The University of Siena actively organizes a wide range of initiatives with educational, cultural, and societal significance, aiming to communicate and share the value derived from higher education and research. These initiatives encompass diverse areas and have a strong focus on facilitating cultural exchange with various social and economic stakeholders within the local community.
The following provides a concise overview of the activities and projects undertaken by the university:
BRIGHT-NIGHT – The European Researchers’ Night in Tuscany
The University of Siena played a pivotal role as the lead partner in the Bright project – an acronym for “Brilliant Researchers Impact on Growth Health and Trust” in research. Bright is an initiative focused on enhancing the visibility and recognition of the contributions made by both male and female researchers within the Region of Tuscany. The project, which coincided with the European Researchers’ Night (ERN) events, aimed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of research among the general public.
Significant efforts were dedicated to raising awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as the university actively participated in several strategic projects related to these goals.
For more detailed information, please visit the website of the most recent edition of Bright, which was titled Bright-Night in 2021.
Festival dello Sviluppo Sostenibile
The Festival of Sustainable Development, endorsed by the Italian Alliance for Sustainable Development (ASviS), is a significant event that brings together the University of Siena and citizens alike. It serves as a platform for conferences, public debates, and workshops centered around sustainability topics, the UN 2030 Agenda, and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For additional details, please visit the official website of the University of Siena (Unisi).
Alleanza Territoriale Carbon Neutrality Siena
Thanks to a collaborative project involving the University of Siena, the Provincial Administration, and the Monte dei Paschi di Siena Foundation, the province of Siena became the first major area in Europe to obtain ISO 14064-1 certification for its greenhouse gas balance. Since 2011, our region has achieved Carbon Neutrality, marking a significant milestone. Currently, this accomplishment is sustained through the Carbon Neutrality Territorial Alliance: Siena, with the University of Siena proudly counted among its founders. To learn more about this initiative, please visit the designated website for further information.
Rete delle Università per lo Sviluppo sostenibile – RUS 
Since its establishment, the University of Siena (UNISI) has been an active participant in the RUS (Rete delle Università per lo Sviluppo sostenibile). The RUS represents the pioneering endeavor that fosters coordination and collaboration among all Italian universities dedicated to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
The primary objectives of the RUS include:
- Disseminating the culture and best practices of sustainability, both within and beyond the university campuses, by leveraging collective expertise and experiences.
- Promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contributing to their achievement through concerted efforts.
- Enhancing the recognition and global appreciation of the Italian sustainability initiatives at the international level.
To explore more about the RUS and its initiatives, kindly visit the official website of the RUS – Network of Universities for Sustainable Development.
SDSN Mediterranean
The Sustainable Development Solution Network (SDSN) is a global network established in 2012 by Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University and endorsed by the United Nations. Its purpose is to promote sustainable development solutions worldwide. The University of Siena, specifically through the Santa Chiara Lab, takes on the role of coordinating regional activities for SDSN Mediterranean. The aim is to facilitate the advancement of research projects, innovative teaching approaches, and partnerships pertaining to the themes of the 2030 Agenda in the Mediterranean countries. For additional information, please visit the designated website for further details.
AgriFood Next
Agrifood Next is a notable event held in Siena, organized by the Italian Secretariat of PRIMA and the Qualivita Foundation. The primary objective of this event is to showcase, discuss, and promote innovative initiatives within the Italian agrifood sector. It aims to foster networking opportunities among industry stakeholders who offer concrete solutions that effectively combine sustainability and regional development.
POI – Prima Observatory on Innovation
The Prima Observatory on Innovation (POI) is a comprehensive portal created by the Italian Secretariat of PRIMA. Its primary purpose is to monitor and disseminate the latest advancements in research, innovation, and training within the agribusiness sector across the Mediterranean region. POI serves as a digital platform that enables companies to access and adopt innovative technological, organizational, and social solutions.
This portal offers a wealth of sustainable best practices and firsthand experiences shared by key stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, researchers, students, innovators, and field experts. It provides a valuable resource for companies seeking to stay informed and embrace cutting-edge approaches in the field of agribusiness development.
To explore the POI website and its contents, please click here.
Osservatorio DNF
Osservatorio delle Dichiarazioni Non Finanziarie (DNF) established through a collaboration between the University of Siena and CSR Network, is dedicated to collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information concerning the Non-Financial Statements prepared by major Italian companies. Its primary objective is to identify and promote Best Practices implemented in this domain.
The Observatory focuses on examining the current state and evolutionary trends of integrated and/or extracurricular reporting practices. By doing so, it contributes to enhancing transparency and sustainability in corporate reporting.
For more detailed information about the Observatory of Non-financial Declarations and Sustainable Practices, please visit the provided link.
Alleanza Italiana per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile – ASVIS
The University of Siena actively participates in the Alleanza Italiana per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile (ASviS) and assumes the coordination of the Working Group on Goal 2, in collaboration with the Foundation Cesaretti. ASviS strives to raise awareness among Italian society, economic actors, and institutions about the significance of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. It aims to mobilize and engage these stakeholders in working towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
