University of Gastronomic Sciences

The University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG) in Pollenzo, Italy, is a unique institution founded in 2004 by the Slow Food movement. It offers a holistic approach to food studies, integrating science, culture, ethics, and sustainability into its comprehensive curriculum. UNISG aims to train a new generation of professionals, known as "gastronomes," who possess interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to drive sustainable and equitable food systems globally.

Academics

UNISG provides a multidisciplinary education, blending humanities, biosciences, and social sciences to explore the intricate relationships between food, ecology, and cultures. Notable programs include a three-year undergraduate BSc in Gastronomic Sciences and Cultures (taught in English and Italian), and two-year Master's programs in Sustainable Food Innovation & Management and International Gastronomies and Food Geo-Politics, both entirely in English. The university emphasizes hands-on learning through global study trips, sensory analysis labs, and collaborative research projects, allowing students to engage directly with food production and cultural heritage.

International Students

UNISG boasts a strong international character, attracting students from over 60 countries, with a goal to increase non-Italian students to 60% within three years. The university offers several English-taught programs, particularly at the Master's level, to accommodate its diverse student body. Cultural integration is fostered through a vibrant international community, where every class and shared meal provides opportunities for exchanging ideas and traditions.

Campus & Location

The UNISG campus is situated in Pollenzo, a suburb of Bra, Italy, approximately 50 kilometers south of Turin. The campus is part of the historic Castello di Pollenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which also houses the Banca del Vino (wine bank) and the Albergo dell'Agenzia (a hotel with a restaurant). Pollenzo itself is a small town, but its proximity to Bra offers a lively student atmosphere, with bus services connecting the two. Nearby attractions include the medieval village of Serralunga d'Alba and the city of Asti, known for its museums.

Career Outcomes

UNISG graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the food sector, equipped with interdisciplinary knowledge to promote sustainable food systems. Alumni pursue careers in artisan and industrial agri-food production, distribution, tourism, food education, and non-governmental organizations, with many also becoming entrepreneurs. The university maintains industry connections through its Strategic Partners' Club, comprising important businesses and institutions in food production, sales, and consumption, fostering collaborative research and development projects.