World · Europe · 12 hrs ago
Piero Formica, 83, works from Bologna with universities around the world
Piero Formica, an 83-year-old Italian economist, works from Bologna while teaching and collaborating with people in several countries.
He has worked at Ireland’s Maynooth University since 2009, where he is a research professor at the Innovation Value Institute.
Formica says young Italian researchers leave because they lack resources and open workplaces in their home country.
He contrasts this with international academic settings where, in his view, people can be judged on their abilities.
He says ethics, merit and reputation matter in these career paths, and points to a young researcher who went from completing a thesis in Ireland to becoming a junior professor within three years.
Formica’s own career has taken him from Italy to international roles, including work in Abu Dhabi and at Maynooth.
His Maynooth contract has been renewed until 2028, and he says he will keep working as long as he is able.
Piero Formica, 83, lives in Bologna and works with students, colleagues and universities around the world.
He has worked as a research professor at Ireland’s Maynooth University since 2009, and his contract has been renewed through 2028.
Formica says young Italian researchers leave because they cannot find enough resources or open working environments at home.
He argues that international academic careers can reward ethics, merit and reputation.
Born in Genoa in 1943, Formica left Italy in 1971 and built an international career in economics and research.
- Who
- Piero Formica, an 83-year-old economist and research professor.
- What
- He works from Bologna with students, colleagues and universities around the world.
- When
- He has worked at Maynooth University since 2009; his contract runs through 2028.
- Where
- He lives in Bologna and works with institutions and colleagues in countries including Ireland, England, Sweden and China.
- Why
- He continues working to guide students, write books, prepare lessons and engage with colleagues.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Formica was born in Genoa.
He graduated with honours in political science in Messina.
He left Italy.
He began working as a research professor at Maynooth University in Ireland.
His Maynooth University contract is set to run through this year.
- Age
- 83
- Home
- Bologna
- Maynooth University role
- Research professor since 2009
- Contract renewed through
- 2028
- University degree
- Political science, Messina, 1965
What people are saying
Today I define myself as a stationary nomad
Many leave because in Italy they find neither resources nor sufficiently open environments
Ethics, merit and reputation
As long as my head works, they keep me and pay me