Research and educational activities to protect Oceans

The Bicocca University has a longstanding commitment to research, educational activities, and outreach in the field of marine ecology and protection of the marine biodiversity, in line with the objectives of the Mission Ocean & Waters. Since 2009, through an agreement with the Maldivian government, the university established the MaRHE Center on the Maldives. In 2021, it became part of the Italian node of the ERIC EMBRC. In 2015, the university launched the international master's program in Marine Sciences, and in 2021, in collaboration with the Italian Institute of Technology, it initiated the Doctorate in Marine Sciences, Technology, and Management. Among its Citizen Sciences activities in 2021, the university organized the IllusiOcean exhibition, which aimed to convey the importance of ocean conservation.
The Bicocca University, as well as the academic community, students, and administrative staff, aligns with the objectives and approach of the EU Mission "Restore our Oceans and Waters" and intends to continue its ocean-related activities:
Ecosystems and Biodiversity Restoration:
The major focus for the Bicocca University is to support research projects in the field of marine research and innovation, with a particular emphasis on mitigating climate impacts and restoring marine ecosystems. This effort directly contributes to Objective 1 of the Mission. Ongoing research at the Bicocca marine research center in the Maldives concentrates on the resilience and restoration of biodiversity, especially coral reefs. The knowledge, methodology, and results gained will be tested in European seas, particularly the Mediterranean Sea.
Knowledge Dissemination:
The university's primary activity is to disseminate the knowledge acquired by researchers on an international level, thus accelerating the spread of information in the field of climate change mitigation and adaptation. The university will replicate research results in the field of climate change mitigation in Italian marine protected areas to expedite the mitigation of climate change impacts on benthic marine ecosystems.
Climate Change Mitigation in Milan:
The university will develop climate change mitigation solutions within Milan that can positively impact marine ecosystems. This includes reducing the ecological footprint by decreasing fossil fuel usage through geothermal heating, energy-efficient building upgrades, and increased energy production via solar panels.
Youth-Led Initiatives and Participatory Approaches:
The university will initiate projects to share scientific research in the marine field with young generations. Activities with local high schools, such as the Vittorio Veneto Scientific High School in Milan, will include educational programs to raise awareness of the effects of climate change on oceans. Cultural exchange activities will also be conducted between students from Vittorio Veneto High School and students from the Maldives, empowering young people to become directly involved in various mission activities.
Municipal and Regional Government Collaboration:
The university, located in Milan with connections to the sea through artificial canals (known as navigli) dating back to the Middle Ages, aims to strengthen cooperation with municipal and regional authorities. The goal is to study the potential impact of the city on the Adriatic Sea and assess possible mitigation actions. The primary action involves researching the presence of microplastics in Milan's canals