• PRO-BRAIN- PROtein misfolding in neurodegenerative diseases: integrating BioinfoRmAtIcs and biochemistry for Natural compound therapies

Protein misfolding and aggregation events are the hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Due to proteostasis capacity decline, aging contributes to the onset and progression of these debilitating conditions. Since Europe has a rapidly ageing population, the incidence of neuropathologies and their costs are expected to increase markedly. Hence, the discovery of disease-modifying therapies represents a compelling challenge for researchers. 
The aim of PRO-Brain project is to explore the role of plant-derived natural compounds as sources of therapeutic agents for innovative drugs able to prevent or mitigate the progression of neurodegenerative diseases . Specifically, by combining -omics data analyses and experimental approaches, we intend to identify molecular players of proteostasis network able to counteract protein misfolding and aggregation, and whose expression can be modulated by natural compounds. Of note, this multidisciplinary project aligns with the goal of promoting health and well-being and is consistent with the concept of sustainability applicable to drug discovery.

• SHAPED - Sustainable Health and Academic occuPational Exposures during Digital transformations of work

Good health and well-being of teaching and research staff is necessary for sustainable academic environments, but little is known about the effect of the ongoing rapid digitalization in higher education and the corresponding changes in the way work is performed and subsequent effects on health and wellbeing. The changes present potential risks for overconnectedness, long working hours, isolation and altered physical activity behaviours and dietary patterns.
Previous studies have identified mental health concerns among academics, while less consideration has been made on the impact of the sedentariness of a typical academic’s work on their overall health.
The aim of this study is to leverage the EU Green network and living lab environment to describe and compare digitalization and determinants of mental and physical health across academics at the nine universities.  Data from this study will contribute to sustainable development strategies both at our EU Green campuses and more generally in the EU, and will form the basis for future funding applications for longitudinal consideration of key determinants and health.

• Conference on Oxidative stress

The contribution of food to health or disease needs to be better understood. When talking about nutritional therapy we have to consider the concept of oxidative stress. 
Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of numerous human diseases. Reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species are produced continuously in the body during cellular metabolism, mitochondrial bioenergetics, and immune function.
Chronic inflammation can lead to the development of several chronic conditions, including degenerative diseases and metabolic syndromes. The immuno-inflammatory response is a defense mechanism to prevent the onset of infections caused by a number of triggers such as microorganism, physico-chemical and environmental factors. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation can lead to the discovery of novel strategies to prevent and/or treat various diseases.
It is therefore important to know the factors which can maintain antioxidant defense mechanisms and can prevent the increased generation of reactive oxygen species and may be an effective treatment for oxidative stress/inflammation-related diseases. A variety of dietary regimens and substances introduced with the diet that may have antioxidant and anti-proliferative effects.
We also want to consider the new concept of preventive nutrition so that the use of nutraceuticals brings benefits to the health of the population. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of nutrient effects on biomarkers can help prevent metabolic disorders by addressing the scientific basis of healthy and personalized nutrition. Thus, we want to develop individual programs for preventive purposes, adapted to the specific metabolism of a patient. Organizing a healthy diet will contribute to improving the quality of life, which is one of the most pressing problems of society, and to maintaining the longevity of the population.

• Evaluation of the impacts of a relaxation-mediated intervention during University classes - a pilot study - aBREAK4you

University students exhibit signs of stress, anxiety, and depression, which impacts their mental health and well-being. Incorporating relaxation breaks during classes has shown significant benefits for physical and mental well-being, helping to reduce the symptoms mentioned before. These breaks lead to a decrease in fatigue, help reduce muscular tension and enhance cognitive abilities. The implementation of relaxation-mediated intervention programs in university students holds a tremendous potential to improve health and wellbeing amongst this highly susceptible group. The project aBREAK4you will be implemented in 3 different universities, providing for robust data on the effectiveness of such programs. Overall, this project aims: i) To assess the impact of psychoeducational interventions focused on relaxation techniques on students' self-perceived general health indicators and well-being; ii) To evaluate how these sessions influence the experience of both physical and mental relaxation; iii) To establish a sustainable, long-term intervention program that ensures continuity and ongoing positive effects on students' health and well-being.