University of Bologna

Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, more often known as UNIBO, is a public research university located in Bologna, Italy. It was established in 1088 as an organised guild of students (studiorum), and it is now the world's oldest university that is still in existence. Additionally, it was the first institution of higher learning to give degrees. The term "universitas" was initially created when it was first established. It is the second biggest university in Italy, after only La Sapienza in Rome, which has over 90.000 students enrolled.

It was the first academic institution to adopt the name universitas for the companies of students and masters; this phrase eventually came to designate the institution (particularly its law school), which was based in Bologna. Alma Mater Studiorum, which translates to "Nourishing mother of learning," and the year 1088 A.D. are inscribed on the crest of the institution. It also has a branch centre in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in addition to its campuses in Cesena, Forl, Ravenna, and Rimini in Italy. In addition to that, it is home to the prestigious Collegio Superiore di Bologna school. The Bononia University Press is an associate publisher that is affiliated with the University of Bologna. Bettisia Gozzadini was the first woman to acquire a university degree and teach at a university. Laura Bassi was the first woman to receive a doctorate in science and a compensated post as a university professor at the same time. Both of these milestones occurred at the same institution.

It is widely considered to be one of the most prestigious educational institutions in all of Italy, with a particular reputation for excellence in the fields of law, medicine, and the scientific sciences. The University of Bologna played an important part in the development of science during the Italian Renaissance. It was here that Nicholas Copernicus and a large number of other Renaissance mathematicians received their educations.