Rectorate, a Team Getting Stronger

The start of the 2024-2025 academic year also coincides with the beginning of Francesco Billari’s second term as Rector of Bocconi University for the 2024-2027 three-year period, as well as the new Rector’s team of 12 Deans. They include three new members and three delegates, two of whom are new appointees. “I’m excited to lead a Rectorate that combines continuity and innovation,” said Rector Francesco Billari. “With the contribution of Marta Cartabia, Dirk Hovy and Francesco Saita as new Deans and Alberto Grando and Dino Ruta as new delegates joining the Rector’s team, Bocconi is ready to respond to global challenges and strengthen its international role. The University is embarking on a three-year period of innovation, commitment and global reach, consolidating its leadership role in the social sciences in Europe and around the world.”

The new Deans

Marta Cartabia has been appointed Dean for Social Engagement and Institutional Affairs. Cartabia will coordinate “Third Mission” initiatives, promoting an open dialogue with the community and the third sector and will chair the “Community and Social Engagement” Committee. In addition, she will represent the university in institutional relations with the Ministry of Universities and Research, the Lombardy Region, the Municipality of Milan and other local authorities, supporting orientation activities and interaction with high schools.

Dirk Hovy takes on the role of Dean for Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence. Hovy will be responsible for developing digital, computational and artificial intelligence initiatives in the field of services and teaching. He will also head the University’s Artificial Intelligence Committee, promoting a wide range of innovative projects in line with the Strategic Plan.

Francesco Saita is taking over Catherine De Vries’ role as Dean for International Affairs. Saita will lead the internationalization process, expanding global collaborations and consolidating Bocconi’s international relations. Catherine De Vries, President of the Institute for European Policymaking (IEP@BU), leaves a solid foundation on which Saita can build new opportunities for cooperation.

The returning Deans

• Chiara Fumagalli – Dean of the Undergraduate School
• Carlo Salvato – Dean of the Graduate School and Deputy Rector
• Pietro Sirena – Dean of the School of Law and for Legal Affairs and Compliance
• Andrea Fosfuri – Dean of the PhD School and for Innovation
• Stefano Caselli – Dean of SDA Bocconi School of Management
• Paolo Pinotti – Dean of the Faculty
• Elena Carletti – Dean for Research
• Antonella Carù – Dean for Development and Alumni Relations
• Paola Profeta – Dean for Diversity, Inclusion and Sustainability
• Myriam Mariani – Dean for Academic Strategy 

The Rector's Delegates

In addition to confirming Leonardo Caporarello at the helm of Bocconi University Innovations in Learning and Teaching (BUILT), the following delegates have been appointed:

Alberto Grando, delegate for the Tech Europe Foundation (TEF), who will work with the Deans to promote innovation and represent Bocconi as Vice President of TEF.

Dino Ruta, delegate for the Olympic Movement, who will coordinate activities related to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games and will be the contact person for relations with the Olympic Movement and the relevant institutions.

The Rector's mandate 2024-2027

In the path of continuous strengthening of Bocconi as a leading European university in the social sciences, over the next three years Billari and his team will be engaged in particular in:

• Coordinating the university’s Strategic Plan for the 2026-2030 five-year period, including it in a long-term vision of the research and university sector with a focus on global demographic and socioeconomic trends.
• Creating a department in the field of cognitive and behavioral science, which will allow the University to round out its presence in frontier social sciences, with new alliances and education programs. Digital transformation and the use of artificial intelligence in teaching and research will also be supported by further developing a computer science and data-based approach, in part thanks to collaborations and relations with other universities and companies.
• Enhancing Third Mission and social impact initiatives in Italy, Europe and around the world, including by further encouraging, enhancing and recognizing student participation in the various initiatives. A cultural presence in Milan and being open to the city will be further consolidated, including in the context of the main events that mark the life of the local community.
• Launching a fundraising campaign with a projection toward 2030. It will be based on the pillars of inclusion and support of students, research, faculty and the campus, engaging individual, corporate and foundation donors worldwide, while also leveraging the Alumni community, including through major initiatives that encourage a return to the campus.
• Continuing to attract quality students from Italy, Europe and around the world, further strengthening inclusion policies and expanding opportunities to live near the campus.