Rocca Project: Twenty Years of Collaboration Between Politecnico di Milano and MIT for Research
Politecnico di Milano celebrated in the Aula Magna the twentieth anniversary of the Roberto Rocca Project, an international collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) launched in 2005 thanks to the support of the Fondazione Fratelli Agostino ed Enrico Rocca. Dedicated to the memory of Roberto Rocca (1922–2003) - a mechanical engineer who graduated from Politecnico di Milano and earned his PhD at MIT—the program represents one of the most enduring and significant bridges between Italian and American research.
Over the past twenty years, the project has supported more than 250 professors and researchers from both MIT and Politecnico di Milano, funding 169 fellowships. The most represented scientific fields include bioengineering and mechanical engineering, along with materials science, energy, electronics, computer science, and, to a lesser extent, architecture and design.
A survey of project alumni conducted by the Politecnico di Milano shows that around 55% of participants currently work in Italy. The project’s impact is also evident in industry: 50% of alumni are employed in research and innovation sectors both in Italy and abroad. Half of the PhD fellows continue on to academic careers—many within the university itself—a percentage that rises to 65% among postdoctoral researchers.
Each year, the Rocca Project supports young researchers through research visits at MIT for Politecnico PhD students, one-year postdoctoral fellowships, seed funding for joint projects, thematic workshops, and exchange opportunities for MIT students in Milan. Over time, these experiences have led to scientific publications and new funding opportunities, strengthening a lasting network of cooperation that firmly connects Politecnico di Milano and MIT.
The Rocca Project is an investment in talent and in people’s ability to build the future. Today, twenty years later, its value is clearer than ever: universities must continue to serve as bridges that foster dialogue and international collaboration. Thanks to the vision of Gianfelice Rocca and our partnership with MIT, many fellows from Politecnico di Milano now hold leading roles in academia or have distinguished themselves in the private and industrial sectors. They are the witnesses of a growth journey based on exchange—one that must continue to be nurtured and expanded in the collective interest.
Donatella Sciuto, Rector of the Politecnico di Milano