The Department of Life Sciences (DSV), within a context of evident and recognized national and international appeal, applies its expertise to the main fields of Life Sciences (agro-food, biological, biotechnological, and pharmaceutical). It manages a complex and coherent framework of knowledge that is expressed in both basic and applied research. Numerous research projects are aimed at producing new knowledge, advancing Life Sciences, and facilitating technology transfer. Currently, the DSV is involved in over 100 research projects funded by public or private entities, amounting to more than 7 million euros. This total includes 11 international research projects associated with research programs and collaborations with European and non-European entities, and 28 national projects of significant national interest (PRIN). About a quarter of the projects currently active at the DSV benefit from funding exceeding 100,000 euros.

The DSV's research lines are fully integrated within the research projects funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR):

• CN3: National Center for the Development of Gene Therapy and Drugs with RNA Technology;
• CN5: National Center for Biodiversity - National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC);
• Ecosystems: Ecosystem for Sustainable Transition of Emilia-Romagna (ECOSISTER);
• Research Infrastructures: Strengthening the MIRRI Italian Research Infrastructure for Sustainable Bioscience and Bioeconomy (SUS-MIRRI.IT);
• Extended Partnership HEAL ITALIA (Health Extended Alliance for Innovative Therapies, Advanced Lab-research, and Integrated Approaches of Precision Medicine).