The Italian connection

May 2005

Report: Karen Stichtenoth

Since its 2001 launch, the Monash University Prato Centre in Italy has established itself as a vibrant centre for research and teaching.

A thriving central hub: Monash's Prato Centre in the Pallazzo Vaj.

The first floor of an elegant 18th-century palace, Palazzo Vaj, in the historic centre of an ancient Tuscan city, has been home to the Monash University Prato Centre for the past four years.

Its location in the thriving cultural hub of Prato has helped establish a strong and high-profile presence for Monash in the region and provided a platform for the university to showcase its international activities.

The program for the next year already features a diverse and solid list -- ranging from a conference on training and employability to discussions on effective responses to female offenders.

Playing a key role in furthering Monash's position in Europe is the centre's new academic director, Dr Annamaria Pagliaro, who replaced founding director Professor Bill Kent in January.

The Tuscan-born academic, convenor of Italian studies in Monash's School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics before her appointment, was a member of the first working party formed to assess the feasibility of establishing the centre.

"Right from the start, the Monash community saw the centre's potential as a forum for developing a dialogue between the university and other European education communities and for presenting its research expertise internationally," Dr Pagliaro said.

"Its appeal as a venue for events and conferences lies in its location and facilities.

"The centre provides the ideal environment for the exchange of ideas, has the necessary infrastructure and is a highly accessible location for bringing together various research fields from different parts of Europe and North America."

Another major plus is the centre's proximity to the European University Institute at Fiesole in Florence as well as other distinguished universities. Dr Pagliaro and her staff are pursuing further links with cultural institutions and government bodies in Tuscany and nearby regions.

"I see the Prato centre as playing a very important role in building Monash's international base," Dr Pagliaro said.

"The various international conferences held in Prato and the research projects already in progress have created new links within Europe, as well as much interest within the Australian academic community, and this is something we will continue to foster."

Some 2005 Events

Action: For Monash University in Prato, go to the Monash University Prato website.