unibz promotes research quality through a responsible, transparent and continuously improving research environment. Research quality is understood not only as the excellence and impact of scientific outputs, but also as the integrity of research processes, respect for ethical principles, proper management of data and privacy, and alignment with institutional, national and European standards.

In this framework, unibz supports researchers with policies, guidelines and services that help them plan, conduct, evaluate and disseminate research responsibly. The university participates in national research assessment processes, including the VQR, and integrates research quality within its broader quality assurance system. unibz is also a member of CoARA , the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment, and supports a fair, transparent and responsible approach to the evaluation of research, researchers and research organisations.

The institutional framework supporting research quality is complemented by dedicated bodies, policies and services, including the Ethics Committee, the Research Committee, and measures ensuring privacy and data protection in research.

unibz researchers benefit from a broad ecosystem of state-of-the-art laboratories, pilot plants and research facilities, supporting high-quality research from basic science to applied innovation. unibz is continuously strengthening its laboratory infrastructure and the strategic development of its campuses, with particular attention to NOI Techpark and the EduSpaces at the Brixen-Bressanone campus. At NOI Techpark, unibz operates laboratories across key technological fields, involving Engineering, Economics and Management, Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences and Design and Art. Facilities range from robotics, sensing and smart manufacturing to food technology and Micro4Food, whose SHIME® system simulates the human intestinal microbial ecosystem. Together, these infrastructures enable interdisciplinary and high-level fundamental research, foster collaboration with companies and partners, and promote knowledge transfer to the territory.

The Research Report of the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano illustrates the fields of research, a selection of cooperations, scientific awards and new members among the academic staff.

unibz support services assist researchers throughout the whole research project life cycle, from the identification of suitable funding opportunities and proposal development to the administrative and financial management of funded projects, compliance, as well as the exploitation of research results.

The Research and Innovation Service (RIS) is a team of research support professionals, supporting researchers in competitive funding programmes at regional, national and international level as well as in commercial research.  The pre-award team offers expert advice on research funding programmes, supports researchers in identifying suitable funding schemes and developing competitive and compliant funding applications, while also engaging in early-stage strategic positioning for future funding opportunities and offering training. The post-award team, in synergy with the network of Research support staff working in the various faculties, manages the legal, financial and administrative aspects of the project throughout its implementation, also engaging with funding agencies and auditors. The RIS also includes a dedicated Legal and Research Compliance team, drafting and negotiating research contracts of various kinds, dealing with legal matters linked with research projects, and offering guidance on compliance with research governance, ethics, privacy and data protection.

The RIS works closely with other unibz services, including the Library, assisting researchers in publications, open access and bibliometrics, the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office which deals with IP protection and exploitation, and the Brussels Liaison Office which strengthens unibz’s connection with European research and innovation networks.

At unibz we promote cooperation and internationalisation by engaging in research and innovation networks at regional, national and European levels such as the SUNRISE Alliance, Horizon Europe Partnerships and UnILioN. These networks support scientific exchange, strengthen collaboration with universities, research organisations, institutions and stakeholders, and create opportunities for joint projects, knowledge transfer and participation in European initiatives. Through this engagement, unibz contributes to shared challenges in areas such as sustainability, agriculture, food systems, plant health, bioeconomy and regional innovation.

The Liaison Office in Brussels plays a strategic role in raising the profile of South Tyrolean research, innovation and higher education at a European level. It also fosters dialogue and cooperation with EU institutions, networks and stakeholders. It connects local priorities with European opportunities, facilitating access to partnerships, funding programmes and policy developments that support the region’s scientific and innovation strategies.

Since 2020, the University, together with the Laimburg Research Centre and the Provincial Department responsible for Research, Innovation, Universities and Museums, has maintained this Brussels-based representation to reinforce South Tyrol’s European presence and to promote scientific research and innovation in line with their respective strategies.

The office focuses on actively participating in European networks and associations, fostering synergies between the three partner institutions and European stakeholders, strengthening relationships with European institutions, and identifying and promoting opportunities for participation in European projects.

Contact: Francesca Ricardi di Netro