petition

[vincenzo fano]

www.econ.uniurb.it/appello

All scholars can subscribe a petition similar to the one for the Department of history and philosophy of science in Budapest. But this time it is for the University of Urbino, which lives similar problems!
I thank all for their contribution, which cuold be very important.
Best wishes
Enzo


For several years now the University of Urbino, one of the most ancient and
illustrious institutions of higher learning in Italy, has been in the midst
of a serious financial crisis, due in large measure to the inadequate
funding provided [envisaged?] by the 1991 law governing autonomous 
universities.

This funding - the university's main source of income - has been
gradually undermined by inflation, and today is significantly less than what
is received by state-owned universities of comparable size.

The University of Urbino has nonetheless persevered in a determined effort
to uphold and even raise the high standards of teaching and research; the
contributions to this effort by the celebrated poet and writer Carlo Bo -
for many years the Rector and, as it were, "patron" of the university - were
of the highest order.

The reputation of the University has grown both in Italy and abroad over the
past decades; it has been ranked among the foremost Italian universities for
the quality and number of its scientific publications, as well as for the
excellence of its teaching.

This long dearth of funding is jeopardizing the University's ability to
carry out its fundamental activities of teaching and research, and may have
serious consequences of various kinds. There is the threat to the very
existence of the lovely Renaissance city of Urbino, recognized by Unesco as
a "World Heritage Site", which has historically been characterized by the
capillary ties that permeate its university, urban structure and surrounding
territory. And without timely and adequate adjustment of the resources
provided, the high standards may be seriously compromised, resulting in a
greatly diminished role for this Institution on the national and
international scientific and cultural scenes.

The University of Urbino has for some time now repeatedly applied for state
ownership, to gain access to the more adequate funding given to such
universities. This would resolve the current crisis, and represent just
recognition of the university's value and distinguished history; of the
incalculable efforts made since its foundation in 1506, and of more recent
investments carried out to achieve excellence.

To this end, appeal is made to the highest national Institutions: to the
President of the Republic of Italy, to the Presidents of the Senate and
House, and to the President of the Council of Ministers; that swift progress
be made to resolve the serious uncertainties, and even penury, that threaten
the survival of the University of Urbino and undermine its prospects, with
the gravest consequences for the equilibrium of the city, the territory, and
the cultural growth of this country.





VINCENZO FANO
Istituto di Filosofia
Via Saffi 9
61029 URBINO

Tel. +39 0722-320525 Fax +39 0722-329645

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