About us

The Institute of Advanced Studies (ISA) is an institution of the University of Bologna. ISA has been conceived as a place of learning for inquisitive minds to foster the development and strengthening of collaborations between foreign scholars and scientists operating in the Departments of the University of Bologna. 

ISA began its activities in Spring 2001, joining the small number of similar institutions in the world with a distinctive mission and structure. It was indeed founded to provide a forum for scholars and scientists visiting UniBo and wishing to devote the best of their time and creative energy to carry out projects of theoretical or applied research in collaboration with reseachers and professors operating in all the diverse areas of the University of Bologna.

The University of Bologna has always represented a thriving research community deeply rooted in the European setting and firmly committed to cross-fertilisation with other academic cultures and intellectual traditions. With its rich blend of knowledge and ideas encompassing a millennial tradition, it is in a privileged position to promote a fruitful exchange of intellectual perspectives and projects.

Born to foster international scientific exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue, ISA aims to:

• promote scientific collaboration between professors and researchers of the University of Bologna and international scholars, including Visiting Professors and Visiting Scholars, in accordance with the University Regulations;
• contribute to the enrichment of the cultural life and scientific research of the University of Bologna through the development and dissemination of special initiatives and research projects, in line with the University’s internationalisation strategies;
• provide resources and support to international scholars and encourage the organisation of cultural projects, workshops and seminars in collaboration with them and with the academic community;
• strengthen interdisciplinary and international cooperation across Departments and other structures of the University of Bologna, as well as with partner institutions in Italy and abroad;
• encourage the development of educational, cultural and scientific initiatives characterised by strong interdisciplinary and international relevance;
• offer a platform for dialogue, exchange and collaboration among Italian and international scholars and researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds.