Costruire Ponti di Conoscenza: A New Chapter for Italian Academic Internationalization

On May 19, 2025, the Sapienza School for Advanced Studies (SSAS) welcomed academic leaders, researchers, and policy makers to the Italian Scientists and Scholars in North America Foundation (ISSNAF) conference “Costruire Ponti di Conoscenza”, an event dedicated to advancing international academic collaboration between Italy and North America. 

The conference served as the official presentation of a groundbreaking mobility and scientific cooperation program promoted by ISSNAF, with the sponsorship of the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and the support of CRUI (Conference of Italian University Rectors). 

A Vision for Two-Way Academic Exchange 

At the heart of the initiative is a commitment to two-way academic mobility: 

• Welcoming North American researchers to Italian institutions, 

• Enabling Italian scholars to pursue academic and research opportunities in the U.S. and Canada. 

  
  

This dual approach is designed not only to enhance the international visibility of Italian universities but also to enrich local academic ecosystems through the cross-pollination of ideas, methods, and cultural perspectives.

By fostering long-term partnerships, the initiative aims to strengthen transatlantic networks of scientific excellence. 

Highlights from the Conference 

The event featured a rich program of contributions and discussions, beginning with greetings from distinguished figures such as Prof. Mattia Crespi (Director, Sapienza School for Advanced Studies), Dr. Lavinia Monti (Head of Internationalization, MUR), and Prof. Francesco Bonini (Rector, LUMSA; Vice President, CRUI). 

A detailed presentation of the ISSNAF-MUR program—its goals, structure, and long-term vision—was delivered by Cinzia Zuffada (President, ISSNAF), Matteo Magnani (Program Manager, ISSNAF), and Enrica D’Ettorre (Vice President, ISSNAF), who participated via a recorded presentation. In her address, Enrica D’Ettorre introduced the ISSNAF "Connect" Platform, an online environment currently under development that will serve as a dedicated space for connecting all ISSNAF Members. The platform aims to enhance engagement in ISSNAF activities and programs, and will facilitate access to opportunities for mobility, mentoring, and local events. This will also allow ISSNAF to scale-up its programs to serve the needs of all Italian universities who want to expand their reach into North America. Also present was Clarissa Ceruti, the newly appointed Executive Director of ISSNAF. 

Compelling testimonials from ISSNAF partner universities underscored the initiative’s impact: Prof. Eugenio Brusa (Politecnico di Torino), Prof. Mattia Crespi (SSAS), and Prof.ssa Stefania Pellegrini (University of Bologna, MERITA program) shared examples of emerging collaborations and new opportunities for young researchers.  

MERITA, the Network for Talent project, is the result of a collaboration between five Italian academic institutions: the Scuola Normale Superiore, the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, the Collegio Superiore of the University of Bologna, the Galilean School of Higher Studies of the University of Padua, and the School of Advanced Studies of Sapienza University of Rome.  

Participants also heard first-hand accounts from recent graduates who experienced research and study study exchanges through ISSNAF in existing mobility programs in the last few years. Their stories highlighted both the personal and professional growth made possible through international academic experiences. 

The day concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, offering a platform for dialogue and idea exchange between institutional stakeholders, students, and faculty members. 

A Shared Commitment to Global Engagement 

Over 20 Italian universities and research institutions took part in the conference—either in person or remotely—demonstrating a strong and growing commitment across the higher education sector to invest in internationalization and global partnerships. 

Looking Ahead 

The Costruire Ponti di Conoscenza initiative provides a meaningful incentive for Italian academia, promoting stronger scientific collaboration and encouraging a new culture of academic mobility. Through the ISSNAF program leveraging its extensive network of key researchers at institutions in North America, a foundation is being laid for a more interconnected, innovative, and globally engaged research ecosystem. 

As this new chapter unfolds, ISSNAF, MUR, CRUI, and their partner institutions reaffirm their commitment to positioning Italy as a leading voice in the international scientific landscape—building not only bridges of knowledge, but also sustainable pathways for future generations of scholars. 

In alignment with this vision, the MERITA network plans to launch a dedicated call in early summer 2025 as part of its collaboration with the ISSNAF mobility program. The call will be open to students from all MERITA-affiliated institutions, further expanding opportunities for academic exchange and professional growth. 

ISSNAF warmly invites all universities interested in joining the initiative to get in touch and explore how to formalize their participation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)—unlocking invaluable opportunities for their students to engage in international research, mentoring, and mobility programs. 

🎥 Watch the full event recording or jump to the segment that interests you most:

19th May 2025 - Costruire Ponti di Conoscenza

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A special thank you to all Italian University and Institution who were represented at the event:  

• Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca  

• CRUI - Conferenza dei rettori delle università italiane 

• Ambasciata degli Stati Uniti d’America in Italia 

• Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna  

• Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli (LUISS)  

• Politecnico di Bari (remotely) 

• Politecnico di Milano  

• Politecnico di Torino  

• Sapienza Università di Roma  

•  Scuola Galileiana di Studi Superiori – Università degli Studi di Padova  

• Scuola Superiore Gabriele d’Annunzio – Università degli Studi "Gabriele d’Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara  

• Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna  

• Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (remotely) 

• Università degli Studi di Firenze (remotely) 

• Università degli Studi di Genova (remotely) 

• Università degli Studi del Sannio di Benevento  

• Università degli Studi di Milano  

• Università degli Studi di Padova  

•  Università degli Studi di Pavia  

• Università degli Studi di Pisa  

• Università degli Studi di Torino (remotely) 

• Università degli Studi di Verona  

•  Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma