONAL APPROVED COURSES
Title : Electrochemical Amperometric Biosensing
Name of the proponent (Host) : Laura Pigani
Speaker Name : Jose Maria Palacios Santander
Duration: 16-18 February 2026
Date : 9h
Brief Abstract : Chemical sensors have become indispensable tools in modern analytical science, enabling rapid, selective, and often real-time detection of chemical species in complex environments. This doctoral-level course offers an in-depth examination of the fundamental principles, materials, and
transduction mechanisms of amperometric sensors. Through a combination of theoretical lectures and critical analysis of state-of-the-art research, participants will investigate the design of sensing interfaces, the function of nanostructured and functional materials, and the challenges associated with selectivity, stability, and miniaturization. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the interplay between (bio)chemical recognition processes and signal generation.
Title : X-ray tomography and image analysis
Name of the proponent (Host) : Alberto Viani
Speaker Name : Gabriele Lanzafame
Duration : 10h
Date: 26-27 May 2026
Brief Abstract : X-ray tomography is an essential technique for the non-invasive characterization of a wide range of materials: from biological materials to all sorts of organic and inorganic solids (rocks, cements, ceramics, battery materials, bones, fossils, wood, etc...). In addition to its more 'traditional' applications, in recent years the so-called 4D tomography had an explosive diffusion. 4D tomography allows for the investigation of systems evolving in time, for example during a reaction, following the application of external stimuli (e.g., mechanical tests), or during variations of environmental conditions of pressure, temperature, partial pressure of gas, etc.. To become acquainted with the principles of the method, the instrumentation (laboratory and synchrotron light) and, above all, with the techniques for image analysis (2D, 3D and 4D), is the aim of the proposed course, to have them part of the students' skills. The course will be held by Prof. Gabriele Lanzafame, currently associate professor at the University of Catania. Prof. Lanzafame initially applied the technique to the study of rocks and the development of textures during the solidification of magmas but he has applied the technique to a large number of different materials as a result of his experience as a postdoc at the tomography beamline of Elettra synchrotron light source. More than half of the course will be dedicated to practicals concerning data analysis of real systems.
Title : Homogeneous catalysis: from fundamentals to industrial applications
Name of the proponent (Host) : Luca Rigamonti
Speakers Name : Luca Rigamonti, Serena Fantasia
Duration: 8h
Period : September October 2026 Rigamonti (6h) and Serena Maria Fantasia (2h online)
Brief Abstract : Homogeneous catalysis is fundamental to modern industrial chemistry, enabling efficient and highly selective reactions (e.g. cross coupling, asymmetric hydrogenation, carbonylation, etc.) under mild conditions. Because catalysts and reactants share the same phase, molecular interactions can be precisely controlled, leading to improved selectivity, reduced waste, and lower energy consumption. It is widely applied in the production of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, polymers, and agrochemicals, contributing to more sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing processes.