Title : Applied Hydrochemistry for Groundwater and Water Supply Systems
Host : Francesco Ronchetti
Speaker : Giampiero Brozzo
Duration
Date : 3h, 21 May 2026
Brief Abstract (if available): Il seminario integra principi teorici e applicazioni dellidrochimica nello studio delle acque sotterranee e nella gestione idropotabile. Illustra tecniche di campionamento, misure in sito e levoluzione della composizione ionica e processi chimico-fisici come dissoluzione, ossidoriduzione, scambio ionico e interazione acqua-roccia. Approfondisce i criteri di classificazione tramite diagrammi e analisi statistiche. Presenta casi studio su acquiferi termali e alluvionali, valori di fondo naturale, fenomeni di corrosione delle reti, fenomeni di ingressione marina. Analizza infine, gli effetti dei cambiamenti climatici su vulnerabilità, torbidità e rischio microbiologico delle acque sotterranee, evidenziando il ruolo strategico dellidrochimica nella tutela e gestione delle risorse idriche.
Title : Introduction to certifications and application examples in the agri-food and cosmetic sectors
Host : Guido Perra
Speaker Name : Fabio Bianciardi / Cristiana Guerranti
Duration: 4h
Date : 6 May 2026
Brief Abstract : The seminar provides an overview of certifications, their main classifications (product and system certifications), and examples applicable to the agri-food and cosmetic sectors, with particular attention to their chemical-analytical implications. The requirements of organic certification for both the agri-food and cosmetic fields will be presented, along with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards specific to the cosmetics industry. The core focus concerns the identification of contamination risks along the production chain, the analytical methodologies required by regulations for quality control, and quality-management strategies to ensure compliance and safety. Through concrete application examples, participants will acquire cross-sector skills for the critical interpretation of certification standards, essential elements for professional practice and valuable across all production sectors.
Title : Molecular modeling of dinuclear metalloenzymes: the case of New-Delhi metallo beta lactamase and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase
Host : Gianantonio Battistuzzi
Speaker Name : Mario Prejanò
Duration: 2h
Date: 11 June 2026
Brief Abstract : The results of recent computational investigations on dinuclear zinc New-Delhi metallo beta lactamase 1 and dinuclear magnesium RNA-dependent RNA polymerase enzymes are presented. The role of different methodologies will be highlighted, from unbiased molecular dynamics simulations capable of detecting relevant structural behavior of protein, to biased 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 : Underground hydrogen storage: challenges, and European scenarios
Host : Giovanni Camanni
Speaker Name : David Iacopini
Duration: 2h
Date : 9 April 2026
Brief Abstract : The seminar will focus on the following topics: (i) Hydrogen as long-term energy buffer in the energy transition; (ii) Chemical and Physical Hydrogen/Rocks Interaction: focus on salt rock/porous media; (iii) Wettability, diffusion and adsorption of Hydrogen across porous media; (iv) Salt rock: impurity effects during diffusion and creep deformation; (v) EU strategy and pilot studies; (vi) Outlook for the Italian scenario.
Title :Modeling light-matter interactions: from local and ultrafast spectroscopy to quantum computing
Host : GiovanniMaria Piccini
Speaker : Sonia Coriani
Duration
Date : 20/3/2026
Brief Abstract : Spectroscopy, the most far-reaching analysis tool in chemistry, exploits the interaction of light with matter to probe molecular and electronic structures. This interaction is also the foundation of photochemistry, optogenetics, phototherapy, photocatalysis, optical devices, solar cells, and other use cases in chemistry, life sciences, and material design. The theoretical modelling and simulation of the molecular response to light thus provides crucial fundamental understanding of the microscopic mechanisms behind all spectroscopies and light-energy conversion processes.
In my talk, I will present selected results of our research concerning: (1) in silico X-ray spectroscopy to unravel ultrafast relaxation pathways in functional molecules; (2) the development of response algorithms for hybrid noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) computers.
Title : Sustainable Materials and Processes for Next Generation Batteries
Host : Andrea Paolella
Speaker Name : Francesca Soavi
Duration: 2h
Date : 30 January 2026
Brief Abstract : Energy accessibility, increased utilization of intermittent renewable resources, cleaner cities, and the rise of electric vehicles share a common factor: the availability of high specific energy batteries, namely lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, today LIBs utilize critical metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese, which require mining and refiningprocesses that have significant environmental and socio-economic impacts. In addition, LIB manufacturing is energy demanding and can result in a huge amount of greenhouse gas emissions and requires further progress to enable more environmentally friendly manufacturing. Hence, advancing battery technology demands a comprehensive and innovative approach that fully aligns with the European Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan and fosters the development of Sustainable Materials and Processes for Next Generation Batteries. Currently, no single battery technology exists that can simultaneously address different applicationsfrom e-mobility to renewable energy storage. Hence, battery chemistries that are alternatives to lithium-ion, such as redox flow batteries, are considered a great opportunity. Here, we will give an overview of the research activities being carried out at ENERCube Research Group of the University of Bologna, a laboratory located at the Research Center on Environment, Energy and Sea, dedicated to the technology transfer of activities devoted to the sustainable development of electrochemical energy storage/conversion systems and their production/recycling processes.