Press and News Sapienza University of Rome and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT seal a five-year partnership

Sapienza University of Rome and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT seal a five-year partnership
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Rome, Italy, 19 October 2026 – Among the greenhouses and historic gardens of Sapienza's Botanical Garden, two Rome-based institutions committed to working together for the next five years. Sapienza University of Rome and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT (Alliance) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the Orange Grove, bringing university teaching and research closer to the Alliance's work on agricultural biodiversity and food systems. 

Bringing the Alliance into the classroom 

At the heart of the MoU is an exchange between the University and the Alliance. Sapienza students will be able to intern with Alliance teams, while Alliance scientists will contribute guest lectures and help supervise Master's and PhD research. The two institutions also plan joint seminars, summer schools and executive education programmes.

"The partnership between Sapienza University of Rome and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT will significantly strengthen our capacity to address global environmental challenges, such as the conservation of natural resources and sustainable development" said Prof. Antonella Polimeni, Rector of Sapienza University of Rome. 

Shared research priorities 

The two institutions will focus on the conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity and genetic resources, ecosystem restoration, resilient and inclusive agri-food value chains, and climate resilience. They will also work on the circular economy and on assessing how global change affects ecosystems and people. Joint studies, data collection and impact pathway analysis will underpin this work, with results shared through best-practice dissemination, training and technical assistance for stakeholders in sustainable food systems and rural development.

Building on Italian cooperation 

Both institutions already carry out initiatives funded by Italian Cooperation. The MoU allows them to pursue new joint projects and funding opportunities together, in partnership with multilateral organisations, governments, research institutions and civil society. Joint conferences, forums and public events will help bring the results to a wider audience.

"Science and innovation have the greatest value when they translate into real opportunities for people and communities. Our partnership with Sapienza reflects a shared commitment to combining academic excellence, research and international cooperation to advance sustainable development and deliver meaningful impact," said Dr. Gianpiero Menza, Senior Manager, Business Development & Diversification, at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT.

About the Alliance 

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people's lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. 

The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. 

About Sapienza University of Rome 

Founded in 1303, Sapienza University of Rome is a public research university and the largest in Europe. It offers degree programmes across all disciplines, from bachelor's to doctoral level, and is known for its strong international focus and its standing in global university rankings.

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