The University of Udine promotes the development, progress and dissemination of scientific knowledge through research, training, scientific and cultural collaboration with institutions in Italy and abroad, thereby contributing to the civil, cultural, social and economic development of Friuli in the key sectors of agriculture, food, quality and protection of the environment and animals.
In the Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences (DI4A), the skills of agricultural and food sciences meet those of biological, chemical, veterinary and environmental sciences to promote the knowledge we need to face the emerging global challenges with an integrated approach (One Welfare).

This means the transition to environmentally and economically sustainable agricultural practices, the conservation of natural and cultivated biodiversity, and the promotion of food safety and quality, animal welfare and human health. Our key strengths are: the quality and excellence of our facilities and people, the uniqueness of our educational provision and research, and the innovation achieved through constant engagement with society. Scientific discovery does not just drive the department’s activities, it is also key to sharing and receiving information and relevant issues from the local area, creating a constant connection between research and society.

The results of our work are helping to raise awareness around agriculture, the environmental and territorial resources, ensuring support for production chains that respect the quality and tradition of the products, as well as pursuing sustainability and environmental and animal welfare.

The graph illustrates the interrelationships between the keywords identifying the Department and the teaching activity, research and the third mission, which it develops with great commitment, towards academic excellence.

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Teaching

Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences Our teaching program is extremely student-focused and designed to stimulate their critical skills, interests and passions.
Traditional lectures are combined with innovative teaching experiences and workshops that transform them into the agents of their own learning.

They are presented many opportunities to undertake projects in the field, giving students a direct insight into the real-world context of the local area, facilitating the transition between the world of study and work. To help students decide on their future career choices, the training experience in the Pathways for Transversal Skills and Orientation (PCTO) invites large numbers of students from local high schools into the DI4A Laboratories.

This experience enriches their understanding, facilitates future educational choices and, above all, lets young student enjoy an exciting experience in the world of research.

Research

Curiosity and a passion for discovery are central to all the research undertaken within the areas that make up the scientific heart of the department. From pure research, which may have social and economic benefits in the future, to applied research, with concrete and immediate applications: each area of research brings its own vision to help power the engine of progress towards the future.

The scientific skills of the Di4A researchers, belonging to nine departmental sections, extend across the ERC sectors including Life Sciences (LS1, LS2, LS9), Chemical Sciences (PE4, PE5) and Earth Sciences (PE10), corresponding to the CUN areas 03, 04, 05 and 07.

The Local Area and Society

The history of Di4A is closely intertwined with that of the Friulian Athenaeum since its origins. The University of Udine was established in response to a popular petition to support the recovery of the Friulian territory, which was devastated by the tragic 1976 earthquake.

The Faculty of Agriculture, from which Di4A originates, was established in 1979 along with the University of Udine to be a “land development agent”.
The department plays an important role in promoting scientific culture (pure and applied research) and transferring knowledge, making its teaching and research skills available to all public and private stakeholders, in Friuli Venezia Giulia and neighbouring territories in particular, thanks to the cross-border
collaborations that have been in place for many years.

Di4A with a deep sense of social and ethical responsibility, is committed to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and industrial processes, conserving natural resources and biodiversity, and disseminating useful knowledge to society.

Significant data

In the academic year 2023-2024, the Di4A graduated 420 students, whereas 47 are the PhD students, over 150 laboratory students, scholarship holders and post-docs.

The Di4A is composed by 48 researchers, 70 professors, 39 technicians and 24 administrative staff make up the Di4A team, completed by non-structured collaborators. Di4A researchers participate in the AGRITECH and BIODIVERSITY National Centers and the iNEST Innovation Ecosystem, established with the PNRR.

Using shared platforms and instrumental equipment, they coordinate and participate in numerous research projects and agreements that in the last three years have obtained research funds of approximately €4.5 million per year