Who is Università di Pisa?
As one of the oldest and most prestigious academic institutions in Europe, the University of Pisa (UNIPI) brings centuries of academic excellence and a future-focused research vision to the FLEXIZYME project. With nearly 50,000 students and a strong track record in science, engineering, and sustainability, the university plays a key role in advancing green chemistry and bio-based innovation.
Founded in 1343, the University of Pisa is a leader in Italy’s academic and research landscape. Its twenty departments support cutting-edge research across diverse disciplines, from astrophysics and medicine to computer science and engineering. UNIPI is a key player in the bioeconomy sector, with membership in the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) and coordination of the national BISC-E student innovation challenge. It is also part of Italy’s SPRING cluster, which connects research and industry in bio-based development.
The university hosts two departments with strong involvement in FLEXIZYME:
- The Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), known for its expertise in catalysis and biomass valorisation, is actively contributing to upstream and downstream research on enzyme behavior and fatty amine recovery.
- The Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, home to the Multifunctional Bio-Ecocompatible Materials Lab (MBEM), is leading the project’s Work Package 6 (WP6). Their mission: design novel, eco-compatible formulations using bio-based fatty amines in cosmetics, detergents, and agricultural applications.
UNIPI’s Role in FLEXIZYME
In FLEXIZYME, UNIPI’s contributions span from lab to application:
- DCCI is involved in both Work Package 3 (raw material characterisation and enzyme development) and Work Package 6 (fatty amine recovery and analysis).
- MBEM Lab at DICI, under Prof. Maria-Beatrice Coltelli, coordinates WP6 and leads product formulation efforts together with industrial partners.
- Both departments contribute to dissemination and student engagement, offering biotechnology and chemistry students hands-on experience in sustainable materials science.
With expertise that bridges basic research and applied innovation, the University of Pisa strengthens the scientific backbone of FLEXIZYME—bringing us closer to a circular, bio-based future.
Learn more about UNIPI’s expertise by checking out their website: https://www.unipi.it/