New rector Marina Brambilla, how do you interpret this large-scale victory?
«I thank everyone for the trust placed in me, in such a participatory way. It is a victory for the State community and also for women. After 100 years we can also represent the top management of our university, and I would like this to be a result for all my colleagues and students too: the past we have inherited has boundaries that we will rewrite. It will no longer be an exception to be able to contribute to the top of institutions with our work.”
How will you deal with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
«There have already been some in-depth meetings on the Middle Eastern situation and there will be others; obviously everything must be kept within the context of a discussion that does not lead to violence: we will continue to maintain the strong role of universities, a role of free places for discussion and consultation”.
The future relationship with students?
«My work has always been based on transparency. We are also a university that does research on these aspects, so delving into the reasons for conflicts and being able to talk about them is something that will always have asylum with us. We spoke to the students several times, I believe that their testimony of support for the request for peace is also a message of openness and dialogue.”
What rectorship awaits you?
«It will be a complex six years, characterized by increasingly accelerated transitions towards digital and environmental protection, with important commitments towards the Milan area with Campus Mind, ready in 2027, and the relaunch of Città Studi as a humanities hub».
Two fundamental projects.
«Precisely because they are crucial for the State Road of the future and already largely covered by public funds, their management must be based on maximum efficiency. The challenge is that of timing with respect for a tight schedule.”
How to increase the supply of accommodation and residences?
«The theme of residential housing is central to my program because the high cost of Milan risks undermining the attractiveness of our city: at Mind there will be 1,100 new beds and others will come from the Biology towers of Città Studi».
How will the right to education change in the coming years?
«I see the need to expand the right to study from different points of view: broaden inclusion from an income point of view but also think about combating all the fragilities of students that prevent them from having complete access to study».
What other priorities do you have in mind?
«As I stated several times during the election campaign, we must consolidate the medical centres, enhance scientific research and pay attention to the student component both in terms of training offerings and services. For staff, welfare must be increased with the “university nursery” project and with the strengthening of smart working”.
Is Milan attractive for a researcher?
«The attractiveness is offering a career that is equal to that of the rest of Europe. It is right that young people go abroad but they must also be able to return and find the same conditions here.”
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