Technical-Scientific Area
Coordinator: Cristina Battaglia

This area supports the INFM following main activities with the tasks detailed below:
Scientific Planning

Planning and evaluation of scientific activities by supporting the preparation, updating and development of the pluriennual plan. Support for the organisation of conferences and events for the presentation and evaluation of the research programmes’ progress; coordination of projects, collection and elaboration of information relevant for the assessment of results of research activities.

Promotion and Collaborations

Promotion and support of external collaborations and relations for projects and programmes in INFM related fields; coordination of relationships with partner institutions and organisations, namely:

- local and regional administrations, Ministries and other national public bodies;
- industries, industrial associations, federations, and foundations within specific agreements and contracts;
- international institutions and organisations, Embassies and network of Scientific Attachés, relevant Ministries.

External relations at national and international level are developed in line with the policy and strategies of CNR and the “Materials and Devices” Department, and can lead to the definition of framework and bilateral cooperation agreements between CNR and other public and private institutions.

Projects

Information and assistance to the scientific community on funding opportunities, support for the development of partnerships with other institutions and industries. The activity includes in particular:

- diffusion of updated information on funding opportunities and calls at national and international level for research, technological development, science awareness initiatives;
- support for the preparation and submission of proposals;
- follow-up of proposals, support in the negotiation of projects, the preparation of executive plans and all consequent fulfilments (contract, agreements, meetings, etc.);
- monitoring of projects (accounts, periodic and final reports and statements).

Exploitation of Results
The office competences regard technical and specialized assistance for intellectual property protection and exploitation; in detail:
- preliminary study of patent assessment according to EPO evaluation standards;
- assistance in patent and trademark application filing;
- technical support throughout the procedure of patent granting;
- support in the definition and negotiation of licence contracts and patent/ know-how transfer, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).
In collaboration with the Technical-Scientific Area, the office offers assistance in the negotiation of IPR protection in industrial contracts, research contracts and framework agreements in general.