"The presence at the festival highlights the key role that the University of Parma and OnFoods play, not only in Italy but also worldwide, particularly in the fields of food and sustainability," comments the Rector of the University of Parma, Professor Paolo Martelli. "In Boston, OnFoods and Unipr together aim to showcase how their researchers, faculty, and professors are tackling the global and complex challenges of agri-food systems with innovative solutions and the creative drive that defines us".

In the past ten years, the University of Parma has filed over 40 patents, including four in the agri-food sector, and has launched more than 16 spin-offs. The scientific output has surpassed 22,000 published articles, 10% of which are related to food systems.

"Research," says Professor Daniele Del Rio, "here at the University of Parma, is not only the engine of teaching but also the beating heart of a relationship with the business world and civil society in general. Because today, more than ever, it is unthinkable to have research that is not deeply connected with the industrial fabric, with the citizens, and also with politics, where it must be an impartial and reliable advisor. This also means knowing how to design study and research pathways together with businesses and citizens that are shared and participatory from the ground up".

"The funding received by OnFoods has been, and continues to be, an unprecedented opportunity to give a boost to Italian research on food, nutrition, and sustainability," Del Rio continues. "With 115 million euros allocated to explore every aspect related to food, from social and political issues to those related to safety, nutrition, technologies, and even logistics."

The project partners are 26, including universities, research institutes, and leading companies in the sector from all over Italy. OnFoods brings together different disciplines, methods, and stakeholders, each with their own culture and work habits. It is a challenging project, but essential for aligning the pace of research with that of businesses and the needs of society.

Many young people are already involved in the project, which counts over 600 active participants— a number that truly reflects the challenge we have been facing for the past year and a half with OnFoods.

"We are proud of what we have achieved so far in Parma," concludes Rector Martelli. "These are concrete results that demonstrate the value of our research and our daily commitment. But we cannot stop here. It is essential to continue investing in new ideas, in projects that look to the future and can truly transform society, the quality, and the accessibility of agri-food systems."

The Italian Creativity Festival in Boston is certainly an opportunity to show the world that Italian innovation and research not only have deep roots in historical tradition but also a bright future, capable of addressing global challenges with creativity and expertise.

• for more information about the Italian Creativity Festival in Boston, visit the website https://italyinboston.org/

• to stay updated on the work of the OnFoods project, visit the website https://onfoods.it/