UPE, the Union of Emeritus Professors of Italian Universities, is born

An important organizational tool to create sharing and synergies, fostering the dissemination of initiatives and the implementation of common scientific and cultural activities on the national territory. It is UPE, the Union of Emeritus Professors of Italian Universities, founded on April 8, 2025 thanks to the initiative of the Associazione Almae Matris Professores Emeriti (AMPE), University of Bologna, Consulta dei Professori Emeriti e Onorari, University of Florence, Collegio Emeriti of the University of Genoa, Associazione Professori Emeriti Fridericiani (APEF), University of Naples Federico II, Associazione Patavinae Libertatis Emeriti (PLE), University of Padua.

Emeritus Professors represent a relevant part of the cultural heritage of our Universities and of our country so much so that, as sanctioned by Royal Decree n.1592 of 31.8.1933, the title of "Emeritus Professor" is conferred on those Ordinary Professors who have particularly distinguished themselves for the high quality of their scientific research activity, for their commitment to the dissemination of knowledge and the training of generations of students and researchers, and equally for having served with distinction in academic positions of relevant responsibility.

The main objective is, therefore, to enhance the figure of the Emeritus Professor in Italy and to pursue the statutory purposes of the member organizations more effectively and efficiently, even on a larger scale, through a cooperative path, which is, however, open to accessions by other Organizations of Emeritus Professors and having the same purposes. Members of member Organizations of the Union automatically receive the status of "Associate of the UPE." Other Italian emeritus professors interested in the activities of the Union, where they belong to university locations not represented in the Union, may receive the status of "Correspondent of the UPE" upon application to the President.

In particular, the UPE carries out joint cultural initiatives such as debates, conferences and symposia, as well as joint research activities and publications, with special emphasis on interdisciplinary activities and those with social impact.

The UPE President, elected for a two-year term by an absolute majority, is Professor Carlo Lauro, who is currently also President of APEF, Association of Professors Emeriti of the University of Naples Federico II, established on September 4, 2018.

View the Memorandum of Understanding