Padua Institute of Technology

June 2025

Via VIII Febbraio, 2, Padova PD, Italy

Abstract

This paper articulates the Padua Institute of Technology’s proactive and strategic engagement with Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative force in technology education and research, reflecting our position and outlook in June 2025. The Institute is deeply committed to fostering comprehensive AI literacy, cultivating advanced technical competencies, and instilling a profound ethical understanding amongst its students and researchers. We recognise that AI’s rapid integration into every facet of society necessitates a paradigm shift in higher education, demanding curricula that are not only current but also forward-thinking and adaptable. This paper examines pertinent global trends in AI education, providing a backdrop against which Padua’s initiatives are contextualised. It then details the systematic integration of AI within our distinguished engineering and computer science faculties, highlighting curriculum enhancements, innovative pedagogical approaches, and the development of a supportive research ecosystem. Central to our mission is a robust ethical framework, ensuring that the pursuit of technological advancement is always guided by human-centric values and principles of responsible innovation. Finally, the paper outlines our forward-looking vision for pioneering AI research and educational strategies, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, industry partnerships, and our ambition to cultivate future-ready graduates. These individuals will be equipped not only to navigate but also to lead in an increasingly AI-pervasive world, thereby contributing significantly to societal advancement and economic vitality both within Italy and on the global stage.

I. Introduction: The Imperative of AI in Modern Technology Education

The dawn of 2025 sees Artificial Intelligence not as a futuristic concept, but as a pervasive reality, fundamentally reshaping industries, scientific discovery, and the very fabric of daily life. The accelerating advancements, particularly in areas such as generative AI, have unlocked unprecedented capabilities, transforming how we work, create, and solve complex problems. This technological wave presents both profound opportunities and significant challenges, compelling a societal adaptation where AI literacy and proficiency are becoming indispensable. The capacity of AI to analyse vast datasets, automate intricate processes, and even generate novel content means that its influence will only continue to expand, making it a critical component of future innovation and progress.  

In this rapidly evolving landscape, institutions of higher learning carry a momentous responsibility. This responsibility extends far beyond merely adapting to AI; it involves actively shaping its trajectory, guiding its ethical development, and preparing a new generation of professionals who can harness its potential responsibly. Universities must be at the forefront of AI education, research, and critical discourse, ensuring that technological progress aligns with human values and societal well-being. The challenge is not simply to teach students about AI, but to cultivate an AI-centric mindset – one that combines technical acumen with critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and the ability to adapt to continuous technological change. The very nature of AI, with its capacity to automate tasks previously requiring human intellect, underscores the need for educational programmes that foster higher-order cognitive skills, creativity, and complex problem-solving abilities.  

The Padua Institute of Technology, with its rich heritage of academic excellence and pioneering research, particularly within its esteemed engineering and scientific disciplines , fully embraces the challenge and opportunity presented by the AI revolution. As of June 2025, the Institute has embarked on a strategic mission to embed AI comprehensively across its technological education and research programmes. This commitment is driven by the understanding that the rapid evolution of AI necessitates an agile and forward-looking approach to curriculum design and research focus. Static knowledge transfer is no longer sufficient; education must empower students with the skills for lifelong learning and adaptation in a field characterized by constant innovation. Our ambition is to position Padua as a leading contributor to AI advancement and education in Italy and Europe, cultivating graduates who are not only skilled AI practitioners but also thoughtful leaders and ethical innovators. This paper will explore Padua’s specific initiatives in integrating AI into its curricula, the ethical framework guiding these efforts, and our aspirations for shaping an AI-enabled future. The success of this endeavour will be crucial for ensuring our graduates are prepared for the demands of a changing world and for enabling Padua to contribute meaningfully to the societal and industrial ecosystem.  

II. The Global Ascent of AI in Academic Institutions: Benchmarks and Inspirations

The strategic incorporation of Artificial Intelligence into higher education is a global phenomenon, with leading technology-focused universities worldwide making significant strides by early 2025. This movement is characterised by the establishment of dedicated AI research centres, the launch of interdisciplinary AI degree programmes, and substantial investments in developing AI talent and infrastructure. These institutions recognise that AI is not merely another subject to be taught, but a fundamental tool and a field of study that will redefine technological and scientific endeavour.

Several key trends and strategic approaches are evident among these global leaders. Firstly, curriculum innovation and the promotion of AI literacy are paramount. Institutions like MIT, through initiatives such as the “Day of AI,” are working to broaden AI understanding from early education through to advanced studies, continually updating curricula to cover foundational AI concepts, machine learning, and AI ethics. Stanford University’s AI+Education Summit and its focus on generative AI’s role in learning and creation highlight the dynamic nature of AI’s integration into educational practices. Similarly, Tsinghua University has launched a new undergraduate school dedicated to AI talent development, emphasising the integration of AI across multiple disciplines and developing AI-driven teaching tools such as intelligent assistants and automated grading systems. Imperial College London’s Master of Science in AI Applications and Innovation is another example, focusing on industry application, entrepreneurship, and specialised areas like Quantum AI and AI for climate change. This global emphasis reveals a dual focus: ensuring broad AI literacy for all students, regardless of their primary field, while simultaneously offering specialised pathways for developing deep AI expertise.  

Secondly, the development of robust ethical frameworks and a commitment to responsible AI are increasingly central. The growing power of AI necessitates careful consideration of its societal impacts. Institutions are proactively establishing guidelines for transparency, accountability, human judgment, and academic integrity in the use of AI. Concerns around data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the need for human oversight are being addressed through dedicated courses, research initiatives, and institutional policies. ETH Zurich, for instance, actively promotes discussion and research through its “AI in Teaching and Learning” projects and forums on “AI in STEM Education”. This indicates a shift from a reactive stance on ethical issues to a proactive integration of ethical considerations into the core of AI education and development, ensuring that future innovators are equipped to navigate the complex moral landscape of AI.  

Thirdly, AI-augmented pedagogy and the development of innovative educational tools are transforming the learning experience itself. Carnegie Mellon University’s Simon Initiative exemplifies this trend, with its long-standing research into AI-based tutoring systems, personalized learning platforms like OLI Torus, and courses designed to equip educators with AI skills. The National University of Singapore’s (NUS) AI Centre for Educational Technologies (AICET) aims to enhance teaching efficiency, improve student learning monitoring, and provide automated feedback, all while underscoring the indispensable role of the teacher. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore is also exploring PhET-style simulations for AI literacy and the use of Generative AI in business education problem-based learning. These examples demonstrate that leading institutions are not only teaching  

about AI but are also leveraging AI to enhance their own pedagogical methods and administrative efficiency, creating a feedback loop where AI expertise informs educational practice.

Finally, interdisciplinary research and application are hallmarks of advanced AI initiatives. The University of Toronto’s Industrial Engineering programme, for example, integrates AI with operations research and human factors engineering , reflecting a broader trend towards applying AI to solve complex, real-world problems that span traditional disciplinary boundaries. The Centre for Curriculum Redesign’s work on “Education for the Age of AI” further emphasizes the need for versatile graduates with knowledge and skills that cut across disciplines.  

The following table provides a comparative overview of selected global AI in education initiatives, illustrating the diverse yet concerted efforts to integrate AI into the academic landscape.

Table 1: Comparative Overview of Global AI in Education Initiatives (circa 2024-2025)

Institution	Key AI Education Focus Areas	Flagship Programmes/Initiatives
MIT	AI Literacy (K-12 to Higher Ed), Foundational AI, Machine Learning, AI Ethics, Creative AI	Day of AI, Updated AI Curricula (e.g., “What is AI”, AI & Creative Arts), AI and Elections Curriculum
Stanford University	Generative AI in Learning & Creation, Ethical AI, Curricular Resources, Interdisciplinary Research	AI+Education Summit, Generative AI for Education Hub, CRAFT project, AI Tinkery
Tsinghua University	AI Talent Development, AI in Education & Research, Interdisciplinary Integration, AI-driven Tools	New Undergraduate School for AI (2025 enrollment), 117 Pilot Courses, 147 AI-driven Classes, Intelligent Teaching Assistants, Automated Grading Systems
Imperial College London	AI Applications & Innovation, Industry Focus, Entrepreneurship, Ethics, Specialised AI Topics	MSc in AI Applications and Innovation (Sept 2025 start), Modules on Quantum AI, AI & Climate Change, Trustworthy AI in Medical Imaging, Group Project on AI Ventures and Ethics
Carnegie Mellon University	AI-powered Personalised Learning, AI Tutoring, Learning Engineering, Educator Training	Simon Initiative, OLI Torus, AI-based Mobile Tutoring Software, “AI in Education: From Foundations to Innovations” course series
National University of Singapore (NUS)	Enhancing Pedagogy with AI, Educator Support Tools, Personalised Learning, Ethical AI	AI Centre for Educational Technologies (AICET), Tools for efficiency, student monitoring, automated feedback; Consultation on GenAI integration
ETH Zurich	AI in Teaching & Learning, AI in STEM Education, Ethical Use of AI	“Ethel” (AI tool for courses), Forum on “AI in STEM Education”, Resources on AI Tools & Licenses
University of Toronto	AI in Engineering, Operations Research, Human Factors, Systems Design	Industrial Engineering programme with AI specialisation, Capstone Design projects with industry partners

These global benchmarks underscore that leadership in AI education demands a comprehensive strategy encompassing curriculum reform, ethical guidance, pedagogical innovation, interdisciplinary research, and robust international collaboration. Isolated efforts are unlikely to achieve the transformative impact required in the age of AI.

III. Padua Institute of Technology: Cultivating AI Excellence in Engineering and Computer Science

The Padua Institute of Technology (University of Padua) approaches the AI era not from a standing start, but from a position of considerable strength, particularly within its engineering and computer science faculties. These established centres of excellence provide a robust foundation for our ambitious AI strategy for 2025 and beyond. The Department of Information Engineering (DEI) is a cornerstone of this foundation, with its extensive research and teaching activities spanning applied optics, bioengineering, computer science, electronics, operational research, systems and control theory, and telecommunications. Its numerous research groups, state-of-the-art laboratories, and significant publication record, coupled with a comprehensive PhD programme in Information Engineering focusing on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Bioengineering, demonstrate a deep wellspring of expertise. Similarly, the  

Department of Industrial Engineering (DII) promotes and manages cutting-edge research across all fields of industrial engineering, including aerospace, chemical, electrical, energy, and mechanical engineering, with a clear objective of achieving international research excellence through an interdisciplinary approach. Furthermore, our existing  

Computer Science programmes, including the Master’s degree with dedicated tracks in ‘Artificial Intelligence’, ‘Internet, Mobile and Security’, and ‘Programming languages and systems’, already cultivate a strong cohort of students with specialised AI knowledge.  

Building upon this strong base, the Padua Institute of Technology is strategically integrating AI across its technological disciplines. By June 2025, this integration manifests in several key areas:

Curriculum Enhancement Across Disciplines: AI concepts such as machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and data analytics are being systematically woven into the core curricula of our engineering and computer science programmes. This is not merely an addition of elective courses but a fundamental rethinking of how foundational subjects are taught in light of AI’s capabilities. For instance, students in Industrial Engineering are exploring AI for optimising manufacturing processes and supply chains; Information Engineering students are applying AI to enhance network management, signal processing, and telecommunication systems; and robotics and automation courses across both departments heavily feature AI-driven control and perception. New advanced modules and specialisations, such as “Advanced Machine Learning for Complex Systems,” “AI in Biomedical Engineering,” and “Ethical AI Design and Governance,” are being introduced to build upon existing strengths and address emerging areas of AI application. This approach ensures that AI is not an isolated topic but an integral part of the engineering toolkit.  

Fostering AI Literacy and Advanced Competencies: We are committed to ensuring that all technology students achieve a baseline level of AI literacy, enabling them to understand AI’s capabilities, inherent limitations, and broader societal implications. This foundational knowledge is crucial for all future engineers and scientists, regardless of their specialisation. Beyond this, clear pathways are provided for students wishing to develop advanced AI competencies. These include extensive project-based learning opportunities, active participation in departmental research groups, and culminating capstone design projects that challenge students to address real-world problems using AI, drawing inspiration from successful models such as the University of Toronto’s capstone projects. The existing PhD programme in Information Engineering, with its ICT and Bioengineering curricula, plays a pivotal role here, serving as an incubator for advanced AI research and talent development.  

Innovative Learning Environments and Tools: To catalyse AI innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, Padua is in the process of establishing an “AI Innovation Hub.” Envisioned as a dynamic space for students and faculty, this Hub will facilitate cross-departmental projects, host specialised workshops, provide access to high-performance AI computing resources, and spearhead the development of AI-driven educational tools tailored to Padua’s specific pedagogical needs. This initiative draws inspiration from successful models like Stanford’s AI Tinkery , ETH Zurich’s Ethel AI platform , and the NUS AI Centre for Educational Technologies. Furthermore, pilot programmes are underway to explore the use of AI for creating personalised learning pathways, developing intelligent tutoring systems for foundational engineering concepts, and implementing automated feedback mechanisms for programming assignments, learning from the experiences of institutions like CMU and Tsinghua. The intrinsic interdisciplinary potential within Padua, where Information Engineering’s AI expertise can be directly applied to challenges in Industrial Engineering or Bioengineering, allows for a more organic and accelerated development of such integrated AI solutions compared to institutions where disciplinary silos are more pronounced.  

Strengthening the Research-Teaching Nexus: A core principle of our AI strategy is the tight integration of cutting-edge research with teaching. The advanced AI research conducted within DEI – in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Intelligent Robotics, and AI applications in Bioengineering and Applied Optics – directly informs and enriches our curriculum. This ensures that students are exposed to the very latest advancements and research questions in the field. PhD candidates, through their research and teaching assistant roles, create a vital conduit for transferring new knowledge and enthusiasm into the undergraduate and postgraduate learning environments, fostering a virtuous cycle of inquiry and innovation. The increasing number of courses offered in English, particularly in Industrial Engineering and Computer Science , further enhances this nexus by attracting international students and researchers, fostering a globally connected AI community at Padua. This international outlook is not just an add-on but a strategic asset, crucial for a field as globally interconnected as Artificial Intelligence.  

Padua’s approach is thus not merely about adopting global AI education trends, but about innovating from its unique strengths: its inherent interdisciplinary capacity, a robust and expanding research base, and a growing international orientation. These elements combine to create a fertile ground for cultivating AI excellence.

IV. Championing Responsible AI: An Ethical Compass for Education and Innovation at Padua

As Artificial Intelligence systems grow in sophistication and autonomy, the ethical dimensions of their design, deployment, and societal impact become increasingly critical. The Padua Institute of Technology recognises that a commitment to technological advancement must be inextricably linked with a profound sense of ethical responsibility. Societal concerns regarding algorithmic bias, fairness in decision-making, the transparency and explainability of AI systems, accountability for AI-driven outcomes, individual privacy, and the potential for misuse of powerful AI technologies are valid and demand serious attention from the academic community.  

In response, by June 2025, the Padua Institute of Technology has solidified its framework for ethical AI, which serves as a guiding compass for all our AI-related education and research activities. This framework is built upon a set of core principles, developed in alignment with global best practices and evolving societal expectations:

• Human-Centricity and Well-being: AI technologies must be developed and deployed in ways that serve human values, enhance human capabilities, and prioritise the well-being, dignity, and agency of individuals and communities. The emphasis is on AI as a tool to augment, not replace, human judgment and expertise in critical contexts.  
• Transparency and Explainability: We strive for the greatest possible clarity and understanding of how AI systems operate, particularly those used in critical applications. This includes actively working towards more explainable AI (XAI) models and being transparent about the capabilities, limitations, and potential biases of AI tools used within the institution and developed by our researchers.  
• Fairness and Non-Discrimination: A core commitment is to actively identify, assess, and mitigate biases within AI algorithms, datasets, and applications. This involves rigorous testing and validation to ensure that AI systems promote equitable outcomes and do not perpetuate or amplify existing societal inequalities.
• Accountability and Responsibility: Clear lines of responsibility and accountability must be established for the design, development, deployment, and impact of AI systems. This ensures that there are mechanisms for redress and that ethical considerations are paramount throughout the AI lifecycle.
• Privacy and Data Stewardship: The Institute upholds stringent standards for data privacy and security, adhering to all relevant national and international regulations. AI systems that process personal or sensitive data are designed with privacy-preserving techniques and robust data governance protocols.  
• Academic Integrity: Clear guidelines are established and promoted for the responsible and ethical use of AI tools by students and researchers in their academic work. This includes policies on the proper attribution of AI-generated content and the unacceptability of using AI to circumvent learning or engage in academic dishonesty.  

Integrating these ethical principles into the AI curriculum is a cornerstone of our approach. Ethical considerations are not relegated to standalone modules but are woven throughout technical AI and engineering courses. For instance, machine learning courses include case studies on algorithmic bias and fairness metrics; data science modules address data privacy and ethical data sourcing; and AI system development projects incorporate ethical design charrettes and impact assessments. Specialised courses and workshops, such as “AI Ethics and Governance” or “Responsible AI Development,” offer deeper dives into these complex issues, drawing inspiration from programmes like Imperial College London’s “AI Ventures and Ethics” module. This ensures that students encounter ethical dilemmas and decision-making frameworks as an integral part of their technical training.  

A crucial aspect of this ethical education is equipping students with the skills for critical assessment and fostering AI literacy. Students are encouraged to explore and experiment with AI tools safely but also to approach them with a healthy scepticism, understanding their limitations, and critically evaluating their outputs. This involves developing the ability to craft effective prompts for generative AI, verify the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated content, and assess the appropriateness of using specific AI tools for particular tasks. The goal is to cultivate reflective practitioners who can engage with AI thoughtfully and adaptively.  

To support these efforts, Padua is developing internal governance and oversight mechanisms. This includes considerations for an ethics advisory group to review AI research projects that involve sensitive data or have potentially significant societal impacts, learning from the best practices of other institutions that are establishing AI ethics review boards. We are committed to an ongoing dialogue about AI ethics, ensuring that our guidelines and practices evolve in response to technological advancements, new research findings, and changing societal understanding. The challenge of balancing AI’s capabilities with human oversight is central ; our educational programmes must therefore train students not just to use AI, but to collaborate with it effectively, leveraging its strengths while retaining critical human judgment and ultimate control. Transparency in our own institutional use of AI, for example in administrative processes or student support, is also vital for building trust and modelling the ethical behaviour we seek to instil. A robust ethical framework is thus not a peripheral concern but a fundamental requirement for institutional credibility and for producing innovators who can contribute responsibly to society.  

V. Pioneering the Future: Research Horizons and Strategic Outlook for AI Education at Padua

The Padua Institute of Technology is not only committed to delivering exceptional AI education but also to pioneering research that pushes the boundaries of AI knowledge and application. Our vision for the future is one where cutting-edge research and transformative education are deeply intertwined, creating a vibrant ecosystem for AI innovation. By June 2025, several flagship AI research areas, building upon the existing strengths of our departments , are poised for significant advancement, directly enriching the educational experience for our students.  

Flagship AI Research Areas and Their Educational Impact:

• AI for Sustainable Industrial Systems: Leveraging the combined expertise of the Department of Industrial Engineering and the AI capabilities within the Department of Information Engineering , this research focuses on developing AI-driven solutions for energy-efficient manufacturing, predictive maintenance in complex machinery, resilient and optimised supply chains, and the circular economy. Students engage with these challenges through advanced courses, involvement in research projects, and industry-linked capstone experiences, preparing them to design and implement sustainable technological solutions.  
• Human-AI Collaboration and Trustworthy Systems: Recognising the increasing interaction between humans and AI systems, this research area delves into explainable AI (XAI), intuitive human-robot interaction, and the design of AI systems that are transparent, reliable, and worthy of trust. Drawing from expertise in Computer Engineering and Automation , this research informs modules on Human-Computer Interaction, AI ethics, and the cognitive aspects of AI, equipping students to build systems that effectively and safely collaborate with human users.  
• AI in Healthcare and Bio-Signal Analysis: Building on Padua’s distinguished strengths in Bioengineering and fostering collaborations with medical faculties, this research aims to develop innovative AI tools for medical diagnostics, personalised medicine, drug discovery, and assistive technologies. Research in biomedical signal and image processing, and the modelling of biological systems, provides a rich source of complex problems for AI application. Students specialising in this area benefit from access to real-world medical data (ethically sourced) and contribute to projects with tangible healthcare impact.  

These research endeavours provide students with invaluable opportunities to engage with novel problems, work alongside leading researchers, and contribute to the creation of new knowledge and technologies. The most impactful AI research and education invariably occur at the intersections of disciplines, and Padua is actively fostering these interdisciplinary connections through joint projects, shared resources, and co-supervised postgraduate research.

Cultivating Ethically-Aware AI Innovators and Leaders: Our ultimate goal is to produce graduates who are not only technically proficient in AI but are also deeply conscious of their ethical responsibilities and equipped to lead innovation in a socially responsible manner. This is fostered through dedicated mentorship programmes, industry internships that explicitly include an AI ethics component, and robust support for student-led AI initiatives aimed at addressing pressing societal challenges, such as climate change or public health.  

Building a Vibrant AI Ecosystem: Padua’s ambitions extend beyond its campus walls. We are actively forging and strengthening national and international collaborations with other leading academic institutions (drawing inspiration from the global leaders outlined in Section II) to advance AI research, share best practices in education, and promote student and faculty exchange. Industry partnerships are also a cornerstone of our strategy. Enhanced collaboration with a diverse range of companies – from innovative startups to established multinational corporations – ensures that our curricula remain at the cutting edge and relevant to real-world needs. These partnerships provide students with valuable project opportunities, internships, and exposure to industry best practices, while also facilitating the transfer of technology and expertise from Padua’s research labs to the marketplace. This dynamic interaction is essential for keeping AI education grounded and ensuring our graduates are highly sought after. Furthermore, Padua is committed to contributing to the broader AI community through open research practices, active participation in and organisation of scientific conferences, publication in high-impact journals, and public engagement activities designed to demystify AI and foster informed societal discourse. We see our role as not only an educator and researcher but also as a key contributor to nurturing a wider AI ecosystem that includes government, industry, and the public.

Strategic Outlook and Future Aspirations (Beyond 2025): Looking ahead, Padua aims to be recognised internationally as a centre of excellence in AI education and research, distinguished by its innovative pedagogical approaches, its unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, and the impactful contributions of its graduates and researchers. We are planning for the continuous evolution of our AI programmes, adapting to rapid technological breakthroughs and emerging societal needs. This includes exploring potential new interdisciplinary degrees or research centres focusing on nascent AI frontiers, such as Quantum AI or advanced AI for environmental sustainability. A commitment to lifelong learning initiatives will also be crucial, providing opportunities for professionals to upskill and reskill in the rapidly advancing field of AI, ensuring that the workforce can adapt to and benefit from technological change. Our vision is ambitious yet firmly grounded in our existing strengths, demonstrating a clear pathway from current capabilities to future leadership in specific, impactful domains of Artificial Intelligence.  

VI. Conclusion: Shaping an AI-Enabled Future with Wisdom and Innovation

The Padua Institute of Technology stands at a pivotal juncture in June 2025, fully committed to navigating and shaping the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence. Our comprehensive strategy, as outlined in this paper, underscores a deep-seated dedication to integrating cutting-edge technical training in AI with robust ethical frameworks and innovative pedagogical approaches. By leveraging our historic strengths in engineering and computer science, and drawing inspiration from global best practices, we are cultivating an environment where AI education and research flourish, driven by principles of responsibility, excellence, and societal relevance.

The Padua graduate emerging in this age of AI will be more than just a skilled technician. We envision individuals who are technically adept, ethically grounded, critical thinkers, and highly adaptive learners. They will be prepared not only to participate in but also to lead the development and application of AI technologies, contributing meaningfully to a world increasingly shaped by intelligent systems. They will understand the profound implications of their work and will be equipped to make choices that foster innovation while upholding human values. The true measure of our success will be the positive impact these graduates and our research initiatives have on industry, society, and the global pursuit of knowledge.

The journey into an AI-enabled future is one that demands collaboration, shared vision, and collective effort. The Padua Institute of Technology extends an open invitation to prospective students, fellow researchers, industry partners, and policymakers to join us in this vital mission. Together, we can advance the frontiers of Artificial Intelligence responsibly, harness its immense potential for the common good, and ensure that technological progress serves to enhance the human experience.

In conclusion, the Padua Institute of Technology is resolutely dedicated to being at the forefront of AI education and research. We embrace the challenges and opportunities of this new era with a commitment to shaping an AI-enabled future that is not only technologically advanced but also equitable, human-centric, and guided by enduring wisdom and innovation. We are confident that through our concerted efforts, Padua will continue its long tradition of contributing significantly to scientific progress and societal betterment.