An strategic mission to consolidate the international positioning dell 'Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma and develop new opportunities for scientific, academic and industrial collaboration. Between March and April 2026, a delegation UCBM visited some of the most prestigious universities and institutions in the United States, with stops in California, Atlanta and New York.
The initiative represented an important opportunity for discussion on the issues of advanced research, interdisciplinary training and joint program development in key areas such as bioengineering, artificial intelligence, quantum engineering, public health, innovative materials, and sustainability.
The mission started in California with a visit to the University of California, Berkeley, where the delegation UCBM met the Dean of Engineering, Professor Mark AstaAt the centre of the discussion, the prospects for collaboration in computational material science and the proposal of a Double Degree in Bioengineering. During the meetings, mutual interest also emerged for doctoral exchange programs, with particular attention to the areas of chemical engineering applied to the theme of water and technologies for advanced materials. The delegation also visited the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory , Molecular Foundry, exploring potential collaborations in the field of quantum materials and quantum engineering, as well as exchange opportunities for PhD students.
The next stop took place at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (KITP), one of the world's leading centers for theoretical physicsThe meetings focused on long-term research programs and interdisciplinary collaborations dedicated to the modeling of biological and cardiovascular systems. Among the topics addressed: cardiac tissue physics, ultrasound tissue mechanics, biostatistics applied to medicine, and potential synergies within the European ERC and COST programs. Particular attention was also paid to the development of a possible Double Degree in Bioengineering with UCSB, as well as new collaboration opportunities in the fields of robotics, cybersecurity, and the physics of soft and living matter. During the visit, prospects for doctoral exchanges and future reciprocal visits between the two institutions also emerged, with the aim of consolidating an increasingly integrated international network.
The mission then continued to Atlanta, At Emory University, where the delegation UCBM met the teacher Alessandro Venetians, an expert in mathematics applied to cardiovascular systems and sensors. The meetings allowed us to define new prospects for scientific collaboration, shared teaching activities and doctoral courses, in addition to the programming of visiting professors and advanced schools dedicated to the topics of computational medicine and biomedical engineering. Also particularly significant is the recognition obtained by Leonardo Molinari, alumnus UCBM, awarded the Best PhD Award 2026 at Emory University and currently working as a PostDoc at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The delegation also met with Professor Dennis C. Liotta, an international figure of reference in organic chemistry and known for his contributions to the development of antiviral drugs used in HIV therapy. The discussion opened new perspectives for scientific support in chemistry and future international training activities.
The final stage of the mission took place between Princeton e New York, with meetings dedicated to the development of long-term academic partnerships. Princeton University, the delegation met with the Vice Dean of Engineering, the Professor Gabriele Villarini, discussing possible collaborations on the topics water, climate and energy, in addition to the availability to activate shared doctoral courses and future institutional visits at UCBMDuring the mission, meetings were also held with representatives from the industrial and innovation world, with particular attention to the development of internship opportunities and international collaborations. Columbia University, the confrontation with the Vice Provost Engineering, the Professor Soulaymane Kachani, has laid the foundation for a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at creating a Double Degree in Biomedical Engineering. The initiative aims to gradually involve up to 10-20 students in the coming years, further strengthening the internationalization process of UCBMThe main areas of shared interest include AI for All, Quantum Engineering, Public Health, and the development of future Joint PhD experiences.
The visit also included meetings with The Italian Academy and other organizations committed to promoting Italian culture and research in the United States. During the mission, the delegation UCBM He also took part in meetings organised with NIAF – National Italian American Foundation – and with theItalian Cultural Institute of New York.
>>Discover the opportunities UCBM with NIAF
Moments that represented an important opportunity for dialogue with the world of institutions, culture and business, contributing to strengthening the international role of the University and the construction of new collaboration networksThe mission in the United States confirms the will to UCBM to invest decisively in the internationalization of teaching, research and institutional relations.
