Integration between doctorate courses in biological subjects within Italian and Slovenian academic institutions
The project represents a pilot action for the harmonisation of advanced university education offered by academic institutions in Italy and Slovenia. By defining a shared educational curriculum characterised by the mobility of the students and academic staff participating in the project, the trainees will develop knowledge that is useful to the integrated economic and cultural development of bordering areas. Furthermore, this project contributes to the development and strengthening of the scientific cooperation currently in place between the two reasearch groups across the border, the Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Chemistry of Macromolecules (BBCM) of the University of Trieste and the Environmental Research Laboratory (LER) of the Polytechnic of Nova Gorica. Currently scientific activities are carried out in the laboratories of both institutions. The existence of a strong scientific interest shared by the two sides represents a catalyst for the definition of an educational course leading to the attainment of the general objectives of both the Research Doctorate in Biomolecular Sciences (BBCM) and the Doctorate in Environmental Sciences (LER). Both post-graduate courses require the students to engage in experimental and classroom activities, seminars, courses, etc. Specifically both Institutions are interested in the study of the role of vegetal polyphenols, substances that are present in fruits and in wine. The subject matter is crucial for the economic development of wine-production in the area.