University of Bergamo

University of Bergamo Overview

The University of Bergamo, often referred to as UniBG, is a public institution located in the charming city of Bergamo, Italy. Università degli Studi di Bergamo, emphasizing openness, diversity, freedom, and interaction, encapsulating the essence of "universality."

Founded in 1968, the university had humble beginnings as the "Institute of Foreign Languages and Literature," situated in Bergamo's Upper Town. This endeavor was a collaborative effort between the city's institutions, a testament to their forward-thinking vision. This initiative was designed to bridge a gap left by the closure of the Language Course at the prestigious Bocconi University in Milan, creating an opportunity to provide high-level education in European languages and cultures.

In the early 1970s, recognizing the growing demand for highly qualified professionals in economics, the university expanded its offerings. This resulted in the establishment of degree courses, culminating in the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration in Via Salvecchio. As the range of studies broadened, the need for more space became evident, leading to the creation of the first linguistic laboratory at Palazzo Terzi and eventually the move to the Piazza Rosate headquarters.

Dalmine, known for its industrial history, emerged as the ideal location for the Department of Engineering in 1991. This was a pivotal moment, aligning the university with the region's rich history of innovation and industry. November 1, 1992, marked a significant transformation when the university transitioned into a state institution, changing its name to the University of Bergamo. This change secured stable resources and allowed the university to embrace its increasing international vocation, particularly through programs like Erasmus.

Under the leadership of Alberto Castoldi (1999-2009) and Stefano Paleari (2009-2015), the university witnessed substantial growth in both student numbers and teaching staff. New departments, such as the Department of Letters Philosophy, Communication, and the Department of Law, were established, along with new Bachelor's and Master's degree programs and PhD offerings. These expansions not only strengthened academic programs but also extended the university's physical presence, with new offices throughout the city.

The University of Bergamo actively participates in various associations and networks, including the European Factories of the Future Research Association (EFFRA), the New European Bauhaus initiative, and the Lombardy Intelligent Factory Association (AFIL). These affiliations reflect the university's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration.

UniBG is an integral part of several clusters and initiatives, such as the National Technological Cluster "Smart Factory," Lombardy Energy Cleantech Cluster (LE2C), SCC Cluster for Smart Cities & Communities, and Lombardy cluster of life sciences. These connections strengthen the university's role in fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges.

The University of Bergamo is an active participant in global collaborations through networks like Swetaly, which promotes academic and research partnerships between Italian and Swedish universities, and the Alps-Adriatic Rectors' Conference, fostering transnational dialogue and cooperation in higher education and research.

Uni-Italia, founded in 2010, aims to promote Italian Higher Education and facilitate the mobility of foreign students and researchers to Italian universities. It collaborates with Italian diplomatic offices abroad and cultural institutes to promote Italian higher education programs.

The University of Bergamo consistently ranks among the top performers in Italy for its educational offerings, according to Censis' rankings. It is also recognized on the global stage, with Times Higher Education placing it among the top 500 universities worldwide and the top 100 young universities globally.

The university is committed to sustainability, focusing on environmentally friendly practices in its operations, including sustainable campus facilities, waste reduction, and encouraging sustainable behaviors among students and staff.

UniBG is organized into seven departments, offering a diverse range of degree programs, some of which are taught in English. These departments which include the Department of Humanities Language and Cultural Studies, Department of Management Information and Production Engineering, Department of Foreign Languages Literatures and Cultures, Department of Law, Department of Human and Social Sciences, Department of Economics and Management Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences, are spread across various campuses within Bergamo and Dalmine, providing a rich and accessible learning environment

It's commitment to sustainability is evident in its eco-friendly practices. It encourages sustainable behaviors among students and staff, reduces land usage, and promotes the use of public transport and bicycles. Additionally, the university offers merchandise made from recycled and recyclable materials.

The University of Bergamo actively supports research initiatives through research grants. These grants are awarded to promising scholars with master's or Ph.D. degrees, facilitating research projects that contribute to the institution's academic prowess.

Patents are a cornerstone of technology transfer between the university and the local community. The university helps its academic community manage patent portfolios, provides specialized training, and identifies suitable funding opportunities.

The University for Innovation Foundation (U4I) is a collaborative initiative involving the University of Bergamo, the University of Milano-Bicocca, and the University of Pavia. This foundation aims to harness scientific knowledge, bridge the gap between research and markets, and promote the development of new products and services. U4I also facilitates patent promotion and supports the growth of spin-off companies.

The university encourages entrepreneurial initiatives stemming from research activities. Spin-offs are entrepreneurial ventures initiated by university researchers, with support from the institution. University start-ups, on the other hand, are highly innovative entrepreneurial endeavors initiated by students and staff who have participated in entrepreneurial training courses. The University of Bergamo offers language courses to both its students and those not enrolled at the university. These courses provide opportunities for individuals to enhance their language skills and broaden their horizons.

The University of Bergamo promotes business culture and entrepreneurship by organizing training courses, both curricular and extracurricular. These courses aim to stimulate innovative ideas, nurture aspiring entrepreneurs, and facilitate the generation of new businesses.

The university recognizes the importance of close collaborations between academia and industry. Companies and funding institutions that collaborate with the university can access various concessions, incentives, and tax deductions. The university actively collaborates with the local social fabric, creating joint laboratories with public authorities, industries, and institutions to drive innovation.

Erasmus+ is a program that offers students the opportunity to live cultural and professional experiences abroad. This initiative allows students to immerse themselves in different cultures, learn new languages, and contribute to building a more united Europe. The Bergamo UNESCO Chair, established in 2003, is part of the UNITWIN (University Twinning and Networking) UNESCO Chairs program. This program fosters international cooperation and knowledge sharing among universities worldwide, promoting excellence in education, sciences, culture, and communication.