Director of the “Department of Digital & Law”

Avv. Prof. Andrea Lisi
Avvocato del Foro di Lecce, titolare dello Studio Legale Lisi

Executive Director:Prof. Giuseppe Gimigliano
Deputy Director for Research:Avv. Luigi Foglia
Deputy Director for Education & Training:Avv. Sarah Ungaro
Deputy Director for Third Mission:Avv. Simonetta Zingarelli

DigitaLaw, CUIRIF’s Digital & Law Department was created to tackle the challenges of digital transformation arising from rapid technological evolution in the fields of data protection, cybersecurity, digital content preservation, artificial intelligence and innovation in general. To address them, it adopts an integrated approach that combines technical, legal and social aspects, providing concrete and ethically aware solutions to complex technological scenarios.

Structured around three core areas, DigitaLaw combines research, advanced education and third mission on the subjects it covers, preparing professionals and public and private organisations for the accurate management of our information assets, which are inextricably linked to technological innovation.

Vision

The department aspires to be a leading hub for the study and critical analysis of digital innovation, influencing the policies and practices that shape the digital world. Through research initiatives, specialized training programs, and outreach activities, DigitaLaw is committed to fostering a culture of digital awareness and contributing to the development of an ethical, secure, sustainable, and inclusive digital society – one where technology serves humanity and the common good.

Mission

DigitaLaw is dedicated to conducting interdisciplinary research on data protection, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital content preservation, both nationally and internationally. It aims to facilitate dialogue among experts, institutions and companies, encouraging discussion on pressing technological challenges and promoting the adoption of innovative and sustainable strategies. Furthermore, the department provides high-level training programs designed to prepare professionals and organizations for the dynamic digital landscape, positioning itself as a pioneering and forward-thinking center of excellence.

Core areas and objectives

  • Research: Promoting interdisciplinary research on the key issues related to the world of digitisation and which the Department constantly oversees, encouraging cooperation between professionals with different expertise (jurists, technologists/commercialists, sociologists/philosophers and public policy experts) in order to foster the development solutions adapted to an evolving society.
  • Advanced education: creating a diversified and high quality training offer by providing innovative courses and programmes that are always up to date with the latest developments in the sector. The offer includes courses structured around current and increasingly important topics such as the protection of personal data, cyber security, the regulation of new technologies and the preservation of digital documents, equipping learners to navigate the complexities of the digital era.
  • Third mission: spreading knowledge through the organisation of conferences, seminars and workshops that facilitate meaningful dialogue and cooperation between the institutional, academic and professional world, also across national borders, on the relevant topics. To this end, the Department intends to involve university professors, representatives of institutions, professionals and entrepreneurs of national and international importance, who will be able to share their experience in the field and inspire the participants, also by supporting them in the creation of best practices that meet the needs of the current digital context. In addition, the dissemination of knowledge will be promoted through another tool aimed at fostering a continuous dialogue between experts, professionals and institutions on relevant topics, sector insights and updates: DIGEAT, a project of scientific dissemination that combines specialised analysis and in-depth multimedia content through its two souls, Digeat Magazine and Digeat+.

Presentation of the Department during the press conference “La ricerca come motore del futuro. Il CUIRIF – Centro universitario internazionale di ricerca e innovazione. Integral intelligence – Futuro, diplomazia culturale e benessere integrale”. 1 April 2025, Palazzo Madama, Sala Caduti di Nassirya.
The full video of the event is available here.