The Carnegie Mellon University of Qatar meets the excellences and opportunities of the Emilia-Romagna region

A delegation of university students from Qatar, in particular from the Carnegie Mellon University campus, has recently embarked on a formative journey in the Emilia-Romagna region. This journey is part of a broader context of cultural and academic exchange, aimed at exploring the dynamics of the world of innovation and the many opportunities offered by the Italian territory in terms of technological development and advanced research.

The Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar is one of the many international extensions of the illustrious higher education institution based in Pittsburgh, USA. Specializing in disciplines such as computer science, business sciences, and the arts, the Qatari venue stands out for its commitment to offering a world-class education, preparing students to successfully face the challenges of the modern world.

During their stay in Emilia-Romagna, the participants had the honour of visiting the pharmaceutical company Chiesi, based in Parma, which has established itself among the leading Italian companies in the pharmaceutical sector, constantly researching and developing innovative therapeutic solutions in the field of respiratory health, rare diseases and specialist care. The company is committed to improving people’s quality of life, acting responsibly not only towards patients, but also for the communities in which it operates and the environment.

This visit was particularly significant, as it gave students the opportunity to attend a presentation on the application of artificial intelligence in biotechnology. Through this in-depth study, the young participants were able to better understand how emerging technologies are radically transforming the pharmaceutical industry, encouraging significant progress in research and development of new treatments. In addition, the guided tour inside the facilities of Chiesi allowed students to closely observe the cutting-edge production processes and appreciate the company’s values, emphasising the importance of a fairer and more sustainable approach within the pharmaceutical sector.

Continuing their journey, the delegation stopped in Bologna for a meeting at the Emilia-Romagna Region. Here, the Director of Knowledge, Research, Work, Business, Morena Diazzi, together with the Manager of Clust-ER Health Sauro Vicini and Eleonora Sette of ART-ER, illustrated the innovative ecosystem of the region. During this session, the strengths of local businesses were highlighted and the opportunities offered to international students interested in continuing their studies or taking up work and study paths in key areas such as automotive and health were discussed.

The platform IT-ER – International Talents in Emilia-Romagna was presented in particular, a tool aimed at promoting opportunities for study and research and collaboration with the research and innovation system, an action that ART-ER has started on behalf of the Emilia-Romagna Region to attract and facilitate the presence of international talents in the region. The platform, dedicated to foreign students and researchers, as well as young people from Emilia-Romagna, born or trained, living abroad, accompanies and directs international talents interested in investing in their training and career in Emilia-Romagna offering directions to fit properly, from visa application to reports, and on the territory.

This experience was a valuable opportunity to highlight the excellences of Emilia-Romagna, while promoting the possibility of future academic and working collaborations between Qatar and our dynamic Italian region. The interactions and knowledge acquired during this journey will not only enrich the educational path of the students involved, but also lay the foundations for a continuous and fruitful dialogue between these two different realities, united by the common aspiration to innovation.