The UniverCity project gained more recognition in Italy at the end of December 2021 with the opening of the first pilot call of Community Research Awards. The call addressed to the communities of Perugia and Sassari. The initiative idea was citizens and local associations to make research proposals around some specific topics, involving in particular climate change, inclusion and behavioural studies (Perugia), new generations, inclusion and sustainability (Sassari).
Within February 14th 2022 (the deadline of the pre-selection phase) Psiquadro received 12 research ideas (4 from Perugia and 8 from Sassari). An evaluation committee selected a short-list of 7 proposals (3 for Perugia and 4 for Sassari), then asked each proposer to write a complete research project in collaboration with researchers of the University of Perugia and the University of Sassari (to submit by 4 April 2022).
After a new evaluation, the committee finally selected 3 projects to be funded. Projects will be implemented between May and October 2022.
Here are the abstracts of the three selected projects:
Project 1 - "WhatsApi"
Proposer: Pro Ponte association, in collaboration with the University of Perugia
Abstract: The aim of the project is to use bees as bio-indicators of environmental contamination by metals and as sentinels of climate change. In particular, two beehives will be developed for the detection and analysis of environmental parameters through sensors inside and outside the hives, with the possibility to share the data collected in cloud, accessible from any connected device. Chemical analyses will also be carried out on the metals collected by the bee populations, with the contribution of the University of Perugia's chemistry laboratory.
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Project 2 - Disability and museum accessibility
Proposer: Atlas Centre Onlus, in collaboration with the University of Perugia
Abstract: The project aims to improve the accessibility of university science exhibitions, making them more accessible to people with intellectual disabilities. Specifically, the behaviour of visitors with disabilities will be analysed, their interaction during the museum visit will be observed with special grids and the use of accessible communication systems will be promoted.
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Project 3 - Farm Lab Agritec
Proposer: UNICEF Sassari, in collaboration with the University of Sassari
Abstract: The goal of the project is to build guidelines for designing accessible public spaces for minors with different disabilities, according to the principles of Inclusive Urban Design, starting from a case study: a space to be rethought, located inside the "N. Pellegrini" High School in Sassari.
