Eni and the Politecnico di Milano today inaugurate a new strategic alliance in scientific research, based on innovation and development in the context of the circular economy, digitalization and the transition to an increasingly sustainable energy system. The Rector of the Politecnico di Milano, Ferruccio Resta, and the CEO of Eni, Claudio Descalzi, today signed the renewal of the framework agreement that establishes the collaboration between the university and the company at the headquarters of the Politecnico. This is a partnership that dates back to 2008 and which involved investments by Eni in research activities for about 40 million euros, also resulting in 16 patents in which there are inventors of the Polytechnic.
The renewal of the agreement, which will have a duration of three years plus an optional one, gives the partnership a strategic character as it is based on the three main roads that Eni intends to pursue in the development of its growth strategy: the circular economy, understood as sustainability of production processes, optimization of resources and minimization of waste; the energy transition, with the study of innovative technologies of the sector and the promotion of the use of natural gas; digitization, translated into operational excellence in the field of safety and environmental protection.
Eni has also identified the Politecnico di Milano as a partner for the design and implementation of the 2nd level University Master in Energy Innovation. This is a multidisciplinary training course of excellence that will allow 25 young master's graduates in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry to acquire the know-how necessary to operate in a sector, the energy one, characterized by continuous and significant innovative trends. During the year, students will explore the scenarios of the energy sector, the themes of sustainability and climate change, the most innovative oil & gas technologies (bio-fuels & green refinery, green chemistry), renewable energy and specific technological themes of absolute importance. , such as energy storage and CO2 capture, and digital technologies to support the industry's industrial processes. Students will be offered a 12-month high training and research apprenticeship contract. At the end of the Master, those who successfully obtain the title will be offered a work contract in the company. The start of the Master is scheduled for November 26, 2018, the call expires on October 1.
The long-term collaboration between the Polytechnic of Milan and Eni represents an excellent partnership experience that, by combining the needs expressed by the industrial sector and the opportunities offered by the academic sector, is able to generate a virtuous circle and to enhance research scientific as a service to the country and its industrial development. Focusing on the union between the academic world and industrial pragmatism, Eni collaborates with the most advanced universities and research centers in Italy and in the world.