Eni and the University of Milano-Bicocca sign a joint research agreement for projects in the field of energy transition

Milan, 15 February 2022 – Eni and the University of Milano-Bicocca today signed a Joint Research Agreement (JRA) in the presence of Rector of the University of Milano-Bicocca Giovanna Iannantuoni, Eni Chairman of the Board Lucia Calvosa and Eni Chief Executive Officer Claudio Descalzi. The five years long agreement intends to launch a strategic collaboration on research projects of common interest, in areas related to the energy transition and for which the University is recognised as a centre of excellence.

In particular, the agreement defines six research areas: magnetic fusion, batteries, geothermal energy and hydrogeology, environmental applications, geo-bio-hydro-chemical characterisation and modelling, and sanitisation of spaces using plasma technologies.

This agreement is in line with the objectives of the 2020/22 Strategic Plan of the University of Milano-Bicocca, which actively pursues and prioritises the activities of technology transfer and those relating to the third stream.

For Eni, the collaboration represents a new and important step towards further strengthening of its technological leadership in the energy transition and is part of the company’s desire to expand its network with the finest examples of academic excellence.

The Rector of the University of Milano-Bicocca, Giovanna Iannantuoni, said: “This joint research agreement is part of a process of profound change in the relationship between the academic world and the business world. In recent years, universities have understood that they need to abandon their ivory towers and open the doors of laboratories and research centres and share knowledge and ideas, in an intense and constructive dialogue with the production system. Our university has embarked on this cultural revolution, implementing it through technology transfer and third-stream activities. A fundamental strategy for launching research projects that can contribute to innovation and progress in society.” 

Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, commented, “Technological variety is the main route in tackling the energy transition in the various contexts where intervention is required to cut emissions. And for Eni it’s the key tool for achieving complete decarbonization of industrial processes and products as part of its own strategy, an ambitious and concrete process in which we have already taken major steps. From this perspective, collaborating with the scientific world and with examples of academic excellence such as the University of Milano-Bicocca is essential in order for us to make further progress in terms of technology level and coordinate systems at national level.”