University of L’Aquila

Established in 1952, University of L’Aquila is today a dynamic institution that plays a full role in the European Higher Education Area, providing the students and staff community with an international environment where solutions to the ever-changing needs of present society are designed  with an interdisciplinary approach. Its history goes back to 9th May 1464, when King Ferdinand of Aragon granted the request from the city of L'Aquila to open a “Studium” equivalent to those in Bologna, Siena and Perugia. Since then, following the changes of the historical and political scenario, the Studium underwent several transformations but preserving its role of Higher Education provider in the fields of Law, Chemistry/Pharmacy, Medicine, till the closure of the University Studies on 1923. With 7 Departments, the University of L’Aquila offers its about 20,000 students a wide range of first and second cycle degrees, and a vast array of PhDs and 3rd Cycles courses in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, ICT, Biology, Medicine and Life Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities.  Excellence both in the education and in research is at the centre of University’s policy. Teaching is designed to be interactive, stimulating and interlocked with research as closely as possible. Many members of its distinguished faculty of about 600 professors and researchers have received international recognition and are considered leaders in their fields of research. Preparing the students for becoming global graduates in a global community and for a successful career is the core goal of the internationalization policy. Students have the opportunity to apply the knowledge to real problems drawn from working life and are embedded in an international environment thanks to the partnerships with universities in Europe and beyond, from Asia to America and Africa, in the framework of about 400 agreements in more than 60 countries. Sustainability and civic engagement are key commitments of the University. To enhance and safeguard the territory, to improve community wellbeing, to promote a knowledge-based economy and to work effectively together for the common good have a special meaning in a territory that after the earthquake is re-thinking its social and economical backbone.