An incredible case is shaking the University of Urbino: a researcher, missing from the laboratories since 2003, continued to receive a monthly salary of between 2500 and 3000 euros. Luciano Lattanzi, 62 years old, resident in Montecopiolo, in the province of Rimini, is the protagonist of this surreal story.
A 21 year long absence
Luciano Lattanzi, researcher in the department of Pure and Applied Sciences, environmental sector, began his career at the University of Urbino 27 years ago. However, since 2003 he has no longer shown up at the laboratory, causing his mobile number to be deleted from the university’s systems. Despite his prolonged absence, Lattanzi continued to receive his salary regularly.
Statements from the rector and the director of the department
The rector Giorgio Calcagnini, interviewed by “Il Resto del Carlino”, explained: “We have over 350 teachers and I really don’t know this colleague. I have received reports of his prolonged absence. Researchers have no particular obligations, they certainly are not required to clock in, but it is clear that they have to do research. If Lattanzi has not produced anything for 21 years while continuing to receive a salary, everything must be clarified and the necessary measures taken immediately afterwards.”
Andrea Viceré, director of the department, also tried to track down Lattanzi over the years, without success: “I looked for him repeatedly. He never answered me or introduced himself. However, I would like to say that I am not his employer, the rector has this role. I have the power to give negative opinions on the researcher’s productivity and I have stuck to this.”
The researcher’s reaction
Interviewed by the newspaper, Lattanzi responded ironically: “It’s true, I haven’t done research since 2003. My career went to pieces because I did so many projects, but without receiving the funding. So I stayed at home, paid because I have tenure. I don’t even have a computer and I don’t know the director of the department. But now I’m going back to the faculty to see how much I have left for retirement.”
Possible consequences
Rector Calcagnini declared that, finding confirmation of the reports received, does not rule out Lattanzi’s dismissal. He added: “I don’t know of any other researchers who are absent for this long and in any case there is always contact with their manager. In this case, however, there is not even telephone contact.”
Conclusions
The case of Luciano Lattanzi represents an extreme example of inefficiency and lack of control within the University of Urbino. The case raises important questions about the management of academic staff and the criteria for evaluating the productivity of researchers. While the university prepares to take the necessary measures, the ghost researcher is preparing to return to the faculty, perhaps for the last time, before entering retirement.
