The Council of Ministers has given initial approval to the regulations on qualifying qualifications for the profession of biologist

The Council of Ministers, on the proposal of the Minister for Universities and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, has given preliminary approval to the draft regulation reforming access to the profession of biologist. The measure completes the reform process initiated by classifying biologists as part of the healthcare professions and by introducing qualifying university degrees.

The new framework recognises the qualifications awarded in the master’s degree programmes required for entry into the profession of biologist as qualifying, and also includes the degree qualifications required for entry into the corresponding section of the professional register. In this way, the university course is linked more directly to the practice of the profession, bridging the gap between the award of an academic qualification and professional accreditation.

The regulations also reorganise Section A of the register, dividing it into three distinct sectors: ‘general and biomedical biology’, ‘environment’ and ‘nutrition, hygiene and food safety’. The aim is to make the relationship between university education, professional competences and fields of activity clearer and more consistent.

“With this measure,” says Minister Bernini, “we are bringing university education closer to the professions and making it better equipped to guide young people into the world of work. It is a step forward in creating clear, high-quality pathways capable of responding to changes in the professions, society, healthcare, the environment and food safety.” The measure is the result of collaboration between the Ministry of Universities and Research, the Ministry of Health and the National Federation of Biologists’ Associations.