UNESCO Chair Aid4GEA
Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, in collaboration with Luleå University of Technology, has announced the establishment of the UNESCO Chair in “Technologies and Materials for Green and Energy Applications” (Aid4GEA). This pioneering initiative focuses on science and technologies for the energy transition and has also received the seal of merit awarded to UNESCO Chairs by the Italian Ministry of University and Research.
Established after a complex and rigorous selection process, the Chair represents a significant milestone in global efforts toward sustainable energy development and environmental protection. Currently, there are 46 UNESCO Chairs in Italy, and Aid4GEA is the only one specifically focused on basic sciences.
The Chair is led by Elisa Moretti, with co-leadership by Alberto Vomiero, active at both Ca’ Foscari and Luleå University of Technology. It represents a strategic effort to strengthen international collaboration in the field of sustainable technologies.
Aid4GEA emphasizes the urgency of integrating advanced materials into environmental solutions, promoting circular economy principles, and improving energy efficiency, with a particular focus on supporting developing countries. Through the Chair, Ca’ Foscari will foster global partnerships and support academic exchanges, internships, and a broad program of international workshops, symposiums, webinars, and seminars.
The initiative has already built a network of prestigious academic institutions and leading companies worldwide. Among its 15 partners are universities and research centers from Ethiopia, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Turkey, Pakistan, and China. It is also supported by major international scientific organizations in the field of advanced materials, including the European Materials Research Society, the African Materials Research Society, the Australian Materials Research Society, the Global Young Academy, and additional UNESCO Chairs.
"Human activities are pervaded by materials in every aspect, from industrial production to everyday life, and functional materials enable unprecedented possibilities compared to the past" says Elisa Moretti, professor at the Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems at Ca' Foscari and chair holder.
"However, rapid and constant social development must consider an increasingly careful use of natural resources, including a significant reduction in anthropogenic impacts on the climate and the environment. Materials and production technologies are therefore central to sustainable development: they improve the quality of life and, at the same time, can offer solutions for environmental remediation and the efficient use of energy sources. The development of a circular economy of materials, in which the reuse and upcycling of waste are central, is necessary."
On October 15, 2024 the Scientific Campus of Ca' Foscari University have hosted the Aid4GEA UNESCO Chair Launch, with an entire day dedicated to seminars from many speakers. A great opportunity to make students and other researchers from our university know about this important achievement.
