VICO
22   january

VICO Project Launches: Enhancing Research Impact and Knowledge Transfer at Scuola Normale Superiore

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The VICO project (Valorisation and Impact of Knowledge) has officially launched. This strategic initiative by the Scuola Normale Superiore aims to strengthen activities related to the valorisation of research results and technology transfer.

The project, led scientifically by Professor Francesco Cardarelli, is funded by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT)* under the UTT 2025 Call. Working in synergy with the expansion plan of the Research and Technological Transfer Service, VICO introduces two new figures to the team with complementary expertise.

Vanya Petrova brings a technical-scientific background and experience in the private sector. She will focus on scouting activities, identifying research results with concrete impact potential. Her role involves supporting industrial property management, valorising Normale’s research, and fostering the creation of spin-offs.

Luigi Rufo, a lawyer with experience in public bodies and the healthcare sector, will focus on legal aspects. His work will cover contracts, negotiation, and managing collaboration agreements with companies and stakeholders. He will specifically support the protection of intellectual property and the use of legal tools essential for knowledge transfer processes.

These new experts will work in an integrated manner on a wide range of activities that the Normale intends to boost in the near future. Key objectives include:

  • Patent Portfolio Management: Reorganising the management of the Normale’s patent portfolio and defining related valorisation strategies.

  • Assessment Tools: Developing tools to detect research results suitable for patent protection or transfer to the private sector.

  • Innovation in Non-STEM Fields: A particular focus will be placed on valorising research in the Humanities and Social Sciences, promoting interdisciplinarity and innovation beyond traditional STEM sectors.

  • Market Mapping: Identifying research lines with the highest market orientation and validating results for promotion.

A crucial aspect of VICO is strengthening ties with the productive sector. The project aims to identify new collaboration opportunities with public and private entities, bridging the gap between academia and industry.

Furthermore, the new resources will support the organisation of patent promotion and brokerage events, as well as training and coaching initiatives dedicated to intellectual property, knowledge transfer, and research impact.

With the VICO project, the Scuola Normale Superiore intensifies its commitment to transforming knowledge into value, fostering economic, social, and cultural impact while promoting a structured and effective dialogue between the academic world, businesses, and the territory.