Polytechnic Institute of Turin

Polytechnic Institute of Turin Overview

Politecnico di Torino, founded in 1859, was the first Italian Engineering School, marking the dawn of technical and scientific innovation in Italy. Initially named the School for Engineers, it later became Regio Politecnico di Torino in 1906. This institution has been shaping engineers, architects, designers, and urban planners for over 160 years, upholding rigorous standards and integrity in education.

With more than 38,700 students and a teaching staff exceeding 1,000, Politecnico di Torino stands as a prominent European technical university renowned for both education and research. Over the years, it has adapted to a dynamic global context characterized by globalization, climate change, advancing technologies, and shifting demographics. In response, the university is transforming into a "platform" university, focusing on inclusivity, collaboration with industry, and innovation to contribute to sustainable societal development.

The university's Polito4Impact Strategic Plan emphasizes the creation of value chains that intertwine education, research, innovation, financial services, and intellectual property. This initiative aims to foster industrial clusters attracting diverse enterprises, from large corporations to startups, thereby strengthening the local economy and benefiting PoliTO graduates.

Politecnico di Torino recognizes the importance of internationalization. It boasts a diverse community, with over 7,000 international students hailing from more than 100 countries, constituting 19% of the student body. This internationalization is fueled by English-language course offerings, support for international mobility, specialized departments for internationalization, and participation in joint projects and research programs.

Equity and inclusion are core principles at Politecnico di Torino. The university's commitment extends to student welfare, equal opportunity policies, organizational well-being, and support for students with special needs. Coordination with the Equality, Non-discrimination, and Anti-harassment Committee (CUG) and the Confidential Counsellor reinforces these efforts.

Politecnico di Torino is deeply committed to sustainability across its teaching, research, third mission, and campus management activities. Acknowledging the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, the university has integrated sustainability principles into its strategic plan since 2012. A dedicated section on the university's website offers insights into sustainability initiatives.

The university places a strong emphasis on the quality of education and research. It regularly monitors the quality of education through various channels, including annual reports and reviews. For doctoral programs, the Doctoral Advisory Board ensures adherence to accreditation requirements and evaluation criteria.

Politecnico di Torino actively participates in research funding programs at the European, national, regional, and local levels. Its aim is to attract funding for projects addressing major societal challenges and fostering industrial innovation.

Politecnico di Torino operates as a complex ecosystem, offering laboratories, research infrastructures, and cutting-edge instrumentation. This ecosystem promotes research and knowledge transfer, from the conceptual phase to results promotion. Key components include departments, interdepartmental centers, research infrastructures, and libraries.

The university demonstrates significant success in various branches of polytechnic research, attracting funding and making an impact on social and economic development.

Politecnico di Torino plays a vital role in promoting an entrepreneurial culture. It equips students and researchers with essential skills for innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering collaboration with entrepreneurs, start-up founders, investors, and stakeholders. 

Established in 1859 as the first Italian Engineering School, Politecnico di Torino has evolved into a pioneering technical university. It stands as a testament to Italy's journey into a new industrial era and continues to be at the forefront of education, research, and innovation.

The university's main campuses in Turin, Italy, are complemented by satellite campuses in other cities across the Piedmont region, expanding its reach and impact.

In its long history, Politecnico di Torino has weathered challenges, including wartime destruction and the need for relocation. However, its commitment to excellence in engineering and technical education remains unwavering.

Politecnico di Torino consistently ranks among the top universities in Italy and Europe. In the QS World University Rankings for 2023, it holds notable positions, such as 26th for Mechanical Engineering, 15th for Petroleum Engineering, 28th for Architecture, and a place among the top 50 engineering universities globally.

Politecnico di Torino has received the prestigious title of "European University" from the European Commission. It forms part of the UNITE! alliance alongside other leading European technical universities. This alliance aims to create a trans-European campus, introduce cross-border curricula, enhance scientific cooperation, and bolster knowledge transfer.

It comprises various faculties and departments, covering diverse fields such as architecture, control and computer engineering, energy, management and production engineering, electronics and telecommunications, mechanical and aerospace engineering, applied science and technology, structural and geotechnical engineering, mathematical sciences, and regional and urban studies and planning.

The university's courses span a wide spectrum, including aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and environmental engineering, among others. Notably, it prioritizes the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to address real-world challenges. 

In the research domain, Politecnico di Torino categorizes its efforts into four key areas: Industrial Engineering, focusing on improving manufacturing processes and industrial systems; Information Technology, delving into crucial areas like artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity; Management and Mathematical Engineering, optimizing decision-making processes through mathematical modeling; and Civil, Environmental, Architecture, and Design Engineering, tackling urban planning, sustainable architecture, environmental impact, and design innovation.

Furthermore, the university's commitment to research is strengthened by extensive collaborations with local and international companies, resulting in around 700 research contracts annually. Partnerships with industry leaders such as Fiat, Ferrari, IBM, and Microsoft drive cutting-edge research and provide students with valuable opportunities to engage in practical projects. In essence, Politecnico di Torino serves as a dynamic hub for innovation and education in the fields of engineering and technology, preparing students not only for current challenges but also to shape the technological landscape of the future.

Politecnico di Torino fosters a vibrant student community. Numerous student associations cater to diverse interests, including aerospace engineering, sustainability, innovation, and energy. Additionally, there are over 30 active student teams that collaborate on various projects, enriching students' cultural, technical, and managerial skills. Students have a voice in the governance of the university. They elect representatives to the Academic Senate, the Board of Directors, and the Boards of Schools. Various student political groups participate in these elections, reflecting diverse ideologies and perspectives.