About us
We are the largest agricultural department in Italy: we conduct the research that drives sustainable innovation in the agri-food sector.
We are the University of Bologna’s leading centre for science, technology and economics across the entire agri-food supply chain. With the largest number of lecturers / professors in the Division of Agricultural Sciences, we promote the advancement of scientific and technological knowledge to create an innovative and environmentally friendly food system.
We place people, the environment and Knowledge at the heart of our vision, adopting a transdisciplinary and integrated approach across the supply chain from farm to fork.
Every day, we consolidate our role as a national and international leader in research and education, operating from various branches across the Emilia-Romagna region: specifically in Bologna and Cesena, but we also have activities in Ozzano (BO), Cadriano (BO), Imola (BO) and Tebano (RA).
Recognised expertise
Awards and recognition confirm the quality of the department and its academic staff.
International dimension
Thanks to international collaborations, projects and activities, the Department strengthens the quality of its teaching and research, fostering the exchange of ideas, expertise and experiences from different contexts.
Our research
Research is the cornerstone of our work and stands out for its quality, impact and ability to respond to global challenges. We are a Department of excellence recognised by the MUR for two consecutive five-year periods (2018–2022 and 2023–2027), and our focus is on the resilience of agricultural systems, the circular bioeconomy and sustainable innovation.
With over 150 active competitive projects in the 2022–2024 period, many of which are funded by European and international programmes, we make a decisive contribution to the University of Bologna’s ranking as number one in Italy in the discipline of Agriculture & Forestry.
Our education
We offer a modern, multidisciplinary and international range of Degree Programs, designed to train professionals capable of innovating the agri-food system in a sustainable way.
Our range of Degree Programs includes Bachelor’s Degree Programs (including 3 international ones) and a PhD degree; PhD programme linked to industry. The excellence of our education is reflected in the high employment rate: 90.8 per cent of DISTAL graduates are in employment three years after graduation.Discover the department’s academic programmes
Our commitment to the local area and the Community
We are a laboratory of innovation serving the local area. We promote technology transfer and ongoing dialogue with the industrial, institutional and social sectors, thanks in part to 4 spin-offs, 40 patents and 34 plant variety rights.
In 2023, we completed over 100 public engagement initiatives, strengthening scientific literacy on crucial issues such as nutrition, sustainability and climate change.Find out more about our commitment to the local area and the Community
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Strategy and Quality
A strategy that places quality at the heart of our activities: clear objectives, constant Monitoring of results achieved, and measures to drive improvement.