University of Bologna

University of Bologna Overview

The University of Bologna, known as Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna (UNIBO) in Italian, stands as a revered public research institution located in Bologna, Italy. Established in the distant year of 1088 by an organized guild of students known as studiorum, this university claims the prestigious title of being the oldest continuously operating university globally and holds the distinction of being the first institution to confer degrees. The very term "universitas" was coined here. With an impressive enrollment of over 90,000 students, it stands as the second-largest university in Italy, surpassed only by La Sapienza in Rome.

The origins of the University of Bologna are steeped in history, with its roots tracing back to student societies, or universitates scholarium, comprised of foreign students organized by nationality. These associations were created to protect students from the collective penalties that city laws imposed on foreigners for the wrongdoings of their fellow countrymen. These societies would then hire scholars from pre-existing local lay and ecclesiastical schools to instruct them in liberal arts, law, theology, and other subjects.

The institution's gradual evolution into a university took place around these scholar societies, eventually forming a larger entity known as the Studium. This Studium gained considerable bargaining power with the city, deriving substantial income from foreign students. The students held influence through their elected representatives who made decisions about hiring and firing professors, course content, and professor salaries. Professors also had their own voice through collegia doctorum, committees formed in each faculty. Over time, this arrangement evolved, and the university transitioned into a chartered public university, funded by the city.

Historically, the University of Bologna boasted a pivotal role in the study of canon and civil law. It was a crucial center for the study of Roman law, particularly the Digest, a foundational text in Roman law. The university saw groundbreaking achievements in gender equality, with individuals like Bettisia Gozzadini becoming one of the earliest women to obtain a university degree and teach there. Laura Bassi, an accomplished scientist, shattered gender barriers by earning a doctorate in science and securing a salaried professorial position.

Today, the university's structure comprises various departments and schools, which offer a range of degree programs. The faculties have evolved into 11 schools, covering fields such as agriculture, economics, engineering, law, arts, medicine, pharmacy, political sciences, psychology, and more. These schools host a total of 33 departments that align with specific research domains.

As of recent years, the University of Bologna is deeply committed to a 2022-2027 Strategic Plan. This plan is based on key principles, each translating into specific goals. The plan covers areas such as teaching, research, people, and society, aiming to align with the Italian Recovery and Resilience Plan and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

With over 530 research projects funded by the EU, active involvement in Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan, and a robust portfolio of active patents, the University of Bologna stands as a beacon of innovation and academic excellence. Its Sustainability Report, adhering to international guidelines, underscores the institution's commitment to economic, social, and environmental value generation.