This year, the keynote address will be delivered by Alec Ross. The American author is a visiting professor at Bologna Business School and held government positions under President Barack Obama and during the term of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. His books have been translated into 24 languages and have become bestsellers on five continents. In his talk, he will address one of the most topical and interdisciplinary issues of our time: how economic and technological forces are transforming the world of work and our society.

Benno Baumgartner, President of the Bolzano Juvenile Court and for six years an honorary member of the Ethics Committee of the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, will receive the Medal of Merit of the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano. This award is conferred on individuals who have made a significant intellectual or material contribution to the University, or who have distinguished themselves through their particular commitment to fostering its scientific and cultural development.

Contrary to what was previously announced, Giorgio Moroder has informed us that, much to his regret, he will be unable to attend the ceremony on 28 January for the conferral of the honorary title (Senator Honoris Causa) due to a temporary illness. Moroder sent a video greeting and thank you message that will be shown during the ceremony. Vice-President Antonio Lampis will give a laudatory speech in honour of the composer and producer from Gröden - Val Gardena.