The Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Institute is born. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed among research entities and Generali

• The goal is to create new opportunities through the collaboration between academics and industry players

Trieste – A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed among Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), University of Trieste, University of Udine, The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), MIB Trieste School of Management and Generali to create the Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Institute. The goal is to create a centre of innovation to generate research and new business opportunities based on data science and artificial intelligence.

In particular, the Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Institute, which aims to join the ELLIS (European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems) network, is intended to carry out world-class research and encourage knowledge transfer in machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Among its goals is to also pool young talent and foster new collaborations through joint activities such as seminars and workshops, PhD and master programmes, dissemination activities, as well as upskilling and reskilling opportunities for the employees of industrial partners.

The Chairman of Assicurazioni Generali, Gabriele Galateri di Genola, affirmed: “At a time of immense change, data science and artificial intelligence bring opportunities to optimise efficiency and operations, and to remain by our customers’ side, which are fundamental elements of our Generali 2021 strategic plan. The link between the excellence of the territory with digital transformation, knowledge sharing, and the collaboration between academics and industry leaders have a remarkable potential for innovation, both through the ability to generate value and drive development, and the capacity to anticipate and overcome contemporary challenges. With its Academy in Trieste, Generali is part of this project that adds yet another piece to the history of the Company, celebrating its 190th anniversary this year.”

The SISSA Director, Stefano Ruffo, affirmed: “This new project can fly high. At the moment, our country does not have enough expertise in data science, a crucial area for the future. The initiative we are launching today addresses this important need. SISSA, the first Institute in Italy to offer PhD training, has built a strong research group in data science, attracting talents from abroad, and is ready to contribute.”

The Dean of University of Trieste, Roberto Di Lenarda, affirmed: “Friuli Venezia Giulia’s Universities have been working for a long time with other research institutions on the Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Institute project. This letter of intent adds to it the fundamental support of Assicurazioni Generali and once again testifies to the exceptional nature of the so-called Trieste System in the national scientific panorama. We have been contributing and shall continue to contribute enthusiastically to strengthening and expanding this initiative, which brings together research and business, confident that we will give the contribution of our researchers in terms of innovation and new opportunities for our under- and post-graduate students.”

The Dean of University of Udine, Roberto Pinton, affirmed: "The University of Udine has a long tradition in the field of computer science and artificial intelligence that dates back to more than forty years ago, when one of the first degree courses in Information Science in Italy was created. With the University of Trieste and SISSA, our institution conceived the idea of an inter-university centre focused on data science and artificial intelligence, with its roots in the region but also with a national and international scope and able to establish fruitful collaborations with the corporate world. Today, we are even more convinced that pooling complementary skills will allow the creation of a centre of excellence, destined to become an important hub for issues of great significance for the future”.

The Director of The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Atish Dabholkar, affirmed: “It is clear that data science and artificial intelligence will drive new breakthroughs at the frontiers of science, for the benefit of all humanity. A public-private partnership can be particularly fruitful in exploring these new frontiers, and we are very glad to have Generali's strong interest and support. As highlighted in its new strategic plan, ICTP recognises the opportunities for innovation in these fields. We are pleased to be joining forces with Trieste's top research institutes, together with Generali, to encourage knowledge transfer not only among our Trieste partners but also with the worldwide ICTP community, which encompasses regions eager to overcome the digital divide for equal access to science and education.”

The CEO of MIB Trieste School of Management, Vladimir Nanut, affirmed: "MIB Trieste School of Management will have the mission of fostering the dialogue between the world of research and the world of business, and empower them to seize every opportunity offered by Digital Transformation and by the advances in Artificial Intelligence."