30th Dies academicus

The Dies academicus is the University's annual celebration, serving as an opportunity to gather and share information about the development of USI.
The next Dies academicus, the 30th, will take place on Saturday, 25 April 2026 at 10:00 am in the Aula Magna of the West Campus Lugano, according to the following lineup:

Opening of the ceremony
Gabriele Balbi, Rector a.i. of USI

Welcome address
Monica Duca Widmer, President of the USI University Council

Greetings
Marina Carobbio Guscetti, State Councillor, Director of the Department of Education, Culture and Sport

My first 30 years. Why do we need universities today? 
Gabriele Balbi, Rector a.i. of USI

Round table discussion
Deniz Gyger Gaspoz, Rector of the University of Neuchâtel
Günther Dissertori, Rector of ETH Zurich
Interviewed by the USI Pro-Rector for Research, Raphaël Parchet

Honours
Honorary Doctorate (Doctor honoris causa) to:

• Micaela Serafini

Honorary Membership to:

• Marisa Garzoni
• Mauro Martinoni (in memoriam)

USI Medal to:

• Pietro Balestra (in memoriam)
• Aurelio Galfetti (in memoriam)
• Eddo Rigotti

The USI Alumni Award, the USI Raiffeisen Best Teaching Award, and the USI Zonta Club Sustainability Prize will also be presented.

Artistic interludes by
Fabio Pusterla & Terry Blue

For organisational purposes, please confirm your attendance via email at [email protected] by 8 April 2026.

Following the Dies academicus, the campus will host Universo, our open afternoon for families and the general public. Join us for a variety of fun activities, to experiment, and learn amongst stars, cells, circuits, spaces, signs, and numbers. Featuring a planetarium, a Teddy Bear Hospital, Archi Golf, robots, and much more.

universo.usi.ch