On Friday, 15 May, the Aula Prodi at the University of Bologna hosted the first Psychology Alumni Reunion: a day dedicated to all those who once shared classrooms, ideas and experiences, and who chose to come together again to give new meaning to that common history.
The Psychology Alumni Reunion transformed Aula Prodi into a meeting space for different generations of psychologists, professors, students and professionals, creating an opportunity for dialogue between professional experiences, personal journeys and visions for the future of the discipline. The initiative represented not only a moment to reconnect, but above all an opportunity to strengthen the sense of belonging to the “Renzo Canestrari” Department of Psychology and the Unibo Alumni Community.
At the heart of the event was a shared reflection on the transformations currently affecting the psychological profession. During the panel “The Psychology of the Future: New Needs and New Tools”, moderated by Professor Elvis Mazzoni, professionals from different sectors — healthcare, business, education and psychometrics — discussed how psychological work is evolving in response to contemporary social, organisational and technological changes. Andrea Capano (Gruppo Hera), Lucia Golfieri (IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna), Giada Ligorio (IAL Emilia-Romagna), Luca Mandolesi (Giunti Psychometrics) and Sandra Nicoletti (AUSL Bologna) shared experiences and perspectives, highlighting emerging needs, new skills and professional scenarios in constant evolution.
Among the themes explored throughout the discussion, particular attention was given to the relationship between Psychology and artificial intelligence. Several speakers highlighted how digital tools are transforming organisational processes, recruitment, data management and access to information, creating important opportunities while also raising complex questions. While AI is increasingly used as an operational and analytical support tool, participants strongly reaffirmed that human relationships, listening, empathy and the ability to understand people’s complexity remain deeply irreplaceable.
The discussion also emphasised the importance of maintaining an open and curious attitude toward new technologies without losing sight of the human value at the core of the profession. In this context, psychologists were identified as key figures in supporting younger generations in the conscious use of digital tools and in building authentic relationships within an increasingly technology-mediated society.
The event also dedicated significant attention to professional connections and the value of the Alumni network. Throughout various moments of discussion, participants highlighted the importance of building relationships among colleagues, sharing experiences, fostering collaborations and creating connections capable of bringing together academia, local communities and the professional world. This spirit inspired both the talk “ALUMNI meet students”, focused on personal career paths and post-graduation challenges, and the afternoon networking activities organised around the themes of “family, school and community” and “businesses and private practice”.
More than a simple Reunion, the initiative became a moment of authentic and active exchange, where different experiences came together around a common question: what role can Psychology play today in a rapidly changing society? The strong participation and the dialogue that emerged throughout the day confirmed the desire to build an increasingly active, connected Alumni community capable of generating new opportunities for discussion, growth and shared collaboration.
With the hope of meeting again soon, we would like to thank the Order of Psychologists of Emilia-Romagna for sponsoring the event, Professor Maria Letizia Guerra and Professor Fiorella Giuseberti for taking part in the initiative, and the Department of Psychology for supporting the event.
