On 28 October 2025, in the prestigious setting of Dvorec Lantieri in Vipava (Slovenia), an important event dedicated to knowledge transfer in viticulture took place. The initiative was born from the collaboration between the Interreg Italy–Slovenia project IRRIGAVIT, the associated partner University of Nova Gorica, the lead partner University of Udine (Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences – DI4A), and the new European alliance Across Alliance – European University.
The event brought together more than fifty students, professionals, researchers and lecturers, who followed with great interest the lecture given by Prof. Paolo Sivilotti (University of Udine). Professor Sivilotti explored the impact of water scarcity on vine growth and wine quality, explaining how the use of innovative tools, decision support systems, and remote sensing techniques can improve the management of water stress in vineyards. These topics are central to the Interreg capitalisation project IRRIGAVIT, which will conclude by the end of the year and involves six cross-border partners.
The event represented an important moment of academic exchange and strengthening of cross-border relations, highlighting the shared mission of both universities to promote advanced research, innovation, and education in the wine sector, with particular attention to sustainability and resilience to climate change. Sustainability is also one of the key themes of the Across Alliance, of which both universities are members.
“We are proud to have brought together IRRIGAVIT and Across Alliance in an occasion that enhances scientific collaboration and European integration,” commented the organizing team.
The meeting is part of the strategic activities of the Across Alliance and marks the closing phase of the Open Science Week dedicated to knowledge transfer, demonstrating a strong commitment to strengthening international academic cooperation and developing new skills for the future of the agri-wine sector in Europe.
Link to the video: “Do grapevines like water? How much do they like? When do they like more?”
