ITET “G. Deledda” of Lecce: Between Biotechnological Excellence and Erasmus+ Innovation

At ITET “G. Deledda” in Lecce, scientific research is not merely an academic subject, but a hands-on, field-based experience in Environmental and Healthcare Biotechnologies. The Institute has structured an educational model fully integrated with the academic and research worlds: working alongside teachers, researchers, and professionals from the DiSTeBA department at UniSalento, ISPA-CNR, the Salento Botanical Garden, and innovative businesses (such as Green Grener srl and Ezen srl), students develop critical thinking and a scientific method applied to real local challenges.

The excellence of this path is demonstrated by the extraordinary second place overall won at the 10th edition of the prestigious national "Mad for Science" competition, organized by the Fondazione Diasorin ETS. The school secured a €45,000 prize to upgrade its science laboratories and greenhouse through the project "Chromagenesis: Molecular Farming Where Genes Become Color." The work combines sustainability with molecular biology, aiming to replace toxic synthetic dyes with bio-produced pigments from dye plant species (Isatis tinctoria, Reseda luteola, and Rubia tinctorum). The methodological process spans plant physiology, chemical-analytical methods (spectrophotometry, HPLC), and the molecular study of DNA methylation (PCR and Western Blot) to decode indigo biosynthesis. The scientific approach relies on epigenetic control, utilizing temporary immersion bioreactor technology and hydroponics as true catalysts to stimulate and maximize plant secondary metabolism production.

Comprehending this rigorous scientific journey is a strong international and ecological vocation, consolidated by obtaining Erasmus+ Accreditation (2021–2027) from the INDIRE National Agency. This recognition provides a multi-year strategic framework to promote innovative teaching focused on environmental protection as well as ecological and digital transitions, structured around six key objectives:

• Data-driven environmental analysis: Using Open Data to monitor and understand climate change at both local and global levels.
• Digital citizenship and new technologies: Developing critical analysis skills toward emerging digital finance tools and markets, such as cryptocurrencies, Fan Tokens, and NFTs.
• Awareness and regional protection: Actively combating environmental degradation and illegal dumping in rural areas through the socio-environmental campaign #iononlabbandono.
• Institutional sustainability: Building a school model structurally and daily oriented toward sustainable development.
• Human impact assessment: Enhancing analytical skills to evaluate and measure human effects on biodiversity, climate, and fundamental environmental matrices (air, water, soil).
• Conscious and sustainable nutrition: Promoting healthy and eco-sustainable dietary lifestyles, addressing youth mental and physical well-being, the environmental footprint of food production, and food waste reduction within a circular economy framework.

Through transnational mobility opportunities for students and staff, paired with preparatory pathways for official language certifications, ITET "G. Deledda" merges laboratory expertise with European collaboration, presenting to the European Researchers' Night a forward-looking, highly specialized, and open-minded school model.