12 out of 12 projects: the Region of Tuscany is funding all the University of Pisa’s ‘Seal of Excellence’ projects

Led by Alessandro Gallo under the supervision of Elisabetta Palagi of the Department of Biology, the project investigates how different social systems influence communication and social cognition in mammals, particularly in geladas, amadriade baboons, lions and spotted hyenas. Observations, experiments, bioacoustics, machine learning and deep learning will be used to analyse vocal, visual and multimodal signals, shedding light on how individuals develop communicative skills and adapt to social uncertainty.

Led by Sotirios Kotitsas under the supervision of Mario Maurelli of the Department of Mathematics, the research investigates how substances are transported and dispersed in turbulent fluids. The aim is to understand seemingly irregular phenomena, such as sudden concentrations and anomalous dispersions, by developing rigorous mathematical models capable of better describing turbulence and its extreme events.

Led by Francesco Mattesini under the supervision of Dario Trevisan of the Department of Mathematics, the project is investigating new mathematical tools for comparing random phenomena that change over time, using only the information available at any given moment. This approach is particularly relevant in finance, where it will help to improve the models used to price complex financial products and make their valuation more reliable.

Led by Kajal Chaudhary under the supervision of Filippo Costa from the Department of Information Engineering, the project will develop an ultra-thin, transparent sensor that can be read remotely to monitor intraocular pressure in glaucoma. The aim is then to extend this technology to produce a new generation of sensors for monitoring other conditions, whilst improving patient comfort.

Led by Ajay Kumar Danga under the supervision of Andrea Cerase of the Department of Biology, the research focuses on micropeptides – tiny proteins produced by RNA molecules – to understand their role in tissue repair, ageing and the ability of stem cells to generate different cell types. The findings could pave the way for new therapeutic targets and clinical biomarkers for fibrotic and age-related diseases.

Led by Julia Aramendi under the supervision of Antonio Profico of the Department of Biology, the project will study the effects of osteoporosis on the femur, combining archaeological, anthropological and medical approaches. Through the analysis of skeletons dating from the Bronze Age to the present day, OSTEOMECH will explore how age, gender and lifestyle have influenced bone quality and strength over time and will offer new insights into the historical roots of osteoporosis, demonstrating how the history of lifestyles can help us tackle current health challenges.

Led by Carolina Fioroni Ribeiro Da Silva under the supervision of Giuseppina Sgandurra of the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, the project will develop a personalised, play-based rehabilitation programme for pre-school children with cerebral palsy. The project combines Action Observation Training with activities focusing on the limbs and gross motor skills, alongside a digital app to facilitate communication between families and healthcare professionals. The project aims to help achieve more effective, participatory, equitable and sustainable rehabilitation.

Led by Prem Sai Regalla under the supervision of Filippo Costa from the Department of Information Engineering, the project will develop a new generation of wireless, sensitive, robust and low-cost sensors for the accurate monitoring of displacement and pressure. The technology will be tested in structural monitoring, industrial automation, robotics, aerospace and biomedical applications.

Led by Morkoss Medhat under the supervision of Andrea Cerase of the Department of Biology, the research investigates how RNA and proteins organise themselves within cells and why, in some cases, they transition from fluid structures to solid, harmful aggregates. The aim is to understand the role of these processes in cancers and neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, identifying potential targets for new, personalised RNA-based therapies.

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