Department of Excellence

The Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences (DAFNE) at the University of Tuscia is a distinguished institution committed to scientific research and innovation. DAFNE stands out for its modern infrastructure and high-quality research laboratories.

DAFNE has deep roots in the surrounding territory, as evidenced by its branch campus in Rieti and collaborations with numerous companies in the agri-food, forestry, and energy sectors. It also maintains close ties with the Environmental, Forestry, and Agri-food Unit Command, as well as National Parks and Regional Reserves.

DAFNE enjoys a renowned scientific reputation both nationally and internationally. In 2017, it was selected as one of the 120 Departments of Excellence in Italy, recognizing the quality of its research. In 2018, the “Sustainability of Agricultural and Forestry Systems in the Mediterranean Environment under Global Change (SAFE-Med)” project received a positive evaluation, securing extraordinary funding from the Ministry of Education, Universities, and Research (MIUR). This funding significantly enhanced the department’s research and educational activities, improving its facilities.

In 2022, DAFNE once again demonstrated its high level of scientific research, achieving first place in Italy in the field of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences (Area 07) among the 180 selected “Departments of Excellence” by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR). This success ensured funding for the new project “Digital, Intelligent, Green, and Sustainable” (acronym: D.I.Ver.So), to be carried out from 2023 to 2027.

DAFNE’s research aligns with the priorities of the European Union, as stated in the 2022 Strategic Forecast Report, and fits within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). Moreover, the department actively participates in the initiatives of the National Agritech, Biodiversity, and Rome Technopole Centers, contributing to innovation and sustainable development in the agricultural and forestry sectors.

DAFNE promotes collaboration and international mobility, facilitating the participation of faculty and students in exchange programs at renowned national and international universities and research centers. In particular, doctoral students enrolled in the “Plant and Animal Production Sciences” and “Engineering for Energy and Environment” Research Doctoral Programs collaborate with companies to foster interaction between academia and industry, increase companies’ propensity for innovation, and support the development of strategic value chains.

The main research objectives of DAFNE include the development of enabling technologies in agriculture, the resilience of agri-industrial productions to sustainability criteria and climate change, environmental sustainability by reducing waste, circularity through circular economy strategies, recovery by developing marginal areas, and traceability by promoting the safety and uniqueness of agri-food supply chains.

DAFNE is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and sustainable development, actively engaging in European Union initiatives, national strategic planning, and partnerships with prominent research centers in the field of agriculture and forestry.