University of Catania
The University of Catania is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest in Sicily, founded in 1434. Located in Catania, Italy, it is a large public research university with more than 38,000 students and a broad academic structure covering multiple disciplines, including medicine, engineering, environmental sciences, and social sciences.
The university operates through 17 departments and numerous research centres, supporting both education and scientific research across a wide range of fields. Through international collaborations and participation in European research programmes, UNICT contributes to addressing major societal challenges such as climate change, public health, and sustainable development.
Role in the Project
Within the ISMED-CLIM project, the University of Catania plays a key role in the implementation of Living Lab 2 (LL2), which focuses on assessing the health impacts of extreme temperatures and air pollution on pregnant women and their developing fetuses.
UNICT leads the scientific activities of this Living Lab and coordinates a randomized controlled trial conducted in Catania, in collaboration with clinical partners. The study evaluates the effectiveness of early warning systems, personalized risk communication, and behavioural interventions aimed at reducing exposure to heat and air pollution among vulnerable populations.
Through this work, the university contributes to generating scientific evidence on how targeted interventions and digital tools can mitigate climate-related health risks and support the development of climate-resilient health systems across the Mediterranean region.
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