Strategic Scientific Macro Areas 2026–2029
SINAPSE organises its activities, partnerships and initiatives around five strategic macro areas - chosen because they represent the fields where Italian and Swedish scientific excellence, industrial strength and societal priorities most powerfully converge. These are not rigid silos. They are entry points- frameworks that guide collaboration, connect the right people, and ensure that SINAPSE's work is grounded in the themes that matter most to both countries over the coming years.
Are you working in one of these areas? We’d love to learn about your competencies!
01 — Life Sciences & Health
Advancing health through science and innovationFrom biotechnology and precision medicine to pharmaceuticals, neuroscience, and rare diseases - this is the largest and most active macro area in the SINAPSE network, reflecting the exceptional depth of Italian and Swedish expertise in clinical and translational research.We promote international collaboration aimed at improving patient outcomes, accelerating translational research pipelines, and addressing the complex diseases that no single institution or country can tackle alone.
Key themes: biotechnology · precision medicine · pharmaceuticals · neuroscience · rare diseases · clinical research · public health
02 — Energy, Environment & Resources
Powering a sustainable and resilient futureItaly and Sweden share a deep commitment to the green transition - and complementary strengths in how they are pursuing it. This macro area brings together researchers, engineers, and industry partners working on renewable energy, circular economy models, critical raw materials, and the environmental challenges that define the next decades.We support cross-border initiatives that translate scientific excellence into real-world solutions - connecting Swedish technological leadership with Italian research and industrial networks.
Key themes: renewable energy · circular economy · critical raw materials · climate science · environmental sustainability · green transition
03 — Digital Innovation, AI & Data
Transforming society through data and intelligenceArtificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and open data are reshaping every sector - from healthcare and education to manufacturing and public services. This macro area connects the Italian and Swedish communities working at the frontier of these technologies, fostering collaboration that drives both scientific progress and responsible innovation.We promote interdisciplinary approaches that combine technical excellence with the human and societal dimensions of digital transformation.
Key themes: artificial intelligence · machine learning · cybersecurity · digital health · open data · data science · digital transformation
04 - Physical Sciences & Engineering
Enabling the technologies of tomorrowAdvanced materials, photonics, mechatronics, and aerospace represent fields where Italy and Sweden have built world-class capabilities - often in parallel, rarely in dialogue. This macro area exists to change that: creating structured connections between research communities and industrial partners whose work is technically adjacent but geographically separated.We support cutting-edge research and strengthen the industrial competitiveness of both countries through bilateral knowledge exchange and joint initiatives.
Key themes: advanced materials · photonics · mechatronics · aerospace · nanotechnology · engineering sciences
05 — Culture, Creativity & Society
Connecting innovation with people and cultureScience and technology do not exist in a vacuum. This macro area brings together researchers and professionals working in design, cultural heritage, social sciences, and digital humanities - fields where Italian and Swedish traditions are both distinctive and deeply complementary. We promote inclusive, human-centred approaches to innovation, ensuring that SINAPSE's work connects scientific progress to the cultural and social dimensions that give it meaning.
Key themes: design · cultural heritage · social sciences · digital humanities · science communication · cultural diplomacy
SINAPSE A platform for collaboration across all five areas.
These macro areas provide the framework for joint initiatives, partnerships and knowledge exchange - connecting academia, industry and institutions across Italy and Sweden around the themes where both countries have most to offer each other. Each macro area is led by a dedicated Chair within the SINAPSE Executive Board, responsible for developing its scientific agenda, facilitating connections between members and building the partnerships that sustain its activities.
