Italy is showcasing itself to the world at Expo 2025 in Osaka, where it will also be represented by UniCamillus University.
Taking place from 13th April to 13th October 2025, the World Expo will bring together more than 150 countries with the shared goal of designing the society of the future under the overarching theme: ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives ‘.
In this prestigious setting, Lazio’s universities, Rome Technopole and the Centro di Eccellenza DTC played a pivotal role in the ‘Knowledge Ecosystem’ workshop. This event provided a platform for discussion and proposals to develop a knowledge ecosystem model that integrates higher education, scientific research, and tangible local impact in response to significant social and economic changes.
The event took place in the Italian Pavilion and was opened by Roberta Angelilli, Vice-President of the Regione Lazio, who emphasised the importance of collaboration between institutions, universities and industry to create a sustainable and innovative future which is open to globalisation.
UniCamillus in Osaka: a University with a global impact
During the workshop, UniCamillus attracted particular attention for its truly international vocation in the field of life sciences and its innovative approach to medical education.
Professor Luca Paolo Weltert, Associate Professor of Cardiac Surgery and Delegate for Internationalisation, delivered a highly regarded speech in which he emphasised that UniCamillus’s identity is founded on a global approach, as reflected in its name and the use of English as the official language.
Drawing on his personal experience in Khartoum, sub-Saharan Africa, Weltert demonstrated the alignment between the University’s values and its actions: a university that educates healthcare professionals to address global health challenges with expertise and compassion.
With students from over 40 countries and programmes focusing also on tropical, migration and crisis medicine, UniCamillus combines traditional teaching with cutting-edge methodologies, such as simulators, virtual reality and experiential workshops, to promote content that respects cultural, gender and geographical diversity. All this while preserving the humanity of patients. “Our task is not only to train ‘medical technicians’, but also, and above all, to train medical practitioners who can treat bodies without forgetting that there is always a person behind a disease”, says Professor Weltert.
UniCamillus’s international connections also extend to a network of affiliated hospitals in Europe, America, and low- and middle-income countries. This guarantees students a real multicultural medical experience and prepares them to face the challenges of global medicine. The most enthusiastic feedback reported by Professor Weltert comes from the first graduates, who emphasise the effectiveness of the UniCamillus education system.
“Participating in Expo 2025 is a real opportunity for UniCamillus to promote its unique university model on a high-profile international stage. Our international vocation is not only reflected in the languages spoken by our students or their international backgrounds, but also in our vision: to actively contribute to the development of a global health system based on advanced skills, intercultural dialogue, and scientific cooperation. This vision aligns perfectly with the Expo theme of ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’, as health, more than any other asset, is the foundation of any sustainable and inclusive society”, said Gianni Profita, Rector of UniCamillus.
The network of Lazio universities is an integrated knowledge ecosystem
One of the day’s highlights was the launch of the digital booklet showcasing the international programmes offered by Lazio’s universities, including Sapienza, Tor Vergata, Roma Tre, Cassino, Tuscia, Foro Italico, Cattolica, Campus Bio-Medico, Luiss, UniCamillus, UniInt and Link University. This digital tool is designed to support students, tutors and partners interested in English language courses, summer schools, exchange programmes and scientific collaborations.
For UniCamillus, Expo 2025 is not a finishing line, but a starting point for new global challenges. The University is a hub of skills and values, training health professionals who have not only medical knowledge, but also a deep understanding of the global society they will be working in.