International Projects

Type: International
Research Programme: Horizon Europe
Funder: European Union
Period: 01/09/2024 – 30/09/2028
Project Coordinator: Sergio Saia
Project Summary: SUS-SOIL is a European research and innovation project aimed at improving soil health, with a specific focus on the role of subsoil in agricultural systems. The project brings together Living Labs across several European countries to test innovative solutions under real farming conditions, integrating physical, chemical and biological soil analyses with assessments of biodiversity, ecosystem services and crop productivity. SUS-SOIL develops harmonised indicators, predictive models and a Decision Support Tool to assist farmers, advisors and policy makers in sustainable soil management. Through participatory approaches and targeted dissemination activities, the project contributes to the objectives of the EU Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe” and the European Green Deal, promoting practices that enhance agricultural resilience, reduce environmental risks and support long-term food security.

Type: HORIZON-MISS-2021-SOIL-02-05 – GA 869227
Research Programme: B.2 – Farm to fork, Communities Development and Climate Action
Funder: European Union
Period: 2023 – 2026
Project Coordinator: Francesco Di Iacovo
Project Summary:
Soils underpin value chains by supporting crop productivity, biodiversity and livelihoods and they play a crucial role in two of the top business risks: water crises and climate change. If we are to have sustainable businesses, economies and societies, they will be built on healthy soils. Globally, soils are under threat. We face an urgent situation where a third of soils globally is moderately or highly degraded.

Type: international
Research Programme: PRIMA sect.1
Funder: European Union
Period: 01/06/2023 – 31/03/2027
Project Coordinator: Sergio Saia
Project Summary:
SHARInG-MeD (Soil Health and Agriculture Resilience through an Integrated Geographical Information Systems of Mediterranean Drylands) is a PRIMA-funded Research and Innovation Action aimed at strengthening soil health monitoring and sustainable land management in Mediterranean drylands. The project develops harmonised soil indicators and integrates field sampling, laboratory analyses and geospatial modelling to assess soil degradation, resilience and carbon dynamics across EU and WANA countries. By combining scientific research with a Multi-Actor Approach involving farmers, stakeholders and policymakers, SHARInG-MeD seeks to improve the evidence base for sustainable agricultural practices and support climate adaptation strategies. The project promotes cross-country cooperation and contributes to European and Mediterranean soil strategies by delivering tools, datasets and policy-relevant recommendations for resilient agroecosystems.

Type: national 
Research Programme: FIS Starting Grant 
Funder: Ministry of University and Research (MUR)
Period: 15/06/2026 – 15/06/2031
Project Coordinator: Dr Francesca Parisi
Project Summary:
The Mouse Mammary Tumour Virus (MMTV) is a betaretrovirus known for its role in the development of mammary tumours in mice. Studies conducted in cats have identified MMTV-like viral sequences and proteins in feline mammary carcinomas and lymphomas, suggesting the possible involvement of a betaretrovirus in certain feline diseases. The FELINE BETA project aims to investigate the presence and role of a betaretrovirus in cats through the study of mammary tumours, inflammatory liver diseases, and various biological samples. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach that integrates histopathological, immunological, molecular, genomic, and transcriptomic methodologies, the project will combine the detection and characterisation of viral sequences, assessment of viral biological activity, study of virus–host interactions, and analysis of potential associated pathogenic mechanisms. Another objective of FELINE BETA is the optimisation of innovative, standardised, and shareable methodologies. The results may contribute to expanding knowledge of feline pathology and viral pathogenesis, with potential implications for animal health, comparative medicine, and research within a One Health framework.