During the inauguration of the 2004-2005 academic year, Prof. Ferdinando di Orio, Rector of the University of L’Aquila, announced the intention of creating an annual award with the name of the founder and first Rector of the University of L’Aquila – Vincenzo Rivera – in recognition of his pioneering work and foresight which gave rise to university institutions in L’Aquila and in the Abruzzo Region.

The award is conferred to honour those who have displayed particular dedication to the academic world, to research, to teaching or who, thanks to their work, have contributed to the development of our University.

The award is firstly conferred upon a full professor of the University of L’Aquila who, during, or towards the end of, his/her career, has earned national or international recognition for scientific research, discoveries or projects carried out within a particular discipline.

This is an original award which stimulates sound competition among our professors and sheds a positive image on the University by highlighting the exceptional work carried out by its faculty members.

Following the outcome and success of this initiative, we could also consider extending the idea on a national level to confer a national award on a scholar from another Italian university.

The institution of the Vincenzo Rivera Award was approved by the Academic Senate on 27^th July 2005 and activated as of the 2004-2005 academic year.

You can browse the Italian page to view the names of recipients, CVs and photos of the ceremonies.