The University of Trieste is approaching the end of the year with a result that places it among the small group of Italy’s highest-performing universities: it has been positioned in the top tier of periodic accreditation, receiving a “Fully Satisfactory” institutional judgement from the National Agency for the Evaluation of the University and Research System (ANVUR).

In the assessments available to date, the highest judgement has been awarded by ANVUR to only four other Italian universities out of 33 evaluated: University of Pavia, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UniMoRe), Politecnico di Torino, and Bocconi University.

“I am very proud to share this outcome: UniTS has been placed in the highest evaluation band. It is a third-party, objective assessment that considers the full scope of our activities: teaching, research, public and social engagement, healthcare-related clinical activities, resources and services. It recognises the quality of teamwork that has involved our entire university community,” said Rector Donata Vianelli.

In the Agency’s final report, the University of Trieste achieved the top rating in 86.7% of the focus points (20 out of 23), compared with a maximum of 78.3% (18 out of 23) recorded so far by other universities placed in the same band.

What periodic accreditation is

Periodic accreditation is the assessment through which ANVUR evaluates, at regular intervals, the overall quality of a university: not only outcomes, but also the processes, procedures and organisation that underpin education, research and third mission/social impact activities, together with resource management and services.

Recognised strengths

The report and the good practices highlighted during the accreditation process point to several distinctive elements. Among the most significant is internationalisation, starting with the substantial share of students from abroad (8% of total enrolments in bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes in academic year 2024/25, one of the highest figures in Italy), and extending to the educational offer that includes double degrees and joint degrees through agreements with European universities. The evaluation also highlights the active involvement of students in decision-making processes and in the quality assurance system, alongside the recognised contribution of technical and administrative staff.

In addition, the Agency notes the University’s commitment to teaching innovation, including through the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC), and the strengthening of technological equipment in classrooms. In research, UniTS has introduced dedicated support for newly hired researchers: a €10,000 starting grant for those who do not have their own funding.

The evaluation process

The assessment consisted of document analysis and an on-site visit carried out by an Evaluation Experts Committee (CEV) appointed by ANVUR and composed of academics and students. Degree programmes and doctoral programmes were initially reviewed remotely from 5–7 May 2025; the Committee then visited the University from 20 to 23 May 2025 to extend its assessment.

The evaluation covered the University as a whole, a sample of 3 departments (Mathematics, Informatics and Geosciences; Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences; Humanities), 10 first- and second-cycle degree programmes (International Economics and Financial Markets, Physics, Geology, Foreign Languages and Literatures, Law, Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, Diplomacy and International Cooperation – Master’s, Computer Engineering – Master’s, Neurosciences – Master’s), and 3 doctoral programmes (Personalised Medicine and Innovative Therapies; Earth Sciences, Fluid Dynamics and Mathematics. Interactions and Methods; Historical, Philosophical and Political-Social Studies).

A path of continuous excellence

Rector Vianelli emphasised the collective nature of this outstanding result and expressed particular thanks to emeritus Rector Roberto Di Lenarda, under whose leadership the evaluation took place, to his governance team—“first and foremost Prof. Gianpiero Adami”—and to the Quality and Strategic Support Staff Unit, which supported the University throughout this phase.

“This excellence judgement,” Vianelli noted, “certifies the robustness of the processes through which UniTS plans, delivers and continuously improves its institutional activities. It strengthens the University of Trieste’s ability to be a reference point for educating students—who in Italy achieve the highest employment rates—for research that is delivering internationally outstanding results, and for social impact through an ongoing dialogue with all local stakeholders, particularly companies, businesses, bodies and institutions. Moreover, success in European calls guarantees the continuous innovation of our infrastructures.

“We are very satisfied with the ANVUR judgement,” concluded Vianelli, who has led the University since 1 August. “In Olympic terms, I would say we have won our gold medal”.