The Department’s Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda

The Department of Health Sciences (DSS) of the University of Florence actively contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations 2030 Agenda through its teaching, research and Third Mission activities.

The Department addresses the many dimensions of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals with expertise and commitment, promoting an integrated approach to social, environmental and economic sustainability in the healthcare sector.

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being

Protecting and promoting health and well-being are the ultimate objectives of the Department’s activities.

The DSS pursues these objectives through its continued commitment to first-, second- and third-cycle university education, including degree programmes, specialisation schools, professional master’s programmes and postgraduate courses. These programmes prepare highly qualified healthcare professionals capable of safeguarding people’s well-being and right to health, whether as citizens or patients.

The Department also contributes to research in forensic medicine, critical and perioperative care, pain management and palliative care, epidemiology, disease prevention and public health, neuroscience, clinical psychology and nursing. Over time, these efforts have led to innovative solutions with potential for technology transfer and practical healthcare applications, including medical devices, pharmaceutical products and health-monitoring applications.

The Department’s public engagement activities include prevention and awareness-raising campaigns, such as vaccination and screening initiatives and events promoting mental and physical health. The DSS is also committed to involving local communities in its activities through citizen participation in research and partnerships with local schools on issues relevant to their respective communities.

SDG 4 – Quality Education

The DSS makes a significant contribution to ensuring inclusive, equitable and high-quality education.

In addition to undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing education programmes, the Department places particular emphasis on professional development and lifelong learning for teaching and research staff. This includes training in digital teaching tools and blended learning, as well as the strengthening of educational and methodological skills to ensure the quality of the programmes offered.

The DSS also uses advanced teaching methods, including high-fidelity immersive simulation and cadaver laboratory training, supported in part by TANATOCENTRUM, for students, medical residents and biomedical professionals.

The Department also promotes Erasmus mobility projects within and beyond Europe, as well as international partnerships offering opportunities to study and conduct research abroad.

SDG 5 – Gender Equality

The DSS actively supports gender equality by promoting balanced gender representation among its teaching and research staff.

The Department also conducts research projects and educational activities designed to promote women’s well-being and empowerment, including courses and seminars on reproductive health and gender-based violence.

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

The DSS contributes to the creation and development of sustainable and innovative infrastructure by managing research centres, Joint Laboratories and TANATOCENTRUM, thereby supporting interdisciplinary projects and national and international partnerships.

The Department’s technology transfer activities also support the development of innovative health-sector start-ups and collaborative projects with businesses aimed at developing new medicines and healthcare technologies. The DSS regularly files patent applications and supports the recognition of spin-off companies, demonstrating its strong commitment to Third Mission activities.

SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

The Department works to protect vulnerable people and reduce all forms of inequality and discrimination through public-health research and education involving disadvantaged and stigmatised people, persons with disabilities, refugees and migrants, children and older people.

The DSS also carries out mental health initiatives for vulnerable groups, promoting equitable access to healthcare services and to services protecting their rights.

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

The Department promotes resilient and sustainable communities through research projects and studies on urban and environmental health, including the monitoring of pollution and its effects on human health.

It also promotes occupational safety and environmental health initiatives and training, including courses specifically addressing safety in healthcare settings.

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

The DSS promotes responsible consumption and production by providing specific training on environmental health and sustainability in healthcare practices.

Research in this field focuses on reducing the environmental impact of healthcare activities, encouraging responsible resource management within the health sector and promoting discussion of distributive justice.

SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The Department makes a significant contribution to promoting justice and strong institutions by developing research, operational models and interventions designed to reduce all forms of violence and abuse.

Its activities aim to strengthen the response provided to victims and expand access to mechanisms protecting individual rights and fundamental freedoms. Particular attention is given to children, whether perpetrators or victims of offences, and to unaccompanied minors.

The Department also places the identification of individuals and human remains at the heart of its work as an essential means of protecting human dignity. Through these activities, it contributes to strengthening public trust in effective and transparent institutions.

SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

The Department strengthens global partnerships for sustainable development by participating in international networks and projects promoting public and global health.

The DSS contributes to international cooperation projects aimed at combating infectious diseases and training healthcare professionals in developing countries. International mobility for teaching staff, researchers, PhD candidates and research fellows is a cornerstone of cooperation among professionals within these networks.