Marche Polytechnic University partners with municipalities and promotes health in the spirit of One Health

Italy's Marche Polytechnic University (Università Politecnica delle Marche, UnivPM) is implementing a multi-track strategy of social engagement, combining institutional cooperation with local governments with health promotion in the spirit of the holistic One Health concept. The latest initiatives, announced in early March 2026, show the university as an active platform serving regional development. A central element is an agreement with the Italian National Association of Municipalities (ANCI) on education and training for municipal administration staff. The agreement is operational and responds to a specific need to improve officials' competencies, which is crucial for the efficiency of local authorities. The Italian higher education system, particularly in the polytechnic sector, has strong traditions of cooperation with industry (the so-called third mission of universities). Since the 1990s, there have been growing expectations for universities to actively contribute to the economic and social development of their regions, going beyond purely academic activity. The university's rector, Gianluca Quagliarini, had previously emphasized this service-oriented approach, saying: „"l'ateneo si mette a disposizione dei Comuni"” — Rector of Marche Polytechnic University. This position has been reflected in practical actions. Parallel to the cooperation with ANCI, Marche Polytechnic University engaged in a partnership for health. Together with the One Health Foundation and the University Sports Federation (FederCusi), the university will promote physical activity and preventive programs in the academic environment. Articles describe sport as a "lever for health" (volano di salute), fitting into a broader paradigm where the polytechnic is seen as an activator of positive social change. Rector Quagliarini directly stated that the university is „"in prima linea per promuovere cultura prevenzione"” — Rector of Marche Polytechnic University. 2 — main axes of cooperation: local administration (ANCI) and public health (One Health) These two paths of cooperation – one focused on competencies and modernization of public administration, the other on long-term cultural change regarding lifestyle and health – share a common goal: using the university's scientific and infrastructural resources for the direct benefit of the Marche region community. These actions indicate an evolution in the role of polytechnics, which are increasingly boldly serving as centers of competence and social innovation for their surroundings. The cooperation with ANCI is more technical and service-oriented, while the alliance within One Health focuses on prevention and awareness-building. Both undertakings fall under the rector's common vision, who sees the university as an institution engaged in solving the region's concrete problems, from office efficiency to the quality of life of residents and students. These initiatives show how the concept of the university's "third mission" finds practical expression in partnerships with key actors of public and social life.