Research Projects

HORIZON-MSCA-2024-DN-01 - AI-Powered Foresight for Gender Equality and Inclusive Societies: Designing Ethical Future-Ready Education and Systems

The overarching aim of the AI-Powered Foresight for Gender Equality and Inclusive Societies: Designing Ethical Future-Ready Education and Systems (AI4EDI) is to build a new generation of interdisciplinary researchers who use AI and Foresight education to design and shape more inclusive and equitable societies by anticipating needs, opportunities and challenges related to gender, diversity and inclusion, and shaping future planning and decision-making to incorporate diverse perspectives and promote equity. Each discipline — computer science, engineering, economics, sociology, law, pedagogy and education in general — will play a key role in developing integrated solutions to prepare not only educational systems but entire social ecosystems for the dynamics of the future. The goal of this network is to provide high-level training of Doctoral Candidates (DC) in conscientious, reliable, and human-centric design and development of the upcoming research in artificial intelligence (AI). In particular, they will learn how to improve and deepen knowledge on ethical considerations, such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the impact of AI on society. The training offered to 11 Doctoral Candidates interconnected through the AI4EDI network will enforce their research and transferable skills necessary for thriving careers in this burgeoning interdisciplinary area. This goal will be achieved by a unique combination of specialised “hands-on” research training supported by high quality PhD supervision; performing of secondments at partners; participation at courses and workshops on scientific and complementary so-called soft skills facilitated by the academic and research partners of the consortium. Despite the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the challenge of keeping pace with its technological, scientific and substantive.

P.I: Anna Siri

HORIZON-MSCA-2024-SE-01 -Bridging the potential of human-centred AI research in migration between Latin America and the EU

The "AI4MIGRATION: Bridging the potential of human-centred AI research in migration between Latin America and the EU" 4-year staff exchange project aim is to promote the exchange of knowledge, best practises and innovation between European and Latin

American countries on the very challenging and topical issue of migration.

The subject will be thoroughly examined and monitored through a multi-layered and holistic approach, with a particular emphasis on the intersection of migration policies and with the support of artificial intelligence (AI) based tools.

This includes designing solutions based on real data and creating more effective and inclusive policies through five specific objectives:

SO1 Strengthen collaboration

SO2 Develop ethical AI solutions

SO3 Policy innovation

SO4 Capacity building

SO5 Promote interdisciplinarity and intersectoral exchanges.

The composition of the consortium will allow a high degree of international and intersectoral exchange and cooperation and the growth of a new generation of trained interdisciplinary researchers, practitioners and innovators who use AI and prediction methods to shape more inclusive and equitable societies by anticipating needs, opportunities and challenges related to migration.

The project builds upon this interdisciplinary foundation by focusing on inclusivity and cross-cultural action. It leverages AI and research-driven innovation to strengthen connections between Latin America and Europe, addressing demanding political and social

challenges.

Furthermore, the project uses AI technologies while upholding human rights and respect.

P.I: Anna Siri

PRIN2023 - Sexuality, Psychosis, Attachment, Risk, and Knowledge translation

This project explores the relationship between sexual behavior, attachment styles, and attenuated psychotic symptoms in youth identified as Clinical High Risk for Psychosis (CHR-P). While CHR clinical criteria have improved early intervention strategies, their predictive accuracy remains limited, necessitating the identification of novel psychological markers. By analyzing their interaction, this research aims to refine psychosis risk assessment. A clinical sample of 150 CHR-P individuals and 150 matched controls will be followed for 12 months. Structural equation modeling and network analysis will identify novel psychological markers, informing more effective preventive strategies.

P.I.: Tommaso Boldrini

PRA 2023 - Artificial Creativity:percezioni e pratiche sull’impiego dell’AI nella produzione culturale artistica

The project contributed to the ongoing debate on the relationship between creativity—understood as the quintessential human cognitive act, which underscores our uniqueness in comparison to other species and within our own—and the use of AI in the production of ‘consumable’ creative content (Amabile, 1993; Boden, 1998; Aleinikov, 2013).

The research comprised a desk-based phase, aimed at analyzing and exploring the cultural imaginaries surrounding the topic, and a field phase, involving experimental sessions, in-depth interviews, and questionnaires administered to a representative sample of the Italian population.

The study demonstrates originality in its specific focus on creative production within the media landscape, situating itself within a broader discourse that, while already underway, is considerably less developed compared to discussions in other fields of AI application. Furthermore, the research aims to explore and hypothesize potential medium- and long-term effects on user practices, particularly in terms of the construction of preferences and, more significantly, the shaping of visual and sonic imaginaries. These dynamics could have substantial implications for the respective media markets, including visual and audio-based industries.

P.I.: Alessandra Micalizzi

PRA 2023 - linea n.4 Advanced Human-Technology Interaction

The internal funding supported the development of a research line on human-technology interaction, which led to the establishment of the LAHTI – Laboratory for Advanced Human-Technology Interaction, based in Milan. The laboratory focuses on four main research areas: technologies for distance learning (including video games), immersive environments for the promotion of moral judgment, identity expression in digital contexts (avatars), and the quality of interaction with autonomous agents (AI). Building on these domains, the lab develops targeted research projects aligned with external funding opportunities.

P.I.: Stefano Triberti

VivereMeglio: Soluzioni Innovative per l’Assistenza Sanitaria a Domicilio

The project entitled ‘VivereMeglio: Innovative Solutions for Home Healthcare Assistance’ (VISAD) falls under thematic area RT4: Integrated Care Pathways, Telemedicine, and High Fragility – point E. It aims to improve the management of health in elderly individuals and people with chronic conditions through the use of wearable technologies and digital applications.

P.I: Angelo Vacca

FRC 2024 - Valutazione dello Stato Nutrizionale e Promozione dei Corretti Stili di Vita nella Popolazione Carceraria, Studio “B.A.C.I.” Benessere All’interno delle Carceri Italiane

The project aims to transform the prison into a rehabilitative environment, thereby contributing to greater social reintegration and an improved quality of life for inmates both during and after incarceration. Through in-depth scientific research, the primary objective is to develop programs for the promotion of psycho-physical health, specifically targeting the improvement of inmates’ conditions by focusing on proper nutrition and regular physical activity.

P.I: Luigi Barrea

Prosthetic Socket Preservation

Alveolar socket preservation prevents post-extraction bone resorption, thereby optimizing prosthetic and implant rehabilitation. Techniques such as the use of biomaterials, membranes, and growth factors help reduce volumetric loss and enhance aesthetic outcomes. The Prosthetic Socket Preservation technique involves the immediate placement of a prosthesis over a post-extraction dental implant to support the peri-implant tissue profile. This approach has been shown to result in more effective healing, reducing treatment time by approximately 65% compared to traditional techniques

P.I: Giovanni B. Menchini Fabris

Implantologia Iuxtaossea Subperiostea

Juxta-osseous and subperiosteal implantology represents an alternative technique for patients with severe bone atrophy, avoiding the need for complex grafting procedures. Juxta-osseous implants are anchored to the cortical bone, while subperiosteal implants are placed beneath the periosteum, conforming to the patient’s anatomy. Made of titanium, these implants ensure prosthetic stability in cases where traditional implantology is not feasible. Although less commonly used, this technique provides a functional solution in cases of severe bone resorption, enabling rehabilitation without the need for advanced bone regeneration procedures.

P.I: Giovanni B. Menchini Fabris

ACOORDI PER L'INNOVAZIONE 4 MISSIONE - INteraction between Diet, lifestyle, Environment and internal Exposome towards healthy and sustainable food production and innovative Packaging

The ultimate goal of the project is to develop innovative strategies for reducing major risk factors associated with food systems, thereby generating positive outcomes in terms of public health and environmental sustainability. The project’s holistic approach will enable the identification of effective strategies to preserve the environment by addressing some of the most critical challenges related to food systems, while also improving the overall wellbeing of the population. Central to this vision is placing the individual at the heart of a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable system.

To this end, the project will include a parametrization of external exposure factors (exposome) that contribute to determining human health status, taking into account both internal environment components (specific exposure biomarkers, epigenetic and metabolic profiles, etc.) and external environmental components (dietary patterns, urban ecosystems, environmental pollution, temperature, humidity, etc.). The data collected on the exposome will allow for the identification and planning of innovative strategies aimed at lifestyle modifications and improvements in food packaging systems, thereby promoting more sustainable food systems with significant benefits for both public health and the environment.

P.I: Claudia Vetrani