EUI welcomes its new researchers in Fiesole

On Thursday evening, the EUI hosted its annual welcome reception for new PhD researchers and Fellows. The Reception took place in the ancient setting of Fiesole’s Roman theatre and included a guided tour of the museum and archaeological site.

Against the twilight backdrop of Fiesole’s rolling hills, EUI President J.H.H Weiler gave a welcome address in which he emphasised the importance of integrating into the Florentine milieu for EUI researchers, both through efforts to learn the Italian language and exploring the surrounding area in their free time.

EUI Secretary General Pasquale Ferrara also welcomed the attendees while Anna Ravoni, Mayor of Fiesole gave a speech in which she affirmed her hope that newcomers would view Fiesole as their home given its close proximity to the EUI campus.

The reception was accompanied by drinks, olive oil tastings and musical performances from choirs Coro Novocento and the Girasole Associazione Culturale. Selected societies and organisations based in Fiesole, including the library and ambulance services were present to offer volunteering opportunities to newcomers.

Newly arrived Max Weber Fellow in the Department of History, Nuno Palma declared “It was a great opportunity to meet new friends and colleagues in the beautiful setting of Fiesole. I look forward to spending more time in these resplendent surroundings.”