New appointments to the USI Faculty Dean's Offices

As the new academic year begins, Università della Svizzera italiana announces changes to the Dean's offices across its Faculties.

At the Academy of Architecture, Prof. Walter Angonese will conclude his term as Director on 31 August 2025. Starting 1 September 2025, the Academy will be headed by Prof. Riccardo Blumer, who previously held this position from 2017 to 2021. We extend our sincere gratitude to Professor Angonese for his dedicated leadership during a challenging period marked by significant strategic changes. Throughout his tenure, he focused on enhancing the quality of teaching and research, as well as fostering open dialogue within the academic community. Professor Angonese will continue to teach Architectural Design. Additionally, the Faculty Council will appoint a Vice-Director for Research during its session in September for the upcoming two years.

The Faculty of Informatics is undergoing a complete renewal of its Dean's Office. Prof. Marc Langheinrich is concluding his second two-year term as Dean and will be succeeded by Prof. Ernst Wit, who has served as Vice-Dean for Strategy and Development. The position of Vice-Dean for Education will transition from Prof. Carlo Alberto Furia to Prof. Laura Pozzi, the co-director of the Bachelor's programme in Informatics. Meanwhile, Prof. Gabriele Bavota, also a co-director of the Bachelor's programme in Informatics, will take on the role of Vice-Dean for Strategy and Development.

Sincere thanks go to Prof. Marc Langheinrich, who has completed his term as Dean. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in supporting the growth of the Faculty, particularly by increasing student numbers, which was partly achieved through the introduction of the Bachelor's program in Data Science. Additionally, he developed a faculty strategy that addressed the need for responsible and diversified growth at the University. This approach led to the recruitment of young professors who will bring their expertise to advance the Faculty and USI further.

At the Faculty of Economics, Prof. Giovanni Pica has been reappointed as Dean. The Faculty has also elected two Vice Deans for the next two years: Prof. Elena Dalpiaz will join Prof. Laurent Frésard, who has been reappointed to his position.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Prof. Massimo Filippini, who has completed his term as Vice Dean. During his tenure, he contributed with dedication and strategic vision to the Faculty's activities, fostering constructive dialogue within the academic community and supporting the development of important initiatives, particularly in the field of teaching. Prof. Filippini will now be able to devote more time to his intensive research activities.

For the Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society, the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and the Faculty of Theology, there are no changes to the structure of the Dean's office; it will continue as it is currently organised.

At the Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society, the Dean's office consists of Prof. Matthew Hibberd (Dean), assisted by Prof. Jolanta Drzewiecka (Vice-Dean and Delegate for Studies) and Prof. Lorenzo Cantoni (Vice-Dean).

At the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Prof. Giovanni Pedrazzini continues in the role of Dean, supported by Prof. Greta Guarda (Vice-Dean for Research) and Prof. Luca Gabutti (Vice-Dean for Education).

At the Faculty of Theology, Prof. Gabriela Eisenring remains in office as Dean with Rector René Roux.