01.
Research
The Department’s research projects are linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to which they contribute, providing an overview of the directions taken by DICA’s research activities.
The chart shows, for each of the 17 Goals, the number of projects referring to each Goal. Since a single project may contribute to more than one Goal, the sum of the values exceeds the total number of projects. The full list is available in the section Research Projects.
02.
Teaching
Each course offered by DICA states in its course description the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to which it contributes, providing a mapping of how sustainability themes are integrated across the study programmes.
The chart shows, for each of the 17 Goals, the number of courses contributing to it, out of a total of 207 courses analyzed. Since a single course may address more than one Goal, the sum of the values exceeds the total number of courses.
03.
Inclusion and equal opportunities
The Department contributes to the University’s various initiatives aimed at making Politecnico an increasingly welcoming and inclusive place, ensuring equal opportunities and valuing each person’s uniqueness through specific actions that challenge stereotypes and combat all forms of unjust discrimination, with particular attention to physical and psychological well-being of the entire Politecnico community“.
Furthermore, since 2023, the Department has organized the DICA Olympic Games, an internal sports competition open to PhD students, research fellows, researchers, professors, and technical and administrative staff. The event includes sports such as football, volleyball, running, table football, and chess, suitable for everyone, with the aim of fostering the development of a close-knit and inclusive community, promoting social and individual well-being.
04.
Social responsibility
The Department embraces the University’s policies aimed at contributing to the growth of society through a logic of responsibility and reciprocitythrough innovative forms of collaboration between the University and the local community.
These are activities that fall within the so-called third mission of the University: alongside teaching and research, the transfer to society of the benefits of academic activity, in a relationship that values the local area as a partner rather than merely a recipient.
To learn more about the University’s initiatives: Innovation and social responsibility
05.
Schools
The direct connection with schools is ensured through the technical and scientific outreach programme DICA4schools and by the initiatives undertaken each year as part of the Festival dello Sviluppo Sostenibile.
In addition, the Department takes part in PoliCollege, the University programme aimed at upper secondary schools.
Playlist DICA4Schools
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06.
Environment
In addition to contributing to the University initiatives, the Department coordinates the “Polimi LCA network”, an internal network bringing together researchers and professors who apply the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology across different fields.
LCA makes it possible to quantify the environmental impacts of a product, process or service throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal, providing an objective basis for design choices and sustainability policies. The network fosters the exchange of expertise among the various research groups applying it and promotes its dissemination both within and beyond the University.
The network's activities can also be followed on its LinkedIn page. For information and enquiries: lcanetwork@polimi.it
07.
Vulnerable settings
The Department actively participates in projects funded by the programme Polisocial Award, the University funding scheme established with funds from the 5 per mille IRPEF, to support the development of scientific research at high social impact at Politecnico di Milano.
DICA is involved in the programme Off Campus, through which the University demonstrates its commitment to and presence in the local area, expanding its educational and cultural offerings.
In its research activities, the Department also collaborates with various non-profit organizations.
The opening of InBiblio, the inclusive, multisensory library established in Milan’s San Siro district as part of the “INBIBLIO con CHIARA”, funded by the Polisocial Award.
