Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna
On 20 September 2006, the Rector of the University of Bologna, Professor Pier Ugo Calzolari, and the President of the Accademia delle Scienze, Professor Giorgio Renato Franci, presented the Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter, the Sigillum of Alma Mater Studiorum and the Medal of Honour of Benedetto XIV.
The University also bestowed upon Ambassador Pfirter a Diploma of Membership in the Institute of Bologna.
The awards ceremony took place in the Ulysses by Tibaldi meeting room of the Academy of the Sciences in Bologna, Italy, and was attended by the General Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Giulio Picheca, who is also the Head of the Italian National Authority, implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention, as well as the Mayor of Bologna, the Honourable Sergio Gaetano Cofferati, and local authorities.
In his acceptance speech, Director-General Pfirter expressed his gratitude for the University and the Institute’s generous recognition of the work of the Organisation. He was gratified for being honoured by the Institute and the University, one of the world’s oldest and most renowned seats of learning.
The University of Bologna was founded in 1088. The Accademia delle Scienze was convened in 1714. The Medal of Honour of Benedetto XIV and the Diploma of Membership of the Institute of Bologna is reserved for high representatives from the world of chemistry, physics and biology.
PR59/2006