Ceremonies and Honours

Each academic year is marked by a number of solemn ceremonies.
Some are dedicated to students, while others, such as the awarding of the Order of the Cherub (Ordine del Cherubino) or the Laurea honoris causa, are occasions when the University offers recognition to a personality who has distinguished themselves through their scientific or cultural activities in a broader sense.
The inauguration of the academic year represents a significant event, during which the Rector presents an account of the preceding year’s activities and outlines the plans for the next one.

Order of the Cherub
Recognition for lecturers who have contributed to enhancing the prestige of the University of Pisa

Inauguration of the academic year
The most significant official ceremony held at the University of Pisa

Professors Emeriti
The title of Professor Emeritus is conferred by Decree of the Ministry of Universities and Research, at the request of the universities, on retired full professors with at least twenty years of service.

Degrees and Doctorates honoris causa
The ceremonies year by year, with the lectio magistralis and laudatio.

Galileo Galilei International Prize of Italian Rotary Clubs
The prize is awarded to foreign scholars who work in the field of Italian civilisation and to Italian scholars who have achieved international renown.

Golden and silver graduation anniversaries
Every year the University of Pisa celebrates the 25th and 50th anniversaries of its former students’ graduation

Presenting medals to honours graduates
The official graduation ceremony for honours graduates is held twice a year

Anniversary of the Battle of Curtatone and Montanara
Every year the University of Pisa celebrates the anniversary of the Battle of Curtatone and Montanara (29 May 1848)