The Collegio Puteano - a name derived from the family name of the estimable Founder-- was instituted on 8 December 1604 by Carlo Antonio da Pozzo, Archbishop of Pisa, with the goal of providing young Catholics of limited economic resources with the means of attending the University of Pisa.

The Collegio Puteano Foundation continues the intention of its founder by awarding scholarships every year. The building where the Collegio Puteano is located now hosts the Mathematical Research Centre named after the famous mathematician Ennio De Giorgi. The centre was born in 2001 thanks to synergy between the Scuola Normale Superiore, the University of Pisa and the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna. It is currently directed by Prof. Mariano Giaquinta.

Due to the close relationship with the Scuola Normale Superiore, the “Collegio Puteano” Foundation scholarship recipients live in the residences of the Scuola Normale. The Board of Directors decides in March each year how many scholarships can be conferred for the upcoming academic year.

The Board of Directors of the “Collegio Puteano” Foundation is composed of:
President: Prof. Pietro Pietrini, delegate of the Rector of the University of Pisa
Members:
Prof. Franco Mosca, delegate of the Archbishop of Pisa
Prof. Luigi Ambrosio, delegate of the Scuola Normale Superiore of Pisa
Prof. Nicola Bellini, delegate of the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna of Pisa
Prof. Serafino Garella, delegate of the city of Biella;
Prof.ssa Virginia Messerini, delegate of the city of Pisa;
Dott.sa Rosa Dello Sbarba, delegate of the Province of Pisa;
The president of the Institution Cassa di Risparmio di Pisa