DiMIT's activities for the community

The Department stands out for its extensive knowledge valorisation activities, characterised by a multidisciplinary approach that integrates scientific research, health prevention and social engagement. The value of these initiatives is demonstrated by a dense network of collaborations with international partners such as the Joint Research Centre (JRC), professional associations and numerous third-sector organisations.

The range of activities extends from public engagement to lifelong learning. Particularly noteworthy are cancer awareness campaigns and free prevention days, which bring specialist medicine directly to citizens. Considerable attention is also devoted to schools through guidance projects, biomedical-oriented biology pathways and advanced laboratory activities, including the use of 3D virtual dissection systems.

From a quantitative perspective, the Department ensures a constant production of outreach content, participation in radio and television programmes, and the extensive organisation of conferences and CME events. Its commitment also extends beyond national borders through humanitarian missions and academic exchange programmes, consolidating the University’s role as a driver of cultural growth and scientific progress for the entire community.

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DiMIT and businesses

The Department positions itself as a strategic partner for the private sector, transforming the results of academic research into concrete solutions for health and wellbeing. Through applied research and technological innovation projects, we actively collaborate with national and international organisations such as Diatech Pharmacogenetics, Bio4Dreams and BigOmics Analytics.

This synergy is reflected in significant studies on the development of products for neonatal safety, the improvement of diagnostic technologies and the advancement of precision medicine. Constant interaction with the business community ensures effective technology transfer, capable of translating scientific excellence into value for the economy and society.

For detailed information sheets on spin-offs and patents, please consult:

Intellectual and industrial property

Spin off

Activities for the local community

DiMIT’s knowledge valorisation activities for the local community act as a bridge between academic knowledge and research and the social, institutional and productive fabric.

Collaborations are not limited to the local area, but also extend to international and humanitarian contexts.

Institutional networks and strategic collaborations

Relations with bodies and institutions: active collaboration with ATS Insubria, the Varese Medical and Dental Association, and the Juvenile Court.
International scientific collaborations: partnership with the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission for research on men’s health and screening.
Cultural exchange: exchange programmes and teaching activities with universities in Paraguay, and support for the Magellano project for South American students.

Social commitment and humanitarian missions

Volunteering and non-profit organisations: Fondazione Day Surgery ONLUS for the implementation of surgical departments in developing countries.

Humanitarian missions: participation in 26 international missions — including to the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Benin — to provide surgical procedures for populations without access to adequate resources.

Relations with the third sector: ongoing collaboration with associations such as Lions Club, Soroptimist, C.A.O.S. ODV and Varese per l’Oncologia.

Initiatives for citizens

The aim is to make science accessible and part of everyday life. Through public events, prevention campaigns and a strong media presence, the Department is committed to promoting a culture of science and health based on scientific evidence.

Public engagement and prevention events

Major outreach events: organisation, since 2013, of the European Researchers’ Night for the Varese campus of the University of Insubria.

Health days and free screenings:

breast cancer prevention — Pink October — and prostate cancer prevention;
campaigns on organ donation and surgical innovation;
days dedicated to obesity, nutritional health, asthma and sleep disorders — World Sleep Day — with free spirometry tests;
awareness-raising on prevention, screening and early diagnosis of the main oncological gynaecological diseases, in collaboration with Varese per l’Oncologia;
information and prevention days in oncology and on organ donation and transplantation.

Thematic meetings: workshops on wellbeing and gender, the environment and sport — Varese City Run — and the “Giovanna Tosi Scientific Day”.

Media communication and dissemination

Television presence: participation in national programmes such as Elisir on Rai 1 and news outlets such as TG4.

Press and web: outreach articles in publications such as Corriere della Sera, Gazzetta Active, National Geographic and Il Fatto Quotidiano, covering topics ranging from abdominal hernias to COVID-19 research.

Digital and social media: informative videos on YouTube and Facebook concerning memory, learning and developmental disorders, including specific learning disorders.

Initiatives for schools and guidance

University guidance: meetings for upper secondary school students to support informed choices regarding degree programmes in Medicine, Dentistry, Healthcare Professions and Sport and Exercise Sciences.

School–work alternation programmes (PCTO) and internships: practical pathways in anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology and microbiology laboratories.

Innovative teaching projects: biomedical-oriented secondary school pathways, with specialist lectures and dedicated laboratories across all areas of the Department.

Thinker Lab and Young Thinkers: scientific workshops and meetings on “Fatigue and Sport”.

Support for parenting and schools: information events for parents and teachers on dyslexia, ADHD, eating disorders and bullying.

Seminars in collaboration with AIRC to disseminate knowledge of cancer research in lower and upper secondary schools.

The heart, what a wonder – Researchers’ Night1

Lifelong learning

Medicine never stands still. This section brings together all continuing professional development (CPD/CME) activities and advanced specialisation courses aimed at doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals.

Advanced Scientific and Technical Training

Animal experimentation: courses on regulatory, ethical and procedural aspects of the use of animals for scientific purposes.

Advanced technologies: use of the Anatomage Table — 3D virtual dissection — and courses on NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) techniques for PhD students.

Field training: practical training in Anatomical Pathology for postgraduate trainees and professionals.

Information and CME event series:

local meetings dedicated to neurodevelopmental disorders, autism, epilepsy and intellectual disabilities;
events on professional liability, legal protection of minors who are victims of crime, and combating violence;
seminars on neurodivergence and the humanisation of care.

Conferences, workshops and courses

Surgery and Urology: conferences on prostate cancer, regenerative therapies for erectile dysfunction and robotic surgery.

Breast Care and Gynaecology: national Senonetwork meetings and monthly Journal Clubs for specialists.

Paediatrics and Respiratory Diseases: annual SIMRI courses on polysomnography and respiratory disorders in childhood.

Neuropsychiatry and Mental Health: workshops on autism, epilepsy, headaches, tics and Tourette syndrome.

Hernia Surgery: organisation of the SIC-ISHAWS National School, with venues in Naples and Strasbourg.

Advanced training courses: specific training for speech and language therapists and tutors in the field of learning disorders.

“From where to how to why. Neuroanatomy as the basis of behaviour”: training seminars for professionals at the CRS Fondazione Piatti in Besozzo.

For a complete list, please consult the University page:

other programs