Ceremony at the Department for the Retirement of Professor Cristina Stefani

26.02.2026

The Department of Geosciences marked the retirement of Professor Cristina Stefani with a well-attended ceremony celebrating her long-standing contribution to research, teaching and academic leadership.

The event opened with institutional remarks by the Director, Professor Nicola Surian, who highlighted Professor Stefani’s scientific achievements and her role in supporting the Department’s growth.

Professor Stefani served as Director from 2011 to 2018—the first woman to hold the position—and has been a respected and valued member of the academic community.

Her research has focused on the composition and provenance of terrigenous sediments, particularly sand composition and transparent heavy mineral associations in different geological settings, contributing to paleogeographic and paleoclimatic reconstructions.

The morning continued with the seminar “From Words to Action, Through Thought: The Effects of Inclusive Gender Language,” delivered by Professor Caterina Suitner and Dr. Carmen Cervone from the Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology (DPSS) at the University of Padua. The choice of topic reflected Professor Stefani’s long-standing commitment to promoting gender equality.

Colleagues then shared memories and messages of appreciation. Among them was Professor Daniela Fontana (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia), who has collaborated closely with Professor Stefani over the years and shares with her a strong professional and personal bond.

The ceremony concluded with the Department expressing its sincere gratitude for Professor Stefani’s dedication and service, and its best wishes for the future.