JOBFair 2026: Excellence in Higher Education Meets the World of Work
On October 27–28, Pisa will host the 16th edition of JOBFair, bringing together Italy's leading advanced higher education institutions and the business community. The Opening Ceremony will focus on “New Skills for the Jobs of the Future”, with Prof. Lydia Velliscig representing Scuola IUSS.
The 16th edition of JOBFair will take place in Pisa on Tuesday, October 27, and Wednesday, October 28, 2026, providing an opportunity to strengthen connections between academic excellence and the professional world.
The event brings together Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Scuola Normale Superiore, Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia, Scuola IMT Alti Studi Lucca, Gran Sasso Science Institute (L'Aquila), and the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) in Trieste, with Scuola Superiore Meridionale joining for the first time.
Over two days, students, graduates, academic institutions, and companies will come together to explore career opportunities, emerging skills, and the evolving needs of the labour market.
Opening Ceremony: “New Skills for the Jobs of the Future”
The event will officially open on Tuesday, October 27, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, in the Aula Magna, with a ceremony dedicated to “New Skills for the Jobs of the Future”.
The discussion will focus on emerging skills, labour market transformations, and the role of higher education institutions in preparing future generations for professional challenges.
The ceremony will begin with opening remarks by Prof. Nicola Vitiello, Rector of Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, who will highlight the importance of collaboration between universities, institutions, and the business community.
Representatives of the participating institutions and CCUM will then share their perspectives, including Prof. Fabrizio Lillo, Advisor for Placement Activities at Scuola Normale Superiore; Prof. Emiliano Ricciardi, Vice-Rector for Education at Scuola IMT Alti Studi Lucca; Prof. Pierdomenico Perata, member of the Organising Committee of Scuola Superiore Meridionale and Full Professor at Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna; Sara Pennatini, CCUM Delegate for Placement; and Prof. Giuseppe Turchetti, Vice-Rector for Relations with Businesses, Institutions and the Local Community at Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna.
Scuola IUSS will be represented by Prof. Lydia Velliscig, Delegate for Career Guidance, who will contribute to the discussion on the skills needed to address the evolving professional landscape and the role of higher education in supporting students' transition into the world of work.
Dialogue with the Business Community
From 12:10 PM to 12:50 PM, the programme will feature a panel discussion with representatives of the event's three Main Sponsors, moderated by Prof. Edoardo Bressanelli, Vice-Rector for Guidance and Social Mobility.
The panel will bring together Matteo Palai, Managing Director at Saint-Gobain; Alessandra Gambino, Head of Marketing & Communication at AgorAI; and Valeria Altarocca, HR Manager at Omnia Technologies.
The discussion will provide insights into the skills most valued by employers and the changing demands of the labour market, fostering dialogue between academia and industry.
The ceremony will conclude with remarks by Prof. Alessandro Schiesaro, Director of Scuola Normale Superiore, who will reflect on the key themes discussed and emphasise the importance of cooperation between academic institutions and businesses in supporting future generations as they prepare for their careers.
Event Information
JOBFair 2026
Dates: October 27–28, 2026
Location: Pisa, Italy
Opening Ceremony
Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
Venue: Aula Magna
Theme: “New Skills for the Jobs of the Future”