Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences - DISTA

The Department’s teaching offer pursues the objectives of developing and disseminating scientific knowledge, also on an interdisciplinary level, as well as training professionals and researchers capable of responding to the scientific, technological, and cultural needs of society. 
To this end, the educational programmes are structured into Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees, and PhD programmes in the environmental, computer science, linguistic, and historical fields, combining methodological and theoretical aspects with professional and innovative training components that are increasingly oriented towards internationalisation. The study programmes are designed and established on the basis of scientific developments and technological applications characterising contemporary society, as well as the growing demands emerging from the scientific, intellectual, and creative labour market.

Research and knowledge valorisation activities are coordinated by the Sections—Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, Linguistic Mediation, and Humanities—which group researchers working in related fields.

In the current context of globalisation and internationalisation, among the most innovative and distinctive aspects of the Department’s research activities—alongside the advancement of each disciplinary field—are the diversity of research topics pursued by faculty members and the tendency to develop virtuous interdisciplinary pathways, also open to numerous and productive national and international collaborations, often integrated with teaching activities.

The Department includes four research centres: the Research Centre on the History of Mountains, Material Culture, and Earth Sciences; the Research Centre on Mass Media and Society: History and Critique of Public Opinion; the Research Centre on Climate Change; and the Research Centre on Minorities. Finally, the Department serves as the administrative hub for a special centre: the International Insubric Centre Carlo Cattaneo and Giulio Preti for philosophy, epistemology, cognitive sciences, and the history of science and technology.

Since its establishment, the Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences has organised numerous public initiatives (conferences, exhibitions, seminar series, and study days on cultural, current affairs, and topical issues) as well as professional development and updating events, taking advantage of its innovative and multidisciplinary nature. 
These initiatives are often the result of collaborations between the Department and public institutions, public bodies, and private companies at local, national, and international level.

The Varese Library of Medicine and Sciences, together with the Department’s Laboratories and Archives, constitute fundamental support for all institutional activities of the Department: teaching, research, and third mission. 
In particular, the Laboratories and Archives, in addition to being essential tools for research, play a central role in education through internships and PhD programmes. The Archival Collection established at the International Insubric Centre also represents an important hub for international scholars.

The organisational structure of the Department is governed by the Department Regulations. 
The Head of Department is supported in their duties by Delegates for specific areas: Internationalisation, Orientation, Research, and Public Engagement.

In order to coordinate research activities across its various disciplinary areas and to promote collaboration and interdisciplinary synergies, the Department is organised into four Sections: Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, Linguistic Mediation, and Humanities.