CeTrA
Centre for Trace Analysis

Centre

The Centre for Trace Analysis (CeTrA) is a joint research infrastructure founded by Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and the Institute of Polar Sciences of the Italian National Research Council (CNR). It is dedicated to the experimental investigation of environmental and material sciences through the analysis of trace and ultra-trace organic and inorganic compounds, as well as the high-resolution physico-chemical characterization of materials. CeTrA brings together specialized laboratories, cutting-edge instrumentation, observatories, and scientific expertise to address the most demanding challenges in advanced research. As part of the national ITINERIS network, CeTrA promotes interoperability, resource sharing, and scientific excellence in atmospheric and environmental research.

CETRA - Centre for Trace Analysis

Mission

CeTrA’s mission is to provide an open, integrated, and digitally traceable scientific platform for advanced environmental and material analysis. The infrastructure supports interdisciplinary research and fosters collaboration across academia, industry, and the public sector. CeTrA delivers high-precision analytical services, method development, and access to specialized facilities to researchers, companies seeking technological transfer and analytical support, and public institutions aiming to develop innovative, field-applicable solutions. Through its expertise in ultra-trace analysis and materials characterization, CeTrA contributes to the development of safer, more sustainable technologies and to evidence-based environmental policies.

Vision

CeTrA envisions becoming a strategic node for high-resolution environmental research in Europe, fostering the transition toward a fully digital, FAIR-compliant, and collaborative scientific ecosystem.
Its vision is grounded in the integration of physical and virtual laboratories, remote observatories, and data repositories, to address global scientific challenges through analytical excellence, interdisciplinary approaches, and open knowledge sharing.


Institutional partnerships

Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics (DAIS)

CeTrA is coordinated by the Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics (DAIS) at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. DAIS supports multidisciplinary research in environmental science, data analysis, and sustainability, providing the scientific and organizational backbone of the infrastructure.

Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems (DSMN)

The Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems (DSMN) contributes to CeTrA with advanced expertise in materials science, molecular analysis, and high-resolution microscopy. The Department supports the development and characterization of innovative materials, strengthening CeTrA’s cross-sectoral research capabilities.

Institute of Polar Sciences - National Research Council (ISP-CNR)

The Institute of Polar Sciences (ISP-CNR) is a founding partner of CeTrA. It contributes to field research, atmospheric observation, and the development of analytical methods for environmental contaminants. ISP-CNR plays a leading role in operating the Col Margherita high-altitude observatory and in harmonizing CeTrA within national and international research networks.

Data-Centric Environmental Studies Centre (DESC)

CeTrA is one of the founding nodes of Data-Centric Environmental Studies Centre (DESC), the University's new centre dedicated to integrating data-driven approaches and research infrastructures in environmental science. DESC promotes open science, digital research environments, and the interoperability of tools and knowledge across disciplines.

Italian Integrated Environmental Research Infrastructures System (ITINERIS)

CeTrA is part of the Italian Integrated Environmental Research Infrastructures System (ITINERIS), funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research. Through ITINERIS, CeTrA contributes to a federated ecosystem of laboratories, observatories and digital platforms supporting open access, interoperability, and scientific excellence in the environmental domain.