Global Engagement

The University’s global engagement strategy is led by the Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Professor Matteo Alvaro (Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences). Through a coordinated governance structure, the University advances strategic partnerships, fosters academic collaboration, and strengthens its global presence across key world regions.

Area Delegates

The Vice-Rector is supported by Area Delegates responsible for regional engagement:

• Europe – Professor Elisabetta Rocca, Department of Mathematics

  Focused on European alliances, EU-funded programmes, and engagement within the European Higher Education Area.

• Africa and Development Cooperation – Professor Carola Ricci, Department of Political and Social Sciences

  Dedicated to partnerships with African institutions and development-oriented cooperation, including capacity-building and sustainability initiatives.

• The Americas and the Middle East – Professor Marco Missaglia, Department of Political and Social Sciences

  Promoting academic exchange, research collaboration, and institutional partnerships across North, Central and South America and the Middle East.

• Asia and Oceania – Professor Marco Racchi, Department of Drug Sciences

  Supporting strategic engagement with leading institutions across Asia and Oceania, fostering innovation and academic mobility.

Operational Structures

The University’s international strategy is implemented through dedicated coordination and support structures that ensure the effective delivery of mobility programmes, partnership development, and global outreach initiatives.

International Relations Office

The International Relations Office supports the implementation of international mobility programmes, partnership management and institutional agreements. It serves as the main point of contact for international students, visiting scholars and partner institutions.

Operational Units

International Marketing and Recruitment
Head: Elena Fontana

Develops international recruitment strategies, global outreach initiatives and promotional activities.

International Mobility Unit
Head: Michela Cobelli

Coordinates outgoing and incoming mobility programmes and manages related international agreements.

GLOBEC

GLOBEC is a strategic platform supporting global partnership development, international project coordination and cross-regional collaboration.

Head: Andrea Pichelli