Sapienza University of Rome: Donatella Strangio becomes the first woman to head the Faculty of Economics

Donatella Strangio, full professor of Economic History, is the first woman to be elected Dean of the Faculty of Economics at Sapienza University of Rome in its 120-year history. Elected on 13 October 2026, she took up her post on 2 November for the three-year term 2026–2029. Formerly Head of the Memotef Department, she conducts international research on economic development, migration and the history of finance.

The professor took up her post on 2 November, following three years at the helm of the Department of Methods and Models for Economics, Territory and Finance (Memotef), which is one of the four departments within the Faculty of Economics at Sapienza University of Rome. The new Dean’s Office is focusing on educational innovation, inclusion, internationalisation and strengthening links with the business world and institutions, with particular attention to opportunities for the younger generation. As mentioned, Professor Strangio’s appointment as Dean marks the first time a woman has led the Faculty of Economics in its 120-year history at Europe’s largest university.