About the Department - DI4A

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.

Presented below are the core areas of focus that define the Department’s commitment to academic excellence across teaching, research, and third mission initiatives.

Teaching

Our teaching program is student-focused and designed to stimulate their critical skills, interests and passions.

The academic offer includes 14 degree programs (Bachelor’s and Master’s), 3 postgraduate Master's programs, a specialization school, and the highest level of university education with three PhD courses.

Traditional lectures are combined with innovative teaching experiences and workshops that transform them into the agents of their own learning.

DI4A provides 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.

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. The Department is active in both basic and applied research, promoting innovation and engaging in high-quality projects locally, nationally, and internationally.

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 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 a crucial role in promoting a scientific culture and transferring knowledge. DI4A makes teaching and research expertises available to public and private partners, especially in Friuli Venezia Giulia and nearby areas, through well-established cross-border collaborations.

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.

In the academic year 2024-2025, the enrolled students are about 1900, whereas 47 are the PhD students, with more then 150 trainees, scholarship holders and post-docs. In the academic year 2023-2024 the graduated students were 417.

The Di4A is composed by 113 professors and researchers, 57 technicians and administrative staff, along with several affiliated collaborators.

DI4A researchers participate in the AGRITECH and BIODIVERSITY National Centers and the iNEST Innovation Ecosystem, established with the PNRR.

Using more than 15 laboratory facilities and an experimental farm, DI4A coordinates and takes part of a number of national and international research projects and agreements with private and public institutions (approximately 6 M€ of average annual funding).