Public Engagement activities are a key part of our Department. Over the years, thanks to a growing focus on sharing and promoting knowledge, we have strengthened our ties with the local community through initiatives co-created with many associations and institutions in the area.

Expanding these collaborations and organizing them through formal agreements will create new opportunities to link our outreach activities with teaching and research. This applies both to the Department’s main areas of expertise (such as foreign languages and cultures) and to emerging social issues (such as sustainability).

Our approach is based on five main points:

• A strong and diverse local network: we work closely with cultural organizations, institutions, associations, and civic groups, partnering with many different actors—both public and private.
• An active academic community: over time, more and more faculty members have taken part in outreach initiatives, increasing not only in number but also in the quality and structure of the projects, which are always co-designed with local partners.
• Linking outreach, research, and teaching: many of our activities are connected to degree programs, PhD training, and research projects, often involving students and young researchers.
• Focus on key themes: our events are connected to the Department’s core areas (languages, literatures, foreign cultures), while also addressing new socially relevant topics, such as artificial intelligence.
• A dedicated organizational structure: a five-member committee supports the planning, management, and reporting of outreach activities, helping to coordinate and promote all events.