The launch phase of the “Ten Theses for Sustainability” project was a success. The project is promoted by Symbola, Luiss, and Unioncamere, with support from Deloitte, patronage from the Conference of Rectors (CRUI), and collaboration from AlmaLaurea, the Network of Universities for Sustainable Development (RUS), and the National Interuniversity Consortium for Materials Science and Technology (INSTM).

On the eve of the call for applications, expected to be published by October, 19 universities have joined the initiative, with a significant presence across the country: the University of Naples Federico II, Tor Vergata, La Sapienza, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Bocconi University, the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, the Polytechnic Universities of Milan, Turin, and Marche, the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna of Pisa, the Universitas Mercatorum, and the Universities of Cagliari, Teramo, Camerino, Catania, Palermo, Teramo, and Brescia. This is a groundbreaking initiative, unique in Italy, aimed at awarding 10 theses from all disciplines—both the humanities and the sciences—with a strong and original focus on the principle of sustainability.

All Italian students enrolled in master's programs, single-cycle programs, or those who have obtained equivalent degrees, for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic years (with theses already submitted at the time of application) will be invited to participate. A scientific committee led by Stefano Zamagni and Paola Severino will select the winners. Zamagni is a professor of Political Economy at the University of Bologna, and Severino is the president of the Luiss School of Law.

The winners will receive cash prizes and the opportunity to apply for internships with leading Italian companies. These companies are eager to benefit from graduates whose skills and qualities can positively influence a corporate environment increasingly focused on embracing the values of openness and inclusiveness as the cornerstones of a new approach to business. With this broad vision in mind, submissions from ten thematic areas will be eligible for the selection process: mathematics, physics, and computer science; chemistry and biology; earth sciences; medicine; agriculture, veterinary science, and forestry; civil engineering and architecture; industrial and information engineering; classical, literary, artistic, historical, philosophical, educational, and psychological sciences; legal, political, and social sciences; and economics and statistics.

Ermete Realacci, president of the Symbola Foundation: “Tackling the climate crisis with courage is not only necessary, but it also presents a great opportunity to make our economy and society more human-centered and, therefore, better equipped for the future. The Pope’s latest call to action has provided a tremendous impetus to tackle the climate crisis. We need contributions from every field of knowledge. Europe is moving in this direction, pointing to cohesion, as well as the green and digital transitions, as the path to strengthening our economy. This is another reason why the “Ten Theses for Sustainability” project, sponsored by the Symbola Foundation, Unioncamere, and Luiss, is important. This is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at recognizing 10 university theses from various disciplines that make strong and original connections to the principle of sustainability. An opportunity to empower an Italy that is building its future.”

Vincenzo Boccia, President of Luiss Guido Carli University: “Openness, inclusion, and the cross-disciplinary nature of knowledge are traits deeply ingrained in Luiss’s DNA. For us, our faculty, and our students, sustainability represents a cultural trait that unites knowledge and conscience. Through this initiative, we are helping to develop skills that will be valuable to the business world as it navigates the complex green transition today. We are truly delighted that so many other universities have chosen to join us on the “10 Theses” journey, which we are promoting alongside Symbola and Unioncamere. This shared commitment confirms the country's remarkable maturity in addressing the challenges of balanced and viable growth.”

Andrea Prete, President of Unioncamere: “This initiative fully aligns with the chamber system's commitment to promoting sustainability in the manufacturing sector, which is also achievable through the development of in-house expertise within companies. The contribution that young graduates can make will therefore be very useful for the companies hosting the internships, as it will help them identify new ways to adapt their production activities to the green transition. It will also give the young people the opportunity to put their knowledge to the test within the company."

Stefano Pareglio, President of Deloitte Climate & Sustainability: “Addressing the challenge of the climate and ecological transition is a global priority for Deloitte. That's why, as Deloitte Climate & Sustainability, we've decided to support this project. Our goal is to further strengthen the connection between academic education and the market, and to raise awareness of the essential interaction between different areas of knowledge.”