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[The CIVIS Newsroom ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom) 2. Aix-Marseille Université awards the title of Doctor Honoris Causa to the Italian President Sergio Mattarella Aix-Marseille Université awards the title of Doctor Honoris Causa to the Italian President Sergio Mattarella ============================================================================================================== CIVIS Highlights 17 February 2025 The President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, was awarded the title of *Doctor Honoris Causa* by Aix Marseille Université. The distinction rewards his constant commitment to democracy and justice, while underlining the close historical ties between Marseille and Italy. ![](/storage/files/picture-1_2.jpg) © Eléa Ropiot for Aix Marseille Université The solemn ceremony, held at the Palais du Pharo, highlighted the crucial role played by academic institutions in bringing people together and building a common European future. The prestigious title of *Doctor Honoris Causa* awarded to Sergio Mattarella honours his remarkable career - a former professor of Constitutional Law, whose commitment to democracy and justice has had a profound impact on his country. Moreover, this academic recognition underlines the shared values of solidarity, openness and European citizenship espoused by President Mattarella. > *In addition to further underlining the excellence you have already been recognised for, we want this distinction to be an indelible mark of your time with our institution",* highlighted Eric Berton, president of amU. In response, the Italian president spoke of his vision of Europe, pointing out that while *"the road to progress is neither quick nor easy",* it is nonetheless an essential gateway to the future of Europe. Mattarella's speech highlighted the importance of intercultural dialogue and university cooperation in building a Europe of knowledge and learning. A long history together ----------------------- The city of Marseille, which was recently twinned with Naples, has a significant Italian heritage: at the beginning of the 20th century, almost one in five Marseillais was of Italian origin, testifying to the importance of this community in shaping Marseille's identity. The awarding ceremony illustrated Aix-Marseille Université's commitment to promoting universal values and international dialogue, while strengthening the historic links between France and Italy. **More pictures available in the [original publication, in French](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aix-marseille-universite_aix-marseille-universit%C3%A9-met-%C3%A0-lhonneur-activity-7293191018739290113-_FHO?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAB6gPRQBizA3KvqzQ3e1YAGfQFVz_hdOfHc).** ### Latest Highlights: *[University of Tübingen researchers study a new approach to preventing heart attacks and strokes](https://civis.eu/en/get-informed/news/university-tubingen-researchers-study-new-approach-preventing-heart-attacks-strokes)* [*The consolidation of our European University Alliance, highlighted in a CIVIS conference at the UAM*](https://civis.eu/en/get-informed/news/consolidation-european-university-alliance-highlighted-civis-conference-uam) [*How Adnet marble provides a stepping stone between Geology and Art at the University of Salzburg*](https://civis.eu/en/get-informed/news/how-adnet-marble-provides-a-stepping-stone-between-geology-and-art-at-the-university-of-salzburg) [*The University of Bucharest awarded the Order of Cultural Merit in the rank of Grand Officer*](https://civis.eu/en/get-informed/news/university-bucharest-awarded-order-cultural-merit--rank-grand-officer) *[NKUA commits to promoting the Greek language, history, and culture within the Greek diaspora](https://civis.eu/en/get-informed/news/nkua-commits-to-promoting-the-greek-language-history-and-culture-within-the-greek-diaspora)* Related news ------------ - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/post-it-risks-800x600.jpg?token=3f32ba7f3ab0220e88eeac41defdd8bf)Innovative micro-credential for professionals on AI for the workplace launched by CIVIS Learn 10 February 2026 ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/innovative-micro-credential-professionals-ai-workplace-civis) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/pic-1-2-800x600.jpg?token=69133e274895176008d204580e76b040)Astronomers discover a superheated star factory in the early universe CIVIS Highlights 16 December 2025 ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/astronomers-discover-a-superheated-star-factory-in-the-early-universe) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/amu-science-art-festiva-800x600.jpg?token=cde16a037d61b3a176432e0622b52977)The links between science and beliefs, debated at the amU' Science and Arts Festival 2025 CIVIS Highlights 26 November 2025 ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/the-links-between-science-and-beliefs-debated-at-the-amu-science-and-arts-festival-2025) [Discover all our stories](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom) [ Researchers at Stockholm University introduce the ‘Valentine's Scale’, measuring the level of satisfaction in a relationship ](< https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/researchers-at-stockholm-university-introduce-the-valentine-s-scale-measuring-the-level-of-satisfaction-in-a-relationship >) [ University of Tübingen researchers study a new approach to preventing heart attacks and strokes ](< https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/university-tubingen-researchers-study-new-approach-preventing-heart-attacks-strokes >) ![CIVIS – Europe’s Civic University Alliance](https://civis.eu/build/assets/civis-CCpvK1nT.svg) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Europe’s Civic University Alliance ![Co-funded by the European Union](https://civis.eu/build/assets/co-funded-by-the-european-union-DSKLW1us.png)Views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). 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