On 16th January 2026, the Sophia University Institute (IUS) officially inaugurated its 18th Academic Year in the Auditorium of the Loppiano, marking an important moment of transition and renewal in the life of the Institute.
The ceremony opened with greetings from the Grand Chancellor, H.E. Mons. Gherardo Gambelli, Archbishop of Florence and the Vice Grand Chancellor, Dr Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement. In her address, Margaret Karram reflected on the meaning of beginnings, stating:
“Every beginning carries with it hopes and responsibilities.”
She underlined how Sophia’s renewed academic offer stands “in continuity with the tradition of the Focolare Movement, always open to the future through its mission ‘That all may be one’ — a mission aimed at forming people capable of contributing to a more fraternal society.”
The inaugural lecture, entitled “Philosophy and Relational Wisdom: Forming the Human Person for a World in Transformation,” was delivered by Prof. Giuseppe D’Anna, Professor of History of Philosophy and Director of the Department of Philosophy at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan. He described Sophia as a place able to “transform in order to preserve,” forming the human person for a world undergoing profound change.
The inauguration also provided the occasion to present Sophia’s renewed academic offer, which will come into effect from the 2026–2027 Academic Year. This includes:
- a Baccalaureate in Philosophy and Human Sciences
- a Licentiate (Master’s degree) in Philosophy, Economy of Communion and Environment
As Rector Declan O’Byrne explained, the new programmes offer an integrated humanistic formation rooted in dialogue between philosophy, psychology, theology, economics, and environmental studies, with particular attention to civil economy, care for creation and social responsibility. Thanks to collaboration with the University of Perugia, both degree programmes will lead to a double qualification, pontifical and state-recognised, at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
The ceremony also featured contributions from Candela Copparoni, Student Representative, and Prof. Massimo Moschini, Director of the Department of Philosophy, Social and Human Sciences and Education at the University of Perugia. Their interventions highlighted Sophia’s distinctive educational vision, its strong connection with the Tuscan territory, and its enduring international character.
At the heart of Sophia’s approach remains the “Sophia Method”: a shared community of study in which research, learning and life are lived together by students, professors, and staff from diverse cultural and national backgrounds.
In a complex time marked by deep transformations, Sophia continues to offer a formative path that unites academic rigour, interdisciplinarity, and attention to the integral development of the human person — forming people capable of dialogue, critical thought, and building bridges.
Best wishes to the entire Sophia community for the new Academic Year.