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FINE EUROPE 2026: PARMA AT THE CENTER OF INTERNATIONAL DIALOGUE ON NURSING EDUCATION

March 4, 2026 Federica Sorrentino

On March 5–6, the University of Parma will host the international conference FINE Europe 2026 – Strengthening Nursing Education for a Safer Tomorrow, one of the most important scientific events dedicated to nursing education at the European and international level.

The event will bring together more than 200 delegates from numerous European countries and other international contexts, providing a space for dialogue among lecturers, researchers, professionals, and students on the key challenges related to the development of nursing education and the evolution of care models. The conference will include a plenary session and five parallel sessions, featuring more than 140 scientific contributions, including oral presentations and posters, along with keynote lectures from internationally recognized professionals.

During a radio interview with Radio Duchessa, Antonio Bonacaro, President of the Master’s Programs in Healthcare at the University of Parma and promoter of the initiative, highlighted the scientific and educational value of the conference: “This conference is addressed to a very broad audience: lecturers, researchers, tutors, and professionals, but also the large student community of our University. It will be an important opportunity to reflect on the most relevant issues concerning the evolution of teaching and nursing education”.

The initiative represents an important opportunity for international dialogue, where educational models, academic experiences, and care practices from different contexts can be compared, contributing to the development of new perspectives for the profession. During the interview, Prof. Bonacaro also emphasized how Italy is playing an increasingly significant role in the scientific field of nursing sciences: “In recent years, our country has begun to play a leading role in nursing sciences, thanks to the development of doctoral schools and a growing scientific production, supported by increasingly strong collaborations with universities and research centers abroad”.

Among the topics that will be discussed during the conference is the study of innovative care models, capable of responding more effectively to citizens’ needs and to the transformations of healthcare systems: “We are witnessing growing attention toward innovative care models designed to provide more timely and effective responses to people’s needs, also through the development of advanced nursing competencies”.

The conference therefore represents a significant opportunity not only for the academic and professional communities but also to strengthen the dialogue between research, education, and health and social care services, promoting a vision of the nursing profession increasingly oriented toward innovation, international collaboration, and quality of care.

Link to watch the live broadcast

THE FIRST SCREENING OF THE DOCUFILM ON MARISA CANTARELLI

February 27, 2026 Federica Sorrentino

The first screening of the docufilm “Marisa Cantarelli. Seeing First, Thinking Beyond. The Woman Who Forever Changed the History of Nursing” is scheduled to take place. The film is dedicated to a key figure in the cultural and theoretical development of nursing care, recognized as the first nursing theorist in Italy. Created under the patronage of the Marisa Cantarelli Association, the University of Parma, and the National Federation of Orders of the Nursing Professions, the project aims to portray—through images, testimonies, and reflections—the development of professional nursing identity and the value of care as a profoundly human and social act.

The first screening will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM in Milan, at Cinema L’Anteo (click here to register). The event will provide a moment of collective reflection for all those working in health and social care services. The initiative is supported by significant institutional and academic sponsors, highlighting the cultural and professional importance of this narrative. The docufilm offers an in-depth perspective on the historical and theoretical journey that helped define modern nursing, emphasizing values such as responsibility, autonomy, the relationship with patients, and the centrality of the person in the care process.

Following the premiere, a series of scheduled screenings will take place in educational, professional, and institutional settings, bringing this reflection to communities and healthcare services. Updated information on upcoming screenings will be made available on the dedicated webpage.

“It is a great honor to take part in this meaningful docufilm, which pays tribute to a colleague of extraordinary courage, vision, and professional stature. Marisa Cantarelli left an indelible mark on the history of nursing in our country, contributing to the construction of its cultural and scientific identity. Her example continues to serve as a source of inspiration for generations of nurses and healthcare professionals”. – Antonio Bonacaro, President of the Master’s Programs in Healthcare.

MEETING BETWEEN TUTORS AND STUDENTS: A KEY MOMENT OF THE INAUGURAL DAY

February 26, 2026 Federica Sorrentino

Among the most significant moments of the inaugural day of Master in Healthcare on March 30, a central role will be dedicated to the meeting between the tutors of the Master’s Programs in Healthcare and the students enrolled in the new academic year.

This is a fundamental appointment to begin the educational journey with awareness and clear orientation. During the meeting, tutors will provide a comprehensive overview of the academic organization, the structure of the training activities, and the tools that will support students throughout the year. The lesson schedule, module structure, teaching methodologies, assessment methods, and expected learning outcomes will be presented. Particular attention will be given to the role of the tutor as a key reference figure, supporting students along their learning path and facilitating the integration between theory and professional practice.

The meeting will also represent an opportunity for direct dialogue, allowing students to ask questions, share expectations, and begin building relationships with the academic team and their peers. This first moment of exchange helps foster a climate of collaboration and belonging—essential elements for successfully undertaking an advanced training program.

The inaugural day will therefore not only be an institutional event, but also a concrete and operational step marking the beginning of a shared journey, grounded in guidance, support, and professional growth.

OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR FOR THE MASTER IN HEALTHCARE PROGRAMMES

February 20, 2026 Federica Sorrentino

On March 30, the opening ceremony of the new academic year of the Master in Healthcare programmes at the University of Parma will take place, marking the official start of educational activities and the beginning of a new path of growth for students, faculty members, and professionals involved.

The event represents an important opportunity for meeting and sharing within the entire Master in Healthcare community, offering a space for reflection on the value of advanced education in the healthcare and social care context and on the challenges facing health professionals. The opening ceremony will also be an opportunity to reaffirm the University’s commitment to promoting high-quality educational pathways that integrate scientific knowledge, practical skills, and attention to the needs of individuals and communities.

During the day, the objectives of the academic year, the main development lines of the training programmes, and the opportunities offered to students in terms of learning, interdisciplinary exchange, and professional growth will be presented. The meeting will also encourage dialogue between coordinators and participants, strengthening the sense of belonging to a community focused on innovation and continuous improvement of services.

The opening ceremony on March 30 marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Master in Healthcare programmes, confirming their role as a privileged space for education, research, and skills development to address the transformations of the healthcare system with responsibility and vision.

Further information about the event programme will be communicated in the coming days.

FINE EUROPE 2026 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PARMA

February 19, 2026 Federica Sorrentino

The University of Parma will host the International Conference “FINE Europe 2026 – Strengthening Nursing Education for a Safer Tomorrow” on March 5 and 6, one of the leading biennial scientific events dedicated to nursing education at both European and international levels.

Promoted by the European Federation of Educators in Nursing Science (FINE) in collaboration with the University, the conference represents a platform for dialogue and cooperation among lecturers, researchers, managers, and professionals from universities and academic institutions across Europe and beyond, with more than 140 scientific contributions presented to the academic community. The initiative involves the direct participation of Antonio Bonacaro, President of the Master in Healthcare programmes at the University of Parma, as Organizer and Chair of the Conference Scientific Committee. The sessions will address strategic topics for the future of the nursing profession and advanced education, including governance and leadership in training pathways, curriculum development, quality and innovation in teaching, interprofessional education, and transversal skills, as well as the humanistic and cultural dimensions of teaching.

The opening session, scheduled for Thursday, March 5 at 9:00 a.m., will feature institutional greetings from the Rector of the University of Parma, Paolo Martelli, the Regional Councillor for Health Policies of Emilia-Romagna, Massimo Fabi, Senator Albertina Soliani, and the Mayor of Parma, Michele Guerra. The conference aims to promote advanced scientific dialogue, encouraging the sharing of best practices, innovative models, and strategies for harmonising educational policies in nursing at the European level, with a focus on the global challenges of contemporary healthcare.

PROGRAMME

TOWARDS THE CONCLUSION OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR

February 12, 2026 Federica Sorrentino

The academic year of the Master in Healthcare programmes at the University of Parma is drawing to a close, following months of intensive training activities, study and field-based practice. It has been a journey that engaged students, faculty members and professionals in continuous growth, in-depth learning and the development of competencies aimed at enhancing the quality of health and social care services.

As the programmes approach their conclusion, a particularly significant phase now begins: the discussion of the Project Work, which represents the outcome of the work carried out throughout the year. The Project Work is a central component of the training pathway, as it allows students to apply the tools they have acquired in a concrete way and to propose innovative solutions for services. The discussion of the projects will be followed by the final graduation ceremony, a symbolic and shared moment in which students, faculty members, coordinators and families come together to celebrate the completion of the academic journey. The graduation ceremony represents not only the formal recognition of the achievement reached, but also an opportunity to acknowledge the commitment, dedication and personal and professional growth of the participants.

This concluding step marks the beginning of a new phase for the graduates of the Master in Healthcare programmes, who are now called to bring the competencies, values and experiences gained throughout the programme into their professional contexts. The Master in Healthcare programmes thus reaffirm their role as a space for advanced education, professional networking and continuous development, supporting professionals throughout their growth journey.

Further details regarding the schedule of the Project Work discussions and the graduation ceremony will be communicated soon. These events will represent an important moment of sharing for the entire Master in Healthcare community.

INNOVATION IN INTERGENERATIONAL CARE MODELS

February 6, 2026 Federica Sorrentino

In a health and social care context increasingly shaped by population ageing, multiple vulnerabilities and complex care needs, intergenerational care models are emerging as effective approaches to promote integration, social cohesion and widespread well-being. These models aim not only to respond to the health needs of older adults, but also to build networks of relationships among different generations, healthcare services and communities, in order to support quality of life, social participation and continuity of care.

Innovation in intergenerational care models is based on key elements such as:

co-design of services involving older adults, family members, caregivers and citizens;
integration between health and social care services and community services, fostering exchange and synergy across different levels of care;
relational and social support programmes;
personalised care approaches that value the life stories, skills and aspirations of the people receiving care.

Experiences implemented in different contexts show how building broad and collaborative networks can reduce social isolation, improve the management of chronic conditions and strengthen community resources for health promotion. These models offer valuable insights not only for direct elderly care, but also for the social cohesion of entire communities.

The Master in Healthcare programmes at the University of Parma address issues related to innovation in care pathways, with particular attention to dynamics involving diverse populations and integrated services. The analysis and design of intergenerational models are key features of the training programmes, providing students with the tools to understand, develop and evaluate integrated, sustainable and person-centred interventions.

The ability to interpret emerging needs, engage with complex service networks and promote participatory processes represents a key competence for professionals who wish to contribute to the evolution of health and social care systems.

“BEYOND THE WHITE COAT”: A NEW BOOK BY LEOPOLDO SARLI

February 3, 2026 Federica Sorrentino

“Beyond the White Coat” is the newly published book by Leopoldo Sarli, Professor Emeritus of Surgery at the University of Parma. The volume offers a broad and articulated reflection on the deeper meaning of caring, going beyond the purely technical dimension of the healthcare profession.

The book weaves together experiences, contexts and perspectives, guiding readers along a journey that spans diverse places and situations: from highly specialized hospital settings to care contexts in areas of the world marked by social fragility, and from community services to spaces dedicated to education and research. Through this journey, health emerges as the result of an encounter between different bodies of knowledge, cultures, relationships and life experiences.

Beyond the White Coat invites readers to rethink care as a process that does not end with the clinical act alone, but rather involves listening, sharing, responsibility and the construction of meaning. Healthcare practice is thus reinterpreted as a profoundly human and social experience, capable of generating knowledge, justice and awareness for both those who provide care and those who receive it. The volume aligns closely with the values that have long inspired the Master in Healthcare programmes, promoting a vision of education as a space for critical reflection, interdisciplinary dialogue and the development of competencies that bring together technical expertise, ethics and humanity.

A book presentation event with the author is currently being planned and will offer students and professionals the opportunity to further explore the themes of the book and engage in direct dialogue with Leopoldo Sarli. Further details regarding the date and format of the event will be communicated soon.

“Beyond the White Coat is a book that calls on all of us to look at healthcare in its most authentic dimension: the encounter between people, knowledge and responsibility. It is a valuable contribution for those involved in education and for those working in services, as it encourages the integration of professional competence and humanity, fully in line with the vision of the Master in Healthcare programmes”. — Antonio Bonacaro, President of the Master in Healthcare programmes, University of Parma

INNOVATIVE TEACHING AWARD: RECOGNITION FOR ANTONIO BONACARO

January 28, 2026 Federica Sorrentino

The University of Parma celebrated the first edition of the Awards for the Development of Innovative Teaching during a ceremony held in the Aula Magna at the University’s main campus. The initiative, promoted by the University to recognize faculty members’ commitment to experimenting with new and meaningful teaching practices, awarded both individual projects and group proposals that introduced advanced educational methodologies aligned with students’ needs and the challenges of contemporary teaching.

Among the individual award recipients is Antonio Bonacaro, President of the Master in Healthcare programmes at the University of Parma, recognized for his commitment to innovating teaching practices and for integrating active, participatory learning approaches aimed at building professional competencies.

The awarding of this recognition reflects the University’s strong focus on teaching models capable of responding to the needs of advanced educational pathways and enhancing the learning experience for students. Within the Master in Healthcare programmes, educational innovation translates into a training offer that combines theory and practice, the use of educational technologies, Project Work and opportunities for professional dialogue, with the aim of developing high-level competencies. At a time when education for healthcare and social care professions is required to continuously evolve in response to transformations within the socio-healthcare system, the promotion of innovative teaching experiences represents a key factor in improving teaching effectiveness and the quality of acquired skills.

In this context, it is worth noting that applications for the Master in Healthcare programmes at the University of Parma are open until January 30, offering the opportunity to enroll in highly specialized training pathways that combine advanced learning with practical skills for today’s and tomorrow’s healthcare system.

“It is a true honor to have received this recognition, for which I am immensely grateful. This award for innovative teaching is not only a personal acknowledgment, but also a confirmation of the direction we want to give to the Master in Healthcare programmes: high-quality education, the development of skills applicable within healthcare and social services, and a continuous dialogue between academic knowledge and professional experience, fully aligned with the University’s strategic guidelines”. Antonio Bonacaro, President of the Master in Healthcare programmes – University of Parma

THE SHOOTING OF ALEX PRETTI: SHOCK AND SOLIDARITY

January 27, 2026 Federica Sorrentino

The tragic shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse in Minneapolis, has caused shock and deep sadness, particularly within the professional nursing community. Pretti, known by family, colleagues and friends as a compassionate healthcare provider dedicated to patient care, was shot and killed by U.S. Border Patrol agents during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026.

The incident occurred amid widespread protests against federal immigration enforcement actions and has heightened national tensions over the use of force by law enforcement. The shooting of Pretti has led to public outcry and renewed calls for transparency and accountability in how the events unfolded.

As a nursing and health-care community, we are saddened and deeply affected by what happened. The nursing profession is founded on profound ethical values, including the protection of life, safeguarding the most vulnerable, and respect for human dignity. In moments of great sorrow such as this, we extend our solidarity to those affected and reaffirm the importance of conducting objective, transparent and thorough investigations so that the circumstances can be clearly understood.

“As the community of the Master’s programmes in Healthcare at the University of Parma, we express our deepest sympathy to the individuals and families affected by this tragedy. We join in the call for truth and clarity, without any form of political instrumentalisation, in respect of human dignity and the ethical values that guide our profession.” – Antonio Bonacaro, President of the Master’s programmes in Healthcare