The Fondazione Aldini Valeriani was set up by the City Council, the Chamber of Commerce and the Employers Confederation of Bologna to create a centre of excellence for the development of technical culture. Recognised as an authoritative point of reference for initiatives that valorise technical and technological specialisations as promoters of culture and development, the Fondazione is involved in all levels of education, from initial orientation and integrated learning paths for schools to higher, post-diploma training and continuous and life-long learning. Areas of excellence ------------------------ Historically, activities have concentrated on advanced mechanics, mechatronics, industrial automation, electronics and electro-technics. In response to the needs of the local economy, leading specialisations now also include information technology and safety at work, as well as the new techno-media that provide both training content and a methodology to experiment innovative teaching practice and promote technical culture. Laboratories and infrastructure --------------------------------------- With a 100-seat lecture theatre, a 900 m2 studio-theatre, 7 teaching and 8 IT laboratories and one of the most advanced and complete multimedia facilities in the country, the Fondazione is able to offer highly applied training aimed at realising an ideal balance between theory and practice, knowledge and know-how. Services and tools for materials and product testing are also available.