Third Mission

Third Mission Third Mission


PRESENTATION OF THE THIRD MISSION

The concept of the "Third Mission" represents an essential dimension of the university's role in society, extending beyond traditional teaching and research activities. This mission emphasizes the engagement of the academic community with the broader public and the practical application of knowledge for the benefit of society. The Department of Pharmacy at the University of Salerno actively participates in the Third Mission through various initiatives and endeavors.

Definition and Scope: The Third Mission encompasses a range of activities aimed at fostering collaboration between academia and society. These initiatives, driven by a sense of social responsibility, contribute to the transfer of knowledge, innovation, and expertise beyond the university walls. The Department of Pharmacy embraces this mission, recognizing its role in addressing societal challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Key Components of the Third Mission at the Department of Pharmacy:

  1. Community Outreach Programs: The Department actively engages in community outreach programs, organizing events, workshops, and informational sessions that bring together academic expertise and community needs. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the practical challenges faced by the wider community.

  2. Collaboration with Industry and Stakeholders: In pursuit of fostering innovation and economic development, the Department collaborates with industries, businesses, and various stakeholders. These partnerships facilitate the transfer of research findings into practical applications, supporting the growth and competitiveness of the local and global industries.

  3. Technology Transfer and Knowledge Exchange: The Department actively promotes the transfer of technology and knowledge exchange with external entities. This includes the dissemination of research outcomes, patents, and technological advancements to industries, contributing to the development of innovative solutions and products.

  4. Educational Initiatives for Non-Academic Audiences: Recognizing the importance of lifelong learning, the Department organizes educational initiatives for non-academic audiences. These may include workshops, training sessions, and public lectures designed to share knowledge and promote scientific literacy among diverse groups within society.

  5. Public Awareness Campaigns: The Department takes an active role in public awareness campaigns related to health, pharmaceuticals, and well-being. These campaigns aim to disseminate accurate information, raise awareness about health issues, and empower individuals to make informed decisions regarding their well-being.

The Third Mission is an integral part of the Department of Pharmacy's commitment to societal impact. By actively participating in community engagement, fostering collaborations, and promoting knowledge transfer, the Department contributes to the broader goals of social progress and sustainable development. Through these endeavors, the Department strives to fulfill its responsibility as a catalyst for positive change in the community it serves.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVES

In this survey, a set of activities organized institutionally by the Department (or the University) without profit motive, with educational, cultural, and societal development value, and directed towards a non-academic audience is considered. Any classification of Public Engagement activities would not claim to be exhaustive, as the activities and benefits of university education and research can be utilized to inform, consult, or collaborate with the public in numerous ways.

As an example, ANVUR has proposed some categories of Public Engagement activities, among which the following are of particular relevance to the Department (DIFARMA):

  • Health protection initiatives (e.g., informative and preventive days, screening and awareness campaigns).
  • Publications (print and digital) dedicated to the non-academic public.
  • Management of websites and other social communication and scientific dissemination channels (excluding the institutional website of the University).
  • Organization of initiatives for the enhancement, consultation, and sharing of research (e.g., interactions between researchers and the public, debates, festivals, and scientific cafes, online consultations).
  • Knowledge co-production initiatives, involving citizens in departmental and general research themes (e.g., European Researchers' Night, Futuro Remoto, etc.).

CONTINUOUS EDUCATION ACTIVITIES

Continuous education: Training courses conducted by universities and governed by an agreement (or equivalent formal act) between the university or the relevant department and an external organization. These courses do not confer university degrees.

Continuous professional training is defined by Italian regulations as "training activities aimed at adult subjects, employed or unemployed, with particular reference to activities in which the worker participates by autonomous choice, in order to adapt or raise their professional level. These also include training interventions promoted by companies, in close connection with technological and organizational innovation in the production process" (Circular of the Ministry of Labor no. 174/96 - Law 236/93). In this survey, only continuous training activities carried out in collaboration with external organizations are considered, especially continuous training courses and professional training courses for external organization staff. These activities should not confer academic titles (university degrees), and they should be regulated by a specific agreement between the Department (or the University) and the external organization. Initiatives carried out without an agreement can also be considered, provided they are based on formal acts of the Department (or the University) (e.g., resolutions to activate the course) that demonstrate the goal of training for specialization in work or entry into it.

Participants cannot be those who typically benefit from regular academic education, namely students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, single-cycle, or doctoral programs. Also included are training and updating courses for school teachers, aimed at promoting updates on the latest scientific and didactic developments, fostering innovative evaluation methodologies, and increasing the exchange of knowledge and experiences between teachers and researchers.

ECM - CONTINUOUS MEDICAL EDUCATION ACTIVITIES

This section includes activities related to Continuous Medical Education (ECM) courses certified by the Ministry of Health. These are mandatory training activities for all healthcare professionals registered in professional orders (excluding specialized doctors) and are based on a system of professional training credits issued by universities or accredited structures (providers) officially recognized by the Ministry of Health. ECM activities include those where the University serves as a provider, as well as those conducted by external providers, provided that the course has been entirely organized by the University.