What is the Third Mission?

The Agenzia Nazionale di Valutazione del Sistema Universitario e della Ricerca (ANVUR) in Italy defines the Third Mission as one of the institutional activities of universities, together with the traditional teaching and research functions. The Third Mission aims to create a closer link between the university and society, contributing significantly to its social and economic development through the practical application of academic and scientific knowledge. That is, the importance of the contribution that the academic world can make not only in teaching and research but also in the relationship with society and the surrounding environment is recognized and highlights the need for Italian universities to play an active role in promoting the social and economic development of the territory and the country as a whole.

In this context, the Department of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences has the opportunity to carry out multiple Third Mission activities, contributing to the social, economic, and environmental progress of the territory on which it insists. These activities naturally fall within the general field of agricultural and forestry sciences, and also in the more specific fields of agricultural biotechnology, animal husbandry, nursery, mountain environment, and precision agriculture, thanks to the particular skills of the teachers and technical staff of the Department.

The Department aims to play a key role in fostering sustainability and resilience in agriculture and forestry while contributing to the socio-economic development of local communities. Collaboration with external stakeholders, the promotion of innovation, and the adoption of sustainable practices are key elements for effective Third Mission activity in this framework.

Activities implemented by the Department include:

1. Technology transfer in agriculture and forestry: Collaboration with the agricultural and forestry industry to transfer innovative technologies and research results, facilitating the adoption of sustainable practices, improvements in soil management, new cultivation methods, and forest management techniques.
2. Advice and technical support: Provide advice and technical support to farmers, foresters, and other stakeholders to address specific challenges, such as sustainable management of natural resources, control of plant diseases, or responsible forest management.
3. Creation of start-ups and spin-offs: Support the creation of start-ups and spin-offs that are based on research results and innovations in agriculture and forestry. These new companies then have the task of developing products or services based on advanced technologies or sustainable solutions.
4. Applied research projects: Conduct applied research projects in collaboration with public bodies, private companies, and non-profit organizations to address concrete problems in the agricultural and forestry sector, such as biodiversity, the management of agricultural waste, or the control of plant diseases.
5. Continuing Education Initiatives: Offer continuing education programs for farmers, forestry professionals, and other stakeholders to update skills and promote the adoption of innovative and sustainable practices.
6. Scientific Outreach: Organize events, seminars, workshops, and conferences to disseminate scientific knowledge and sensitize the local community on issues related to agriculture, forestry, and environmental sustainability.
7. Collaborations with local communities: Working in partnership with local communities to address specific problems related to agriculture, forest management, and food security, integrating academic knowledge with community needs and perspectives.
8. Rural development projects: Participate in rural development projects that aim to improve the quality of life in rural areas through the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices, economic diversification, and innovation in the sector.

The implementation of the Third Mission today requires an integrated strategy involving university leadership, the academic body, students, and all other stakeholders. In addition, flexibility and adaptability are crucial to the success of TM, as the needs of society and industry evolve and change rapidly over time.

For the Department, the activities of Third Mission have gradually grown over the last few years, thanks also to the two Projects of Excellence, to which the Department was the winner, which have provided, and are providing, additional momentum to them.

Currently, the Department has planned a series of actions aimed at the development of the Third Mission to be carried out in the short and medium term, as part of its Triennial Strategic Plan.

The first objective was to establish specific structures to manage and coordinate the activities related to the Third Mission. In the Department, today, there is a Third Mission Commission, made up of teachers and technical staff of the Department, coordinated by Prof. Angelo Mazzaglia, who also acts as a contact in the working group on the University’s Third Mission. The TM Commission is responsible, in addition to monitoring the activities carried out, also their critical analysis, the formulation of corrective and implementing strategies, and the related annual programming.

Courses, workshops, and training programs are planned that encourage creativity, entrepreneurship, and the transferability of research results to promote the culture of innovation to the general public. Partnerships and collaborations are established with the private sector, which are also essential to facilitate technology transfer and the practical application of research. There are many research agreements with companies, and participation in joint projects, which are emblematic cases of how universities can establish closer links with industry. Several continuing education programs are organized, helping to extend access to education and knowledge to active professionals and contributing to the improvement of skills and qualifications of the workforce. As well as scientific and cultural dissemination activities, such as events, conferences, and seminars, which increase the visibility of the Department in the community and help to spread scientific knowledge among the general public. The creation of start-ups and spin-offs based on academic research is also encouraged.

For further information about the Thrid Mission visit the web page