The University of Bologna is one of the largest in Italy, with 33 departments, seven Inter-departmental Centres for Industrial research (CIRI) and about 85.000 students. Within the University of Bologna the main activities in the Climate-KIC have been carried out by the CIRI Energia Ambiente (Energy and Environment) and CIRI Costruzioni (Building). (CIRI= Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research).
In 2014 the University created the Integrated research team ‘Alma low Carbon’: the entry point for new initiatives and partnerships concerning energy efficiency, competitive low carbon energy; waste and circular economy; Water; Social, environmental and economic aspects of the energy system.