A day rich in meaning marked the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the IUSS School for Advanced Studies in Pavia—an opportunity to reflect on the path taken, renew the commitment to advanced education and research, and look to the future with strategic vision.

The ceremony was further enriched by a particularly significant moment for the IUSS community: the awarding of an honorary doctorate to Professor Cristina Messa, Full Professor at the University of Milano-Bicocca and Scientific Director of the Don Gnocchi Foundation.

To close the morning session, Rector Riccardo Pietrabissa presented his end-of-term report, offering an overview full of challenges and accomplishments. He was succeeded by Rector-elect Mario Martina, who outlined the strategic directions for the School’s future.

Sealing the moment was the presentation of a signed print by all previous IUSS Rectors—a symbolic and heartfelt gesture that accompanied the handover between two visibly moved Rectors.

At the end of the morning, the focus turned to CampIUSS, the new open, international, and sustainable campus that will rise in the "Tettoie Nuove" area on Via Lomonaco. A strategic €15 million project supported by Regione Lombardia, the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR), IUSS, and the State Property Agency (Agenzia del Demanio), CampIUSS will include:

•  Classrooms, faculty and research offices, study and coworking spaces
•  Residences for PhD students
•  Laboratories and spaces for third mission activities
•  An agorà: a place for community and social exchange

With the first phase scheduled to open by spring 2026, CampIUSS represents a concrete step toward a growing, forward-looking university city—driven by innovation and sustainability.

📸 Relive the morning through our photo album!