Public Engagement at the SNS

Even before the university's engagement and dialogue with the social and productive sphere were brought under the common label of "Third Mission", the Scuola Normale undertook numerous initiatives to transform and make the knowledge generated within its walls available beyond academia, deeply convinced that its duty is also to disseminate the outcomes and purpose of research so that society as a whole may benefit.

It has therefore promoted social and cultural impact initiatives that it has enriched, refined, and expanded over the years amidst changing social and communication contexts: the preservation and sharing of historical-artistic, archaeological, and library heritage, continuing education, and Public Engagement activities.

This variety of actions can be summarized into two main strands, primarily distinguished by target audience:

• Schools of all levels;
• Citizens and the general public.

This broad and diverse range of initiatives has grown and diversified over time thanks to institutional commitment, the passion of the organizers, and strong public reception. The initiatives undergo planning, implementation, and ex-post evaluation, and are scheduled and carried out under the supervision of two institutional figures appointed specifically for these areas of expertise:

• Vice Rector for Student Outreach and Orientation
• Vice Rector for Cultural Events, Communication, and Third Mission

To carry out these activities, the Governance leaders draw on the support of designated academic and research staff, as well as the relevant administrative offices of the Scuola.