First day of work today at Palazzo Sardagna, the home of the University of Trento, for Rector Flavio Deflorian, who will lead the University in the next six years. Professor Deflorian took over yesterday from Paolo Collini, during a ceremony that symbolically concluded his mandate. As the new rector, Deflorian first addressed the University community in an email, and then invited the community of Trentino to meet him, in an online press conference from Sala degli Stucchi
Before talking about projects and development plans, the Rector opened the meeting with the journalists of local media outlets introducing the team of Vice-Rectors who will work with him in coming years. A message in line with the intentions expressed in the election campaign to keep the focus above all on people. The gender-balanced team includes known and new members who will have the opportunity to enhance their personal skills.
Two of the new Vice-Rectors will be responsible for strategic areas of interest of the University, research and teaching and learning. Paola Venuti, full professor of Dynamic psychology and currently director of the Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences and of the OdfLab in Rovereto, was appointed Vice-Rector for Teaching and learning. Francesca Demichelis, full professor of Molecular biology at the Cibio Department, a scientist with years of experience in precision medicine and in the study of tumors, was appointed Vice-Rector for Research. They both were present today alongside the new Rector at the press conference.
Another new member of the team is Andrea Fracasso, full professor of Economic policy at the Department of Economics and Management and former director of the School of International Studies, who will be responsible for organisational and resource planning. In line with the previous administration of the University, the post of Vice-Rector for organizational well-being and employee relations has been given to Franco Fraccaroli, full professor of Work and organizational psychology, a member of the Academic Senate who has already been in charge of these matters but in the capacity of delegate.
Two Vice-Rectors in important roles were confirmed. Maurizio Marchese, professor of Information computing systems at the Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science, maintains his role as Vice-Rector for the Development of international relationships. And Barbara Poggio, full professor of Sociology of economic and labour processes at the Department of Sociology and Social Research, as Vice-Rector for equity and diversity policies, as well as president of the Committee for equal opportunities, well-being at work and against discrimination (CUG).
Other delegates who will deal with other matters of specific interest to the University will be appointed in the coming weeks, as well as the Deputy Rector who will replace the Rector in case of absence and will participate in the meetings of the Academic Senate. In addition to completing the team, the Rector will focus his attention on the resumption of face to face activities, when possible, and on the continuation of the building development plan of the University.
This is the email the Rector sent to the academic community:
Today is my first day as Rector of our university. You have given me a strong mandate, and I feel a personal sense of responsibility for the trust you have placed in me. My first thoughts go to the outgoing rector Paolo Collini, whom I thank for the excellent work that he has done over the years.
The role of rector is not an easy one. The complexities of the academic institution, with its education and research missions and the diverse groups that make up the university community, often require difficult choices that are not always accepted by all, despite the collegiality of the decision-making process. Some decisions will be hard to make, but I promise you that I will always keep everyone's point of view in mind, and that I will do my best to work in a spirit of cooperation and synergy.
I am taking office at a very challenging time. We hope and believe that the vaccines will allow us to resume our face to face activities but, for a few more months, we can only plan for the short term. However, we are a healthy university, a strong community, and I am sure that together we will be able to get through these difficult times: for our University, our students, for the Trentino community to which we belong. I wish you and your loved ones the very best.