The role of the Ombudsman is to intervene on behalf of any University community member who feels that their rights or interests have been harmed as a result of abuse, deficiencies, malfunctions or delays attributable to actions, measures, behaviours or omissions by organs, structures, offices or individual members of the University.

The Ombudsman can be contacted informally.

The Ombudsman will not consider anonymous complaints.

The Ombudsman acts in compliance with the principles of the adversarial system, making full use of investigative measures and possible final outcomes. The Ombudsman carries out their work transparently and effectively, striving for proportionality and sincere cooperation and, in this vein, may propose conciliatory solutions for the resolution of disputes.

If while performing their duties the Ombudsman becomes aware of misconduct that warrants disciplinary or criminal investigation or which violates the Code of Ethics and Conduct, they will interrupt the investigation without delay, referring the matter to the Rector, who will refer it to the competent bodies.

Any information that the Ombudsman becomes   aware of for work-related reasons is kept confidential. Similarly, the Ombudsman protects the confidentiality of the applicant and of any other persons involved in the investigation.  Any staff members who are assigned to work with the Ombudsman are also not allowed to share confidential information.

The role of Ombudsman of the University of Trieste is currently held by Guido Patriarchi, former President of the Examining Judge Section of the Court of Trieste.