The Planet Earth changes faster and faster every day, in a natural way but also due to the influence of mankind. The mission of the researchers of our Department is to continue to discover it, understand it and learn how to manage it.
In the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences we study the movements of the Earth's crust, the composition of minerals and soil, how to best find and manage resources and limit the risks we face. We also study what lives on land and in water: plants, animals and microorganisms. We investigate their evolution and what they are now threatened by. Our research takes place in a wide variety of environments: from the ocean depths to mountain peaks, and covers numerous natural processes, from the germination of a seed to the formation of a diamond. In addition, for some years now, new lines of research have been developed concerning semi-natural environments used by man for agricultural purposes, with the aim to improve the management of the agroenvironment, in accordance with the 2030 Agenda.
All of this is at the service of society: in fact, we deploy our energies and skills to provide consultancy, technical services, contribute to the training of professionals and the development of society through educational and cultural proposals suitable for a diverse audience. We collaborate with Universities and Research Institutions from all over the world, as well as natural parks, foundations, scientific bodies, small and large companies, with a particoular attention to our territory and local realities.