the University of Gastronomic Sciences obtains approval from MIUR
(Ministry of Education, University and Research)
Minister Letizia Moratti visited today the Agenzia di Pollenzo in Bra,
Italy, seat of the University of Gastronomic Sciences, together with
the Reggia di Colorno, Parma, Italy.
“ I am delighted to announce – began the Minister – that the Evaluation
Committee of the Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR)
has officially recognised the University of Gastronomic Sciences as a
private non-state university.”
The Minister added: “I have observed certain aspects of this enterprise
that should apply to the entire system of university education: its
link with the local region as a social and economic mover; its
multidisciplinary approach, which guarantees the bringing together of
branches of knowledge that have always been separated; its
international dimension, which enables the movement of students and
ensures the university becomes a magnet for talented individuals.”
Thanking the Minister, the Regional Governments of Piedmont and
Emilia-Romagna, and its institutions and financiers, grouped together
as the Association of Friends of the University, for having had faith
in a project that was “inconceivable” only a few years ago, Carlo
Petrini proudly extolled the University of Gastronomic Sciences as the
first of its kind in the world. “We are paving the way for Italy and
the whole world, and are building a University that will act as a
beacon of excellence for Italy and its image abroad. We are ready to
begin the Degree Course in Gastronomy in October and we are working on
the Degree Course in Agro-ecology, whose aim will be to focus on the
primary economy, that of agriculture.”
Enzo Ghigo, President of the Regional Government of Piedmont, in his
speech, made a point of thanking the Regional Evaluation Committee made
up of the heads of Piedmont’s universities, student and regional
representatives.
By supporting this project, the Regional Government has shown
itself to be a prime example of institutional cooperation. He
also announced that on occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the
Museum of Contemporary Art in Rivoli, the Regional Government of
Piedmont will launch an international sculpture competition, with the
aim of producing a work on the theme of Terra Madre, to be donated to
the Agenzia di Pollenzo.
Guido Tampieri, Councillor for Agriculture of the Emilia-Romagna
Regional Government, stated: “ For us the involvement of Slow Food was
a guarantee of seriousness and professionalism in the realisation of a
project that the association both witnessed and played an active role
in, even at a time when gastronomy was exclusively considered from a
folkloric point of view. We were convinced by its truly
innovative multidisciplinary approach, a fundamental aspect in building
one’s entire university education.”
The University of Gastronomic Sciences is getting ready for the start
of its three-year training degree, on the 4th October next, under the
best auspices, as an integral element of Italy’s academic and cultural
environment. University head, Prof. Alberto Capatti, also announced
that five specialization courses and a University Master in Gastronomic
Culture for graduates, principally foreign students, will begin in
February 2005.