As part of the Free Your Future – Padua in the World conference series and in celebration of the 800th anniversary of the University of Padua, the meeting held at the Italian Cultural Institute in Paris moderated by Diego Marani welcomes Carlo Fumian, professor of contemporary history at the University of Padua, and French sociologist Marc Lazar.

Entitled Intellectuels et universités: quel rôle dans les transitions politiques du XXe siècle?,  the conference hosted by the Italian Cultural Institute in Paris is dedicated to the history of the University of Padua and centres on the role of one of its leading figures, Rector Concetto Marchesi. From the historic anti-fascist speech delivered by Marchesi at the height of World War II, the conference with Lazar and Fumian offers a reflection on the role of intellectuals and universities during crucial moments of political transitions in the 20th century.

The Free Your Future – Padua in the World conference series, organized in Italian Cultural Institutes, Embassies, and Consulates of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, welcomes University of Padua professors to share the story of the University’s history by intertwining it with prospects and challenges for the future.