Palestine: CUCI of the University of Parma Confirms Its Commitment to the Reception of Researchers and Students

Parma, 29 October 2025 – The University Centre for International Cooperation (CUCI) of the University of Parma reaffirms its commitment to the reception of Palestinian researchers and students, ensuring continuity in their educational and research paths despite the complexity of the situation in Gaza.

In recent days, several students have arrived in Parma through university corridors, welcomed enthusiastically by the University and supported during the initial weeks by CUCI staff, with the Centre’s Vice, Professor Nadia Monacelli, playing a leading role in organizing and coordinating support activities.

“Our aim is to provide comprehensive reception, including protection, support, and opportunities for growth,” emphasizes Nadia Monacelli. “It is not only about offering a physical place to study but about creating pathways that allow everyone to feel part of the university community and to pursue their studies and research in safe conditions.”

Among the arriving students is Kholoud, from Gaza, who shared her experience: “My greatest wish is to be able to return to Gaza, as it once was. Here in Parma, I feel safe and able to grow. I studied English translation and I am now attending the Master’s programme in Language Sciences and Cultural Studies for Special Needs, a course that allows me to acquire skills I hope to bring back to my community.”

The arrival of students and researchers is part of two main initiatives:

- The CUCI project, aimed at selecting and hosting Palestinian researchers, which has already welcomed two researchers between late September and early October.
- The IUPALS – Italian Universities for Palestinian Students project, promoted by the CRUI in collaboration with MAECI, the Ministry of University and Research, and the Italian Consulate General in Jerusalem, which has so far enabled the arrival of six students, with additional arrivals expected in the coming weeks.

The students enrolled in Master’s programmes at the University of Parma are attending advanced courses in the following fields:

- Data Science for Management, 3 students
- Food Risks and Food Safety Management, 1 student
- Language Sciences and Cultural Studies for Special Needs, 3 students
- Advanced Molecular Sciences for Health Products, 1 student
- Environmental Engineering for Risk Mitigation, 1 student

Additional Palestinian students, already admitted without an IUPALS scholarship but with their own resources, are awaiting evacuation and, once arrived, will be able to apply for the benefits provided by ER.GO, the Regional Agency for the Right to Education.

“CUCI continues to work to ensure continuity in educational pathways, safety, and support,” concludes Nadia Monacelli. “The reception of those arriving from Gaza is a concrete commitment that confirms the international and solidarity-oriented vocation of the University of Parma.”

Palestine: CUCI of the University of Parma Confirms Its Commitment to the Reception of Researchers and Students

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