Metrological culture as an antidote to judicial errors
The PRIN 2022 project examines how metrology can enhance the reliability of scientific evidence in criminal trials. By focusing on measurement uncertainty and developing operational guidelines, the research promotes a culture of methodical doubt to prevent cognitive bias and wrongful convictions, strengthening the dialogue between science and law and improving judicial decision-making.
Agricultural innovation takes the podium: Soilence’s success at Trentino Startup Valley
Soilence secured second place at Trentino Startup Valley 2025 with its innovative biodegradable water-retaining soil amendment. Developed by researchers from the University of Trento, the technology enhances drought resilience and supports sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change.
Turning Waste into Energy with 3D Printing
The JETCELL project investigates Binder Jetting 3D printing to design innovative anodes for direct carbon fuel cells. By using biochar derived from olive pomace and red mud from aluminum production, the research aims to convert hazardous waste into valuable energy resources, boosting efficiency, sustainability, and circular economy strategies.
From simulation to reality: the new frontier of quadruped locomotion
This work presents a Constrained Reinforcement Learning approach for quadruped locomotion. A custom PPO variant with adaptive discounting enables the Unitree Aliengo robot to learn safe, stable, and energy-efficient gaits through a robust sim-to-real pipeline.
From “smart materials” curiosity to industry: a path through research, innovation, and teamwork
From an early interest in smart materials to an industrial career, Matteo Federici shares his path through materials engineering studies, a research-focused master’s thesis, a European PhD project, and his current role as a test and analysis engineer in industry.
New ingredients for friction materials: greater sustainability, same performance
New friction materials for braking systems combine benzoxazine resins and rice husk to enhance environmental sustainability. Benzoxazine binders deliver braking performance comparable to phenolic resins, with improved wear resistance and reduced particulate emissions.
Rendezvous in Space: impulsive control guiding satellites toward perfect encounters
The article addresses the space rendezvous problem, focusing on the controlled approach between satellites in elliptical orbits, and introduces novel impulsive control strategies. By leveraging advanced tools such as Floquet–Lyapunov theory and hybrid dynamical systems, the research enables precise, fuel-efficient, and safe maneuvers for future autonomous satellite missions.
Fulbright at MIT: Giulia Fredi’s experience
Giulia Fredi’s Fulbright experience at MIT: eight months of research on carbon nanotube–based nanocomposites and phase-change materials, combining scientific innovation, international collaboration, and personal growth.
When passion meets the territory: the story of Francesco Riz
From academic research to real-world engineering in the Dolomites: Francesco Riz’s journey shows how curiosity, technical skills and a strong bond with one’s territory can shape a meaningful career.
When a fracture is not the end: self-healing composites
This research focuses on self-healing composite materials able to recover a large portion of their mechanical properties after damage. By modifying PA6 and integrating short and long carbon fibres, significant fatigue-life improvements were achieved, with recovery sometimes exceeding 100%. Thermoset laminates also benefit from thin polymer layers made via additive manufacturing. The work enables applications in automotive and aerospace sectors.
