King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Italy’s University of Milano-Bicocca, and the Bicocca Foundation are working together to address the challenges of the future — from artificial intelligence and health to climate change and sustainable energy. 

On Sept. 10, 2026, KAUST President Sir Edward Byrne AC and Marco Emilio Orlandi, rector of the University of Milano-Bicocca, along with Professor Pierre Magistretti, KAUST’s senior vice president for research, and Giovanna Iannantuoni, president of Bicocca Foundation, attended a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony in Milan, formalizing the international partnership to advance joint research, advanced education, and innovation. 

“KAUST is committed to translating discovery into meaningful impact, and this is a vision we share with the University of Milano-Bicocca and Fondazione Bicocca,” Sir Edward said. “Our converging interests, expertise, and capabilities provide a strong foundation for collaboration with potential to translate knowledge and innovation into tangible impact for society.” 

The agreement builds on the institutions’ complementary scientific expertise to strengthen collaboration among researchers, academic staff, and students across the three institutions. 

Priority areas for collaboration are expected to lead to specific projects over the coming years. These include smart health, with a particular focus on precision medicine, neuroscience, and digital health; AI and data science applied to research; the energy transition and sustainable energy technologies; environmental sustainability, including marine science, climate change, and natural resource management; biotechnology; and sustainable food systems. 

The partnership will also support initiatives in innovation, technology transfer, international mobility, and advanced education. Magistretti said the partnership brings together areas at the heart of KAUST’s strategy where the University sees strong potential for mutual impact: energy, marine science, health, water, food, and AI. 

Milano-Bicocca and Bicocca Foundation also bring strong connections to Milan and Northern Italy’s industrial and economic innovation ecosystem, he added. 

“By combining KAUST’s research excellence and strategic priorities with this strong network of industry and applied expertise, we can create concrete opportunities to translate discovery into development and real-world impact, providing a strong foundation for a highly productive collaboration,” Magistretti said. 

For Orlandi, the agreement marks the beginning of a shared journey with KAUST, founded on common scientific interests and complementary expertise. He said: “We look forward to developing this collaboration over time, because it is through scientific dialogue and cooperation that universities generate new knowledge and foster innovation." 

Research flourishes when it crosses borders, disciplines, and scientific cultures, Iannantuoni said, adding that the foundation connects research, expertise, and industry to drive innovation, create opportunities, and support education. “It is a mission we share with KAUST and the University of Milano-Bicocca, pursuing it with passion and with the belief that knowledge is not only something to be produced, but a responsibility to be shared.”