University lecture halls transformed into immersive environments, clinical simulations using intelligent mannequins, telemedicine applications, and research projects based on Artificial Intelligence for increasingly early diagnoses: these are just some of the use cases—either already active or soon to be launched—made possible by the implementation of Italy’s first campus equipped with a hybrid private network (MPN-5G), developed by the University of Palermo in collaboration with Fastweb+Vodafone as part of the European project "5G 4 A Smart Sicilian Academic Campus."
The initiative, with a total value of €6.5 million, was presented today at the Sala Magna of the Complesso Monumentale dello Steri, the Rectorate's headquarters, and has received €4 million in funding from the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility, the main funding instrument for strategic infrastructure.
Supported by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy and the Sicilian Region, the “5G 4 A Smart Sicilian Academic Campus” project provides for the creation of a dedicated 5G coverage across the University of Palermo, including its Territorial Campus in Trapani, and the Policlinico Universitario Paolo Giaccone, a university hospital and the seat of the School of Medicine and Surgery.
The goal is to digitally transform education, research, and community services through the use of next-generation network technologies, offering advantages such as data transmission speeds up to 100 times faster than current standards, reduced energy consumption, and latency 30 to 50 times lower than what is currently available.
5G is not merely infrastructure—it is a driver of transformation in educational experiences and clinical-diagnostic processes. Already, around one hundred students from degree programs in Medicine and Surgery, Architecture, Psychological and Pedagogical Sciences, Physical Exercise, and Education are experimenting with new hybrid learning environments that integrate physical and virtual reality.
In these “augmented” classrooms—located between the Viale delle Scienze Campus and the Policlinico Universitario P. Giaccone—students interact with interactive 3D reconstructions of anatomical organs, historical buildings, and educational models, enhancing their understanding of complex content through a “learning by doing” approach. Each space is equipped with XR devices and a mirroring system (allowing the experience to be projected onto a screen for those not wearing a headset or connected remotely).
An Advanced Clinical Simulation Center is also being developed, equipped with intelligent mannequins and immersive environments for hands-on student training in clinical and surgical practices, as well as in managing emergency scenarios.
At the same time, the private 5G network will enable new capabilities in diagnostic research thanks to the creation of a cloud platform for medical teleconsultation. The system will connect a pool of experts in real time with an Artificial Intelligence algorithm developed by the University of Palermo's research team, which is currently undergoing testing.
“With the activation of the private 5G network,” emphasized Massimo Midiri, Rector of the University of Palermo, “our University positions itself as a national pioneer in integrating advanced digital infrastructures with scientific research and innovation in educational models and services for the community. Being a forerunner in this field means not only adopting cutting-edge technologies but also anticipating future scenarios by testing today the solutions that could become the standard for Italian and European academic and healthcare systems tomorrow. This project reinforces our University’s mission as a living lab of digital transformation serving the region.”
“The partnership with the University of Palermo is a clear example of how our network technology can truly enable innovation in healthcare and education,” said Alessandro Magnino, Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer of Fastweb+Vodafone. “Thanks to the distinctive features of 5G—speed, ultra-low latency, and secure connectivity for data and devices—faculty and students can access immersive tools and collaborate in real time even from different locations. In the healthcare and scientific fields, new opportunities are emerging for R&D in advanced telemedicine services supported by AI. This collaboration demonstrates that when universities, companies, and institutions join forces, they create ecosystems capable of delivering solutions with real impact on research, health, local communities, and people’s lives.”
“This is a project that strengthens the bond between our Region and the rest of Europe. This funding,” highlighted Daniela Faraoni, Regional Health Councillor, “is a clear signal of the European Union’s trust in Sicily. The Region, under the leadership of President Schifani, is moving swiftly towards ambitious goals, demonstrating its ability to keep pace with the times. In the coming years, the smart campus project with 5G technology will undergo several enhancements recognized by the scientific community as high-value initiatives, enabling multiple applications, including remote patient care in healthcare.”
“It is a source of pride for the city,” stated Roberto Lagalla, Mayor of Palermo, “to host Italy’s first campus equipped with 5G at our University. This infrastructure will provide a major boost to research and innovation, benefiting the region’s development. The City Council is strongly committed to Palermo’s digital infrastructure, which is already yielding visible results in terms of the city’s attractiveness—supported by the close collaboration between the City and the University, recently renewed through a protocol agreement aiming to make Palermo a hub of innovation.”
To date, 5G outdoor and indoor coverage has been activated at the Viale delle Scienze University Campus, and work is underway to extend coverage to all buildings included in the project.
The private network infrastructure installed at the University Campus is already equipped with a Local Core, ensuring extremely low end-to-end latency and efficient data traffic management. The MPN network is fully integrated with Vodafone’s public mobile network, making it a hybrid MPN: this allows for high-performance 5G coverage both for the local population, via the public network, and within the University of Palermo, with the highest standards of security, traffic segregation, and service continuity for advanced educational and healthcare applications.
The project is strategically important both for the University and for the region: developing this type of infrastructure in Sicily will enable the deployment of general-interest services in the fields of smart education and healthcare, accelerating digital transformation in other sectors as well.
With this initiative, the University of Palermo becomes one of the first 5G smart campuses in Europe: an advanced digital ecosystem of technological transformation serving the community.