Could you briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Francesca Despini, and I am a Technician at the Geophysical Observatory of Modena, part of the Department of Engineering “Enzo Ferrari” at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy. I hold a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering and my research focuses on remote sensing, climatology, meteorology, and sustainability. Over the years, I have worked on environmental monitoring, urban climate studies, and the use of satellite data for environmental applications. Within the UNIgreen Alliance, I contribute to sustainability-related activities, particularly the assessment of carbon and ecological footprints across the Alliance’s initiatives.
Can you share a concrete way in which UNIgreen is having a positive impact?
What stands out most to me about UNIgreen is its commitment to integrating sustainability into its everyday activities and decision-making processes. Sustainability is not a theoretical concept but a practical objective that can be measured, monitored, and improved. As part of the team working on carbon and ecological footprint assessments, I appreciate the Alliance’s effort to evaluate the environmental impact of its actions and to explore mitigation measures, like tree-planting.
UNIgreen creates also valuable opportunities for students through a wide range of international activities, including Blended Intensive Programmes, mobility experiences, joint educational initiatives, and collaborative projects. These opportunities allow students to explore highly relevant contemporary topics, particularly in environmental sciences, innovation, and sustainability, while gaining international, academic, and personal experiences.
What’s a lesson you’ve learned from working with such a diverse and international team?
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned through UNIgreen is how much we can gain by working with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Collaborating with colleagues from across Europe has shown me that different perspectives often lead to more creative and effective solutions. At the same time, UNIgreen is much more than a professional network. Over the years, I have had the chance to build genuine relationships with people from other countries, exchanging not only ideas and work experiences but also personal stories, traditions, and ways of life. These connections make international cooperation more meaningful and enjoyable. They have helped me grow professionally, improve my communication skills, and develop a broader and more open-minded perspective.
If UNIgreen were a plant, how would you describe it?
If UNIgreen were a plant, I would imagine it as the Tree of Souls from Avatar. In the movie, it is not just a tree but a living network that connects all beings, allowing them to share knowledge, experiences, and energy. UNIgreen reminds me of that idea. Each university is unique, with its own strengths, culture, and expertise, but together they form something much bigger than the sum of their parts. Through collaboration, mobility, research, and education, people connect across borders and disciplines, creating a community where ideas grow and support one another. Like the Tree of Souls, UNIgreen shows that meaningful progress comes from connection, mutual learning, and a shared responsibility for our future.
