Luiss, the Board of Directors appoints Paolo Boccardelli as new rector

The Board of Directors of the Luiss Guido Carli University, on the proposal of President Luigi Gubitosi, has appointed Professor Paolo Boccardelli as the new Rector of the University with effect from 26 June 2024. Paolo Boccardelli succeeds Andrea Prencipe, who has reached the end of his second term. The new rector will lead the Free International University of Social Studies for the three-year period 2024/2027.

Professor Paolo Boccardelli, 52 years old, from Rome and Alumnus of the University, boasts an important teaching and academic research experience. Currently, he is full professor of Economics and Business Management and Business Strategy and heads the Research Centre in Strategic Change 'Franco Fontana' at Luiss. Previously, he was director of the Luiss Business School. "With the appointment of Professor Paolo Boccardelli, Luiss Guido Carli renews its commitment to academic excellence, preparing itself to face the future challenges that await the world of higher education," said President Luigi Gubitosi, who went on to thank the outgoing rector for his prestigious achievements: "Professor Andrea Prencipe leaves a valuable legacy to our University, with significant progress in internationalisation and research. During his tenure, the University has become a global reference point, capable of attracting an increasing number of international lecturers and students, signing agreements with 360 of the world's most important academic institutions and launching 69 double and triple degree programmes. A strategy that we intend to strengthen in the coming years also thanks to the close relationship with our shareholder'.

Over the last six years, teaching and research have continued to be fundamental pillars for Luiss, with a constant focus on innovation and the interdisciplinary nature of the courses on offer and an intense activity of observatories and research centres, which have grown in number and academic prominence. The University has, in fact, climbed the most important international rankings of higher education, confirming its position among the top 20 in the world and first in Italy for Political and International Studies according to the QS World University Ranking by Subject 2024 survey, and taking 30th place globally for the Master's Degree in "Management" in the latest Financial Times ranking (it was 90th in 2019). The University, promoted by Confindustria, has also consolidated its relationship with its reference ecosystem, starting from its institutional partners, the business world and the Alumni network. The Faculty's relevance and influence is enhanced by the contribution and experience of managers and professionals from companies, multinationals, law firms and public administration. A direct link with the labour market, where 96% of Luiss graduates find employment within the first twelve months of graduating.

Professor Andrea Prencipe, in expressing gratitude to the top management and the Academy, said: "I am very pleased and fully satisfied with the results achieved by Luiss in terms of internationalisation, interdisciplinarity and innovation. I wish Professor Paolo Boccardelli well in his work. I am certain that, together with the University's new team, he will know how to guide the University with continuity and with the aim of consolidating the results achieved". The new Rector, Professor Paolo Boccardelli, commented: "It is a great honour for me to accept this appointment, for which I thank the President and the entire Board of Directors. Luiss was and is an important part of my life and I accept this appointment with a deep sense of responsibility and emotion. I would like to thank Andrea Prencipe for the passion and determination he has lavished over the years on the development of our University, confirmed by its growth in international rankings. In taking up the baton, I will strive to further strengthen the role and prestige of Luiss in Italy and abroad, in close collaboration with my colleagues, the top management of the University and Confindustria, well aware of the great role that Luiss plays as an institution in this country in the selection and development of the ruling class".