CHEMISTRY FOR SOCIETY

The Department of Chemical Sciences has long been involved in projects of Percorsi per le Competenze Trasversali e per l'Orientamento (PCTO) with numerous high schools in Campania. The common goal is to present Chemistry as a job opportunity to high school students, but also to promote the image of Chemistry itself in modern society as a diversified tool in activities ranging from environmental protection to forensic diagnostics through quality control in the food sector.

Chemistry plays a fundamental role in pursuing scientific and technological progress and safeguarding the health and well-being of man and the environment. The relationship between science and society has many facets, some of which are more visible, others less but no less important. In general, the contribution that science and technology make to economic development is privileged; However, it is easy to demonstrate that the impact of science on society can be achieved in varied and articulated ways.

In the perspective of a vision of chemistry that impacts society in many and disparate areas, the Department of Chemical Sciences (SDC) carries out research, teaching and training in the many fields of this discipline. In particular, the research activities range from the synthesis and characterization of natural substances and biomolecules and their analogues to the study of theoretical and computational models and methods, from the development of industrial and environmental processes and products and biotechnologies to the development of analytical methodologies for the environment, food and cultural heritage, from the synthesis of polymers,  biopolymers and nanosystems are being studied in the study of sustainable technologies for the conversion of biomass. In synergy with basic research, which is one of the main missions of the SDC, there has been a growing focus on the application of scientific knowledge to the territory, technology transfer, industry and cultural heritage. Therefore, the DSC's activities provide a unique and highly qualified support of skills and equipment not only for the performance of normal research activities, but also to respond to the needs of the territory in terms of scientific consultancy, chemical analysis and advanced training for students and young researchers.

In this context, the project "Chemistry for Society" has as its general objective the awareness of students on the strategic role of chemistry for progress and innovation, for sustainable development, to improve the quality of life. The activities are carried out, to allow us to reach as many students as possible, in remote mode with lectures, videos and live exercises. The DSC therefore offers a plurality of seminars, according to the scheme in the Table, among which groups of students have the opportunity to choose paths that are of greatest interest to them, favoring different aspects and applications that decline the unique knowledge of chemistry. The institutions interested will indicate, in order of priority, several preferences, so that the requests can be distributed according to availability.

Each school can apply for a maximum of 20 hours.

The stipulation of the agreement will be drawn up accordingly with an indication of the activities and the relative number of hours.

For each educational institution, one of the meetings will be held in the Department in person and, on this occasion, students will be able to visit teaching and research laboratories of the Department, also accompanied by an orientation seminar on the University Courses provided by the SDC

The project, thus articulated, is in the small group of PCTO courses offered by the University of Federico II selected last year as part of the celebrations of the 800th anniversary of the Federico II University. 

The contact person and coordinator of the PCTO activities for the Department is Prof. Leila Birolo

ACTIVITY PROSPECTUS academic year 2024-2025