Raphaël Parchet appointed Pro-Rector for Research

On Friday, 16 January, the Council of Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) appointed Professor Raphaël Parchet as the new Pro-Rector for Research. He will take up his post on 1 February 2026. 

Raphaël Parchet is a Full Professor of Economics at the Institute of Economics (IdEP) and the Institute for Economic Research (IRE) of the Faculty of Economics. He joined USI in 2013 as an Assistant Professor after a year of postdoctoral research at the University of Basel and the University of Lausanne. He obtained his PhD in Economics from the University of Lausanne in 2012, a Master of Science in Economics in 2007 and a Master of Science in Political Science in 2003, all from the same institution. His research interests focus primarily on taxation, tax competition, and the interplay between economic policies and political institutions. Since 2023, he has served as the Director of the Bachelor's in Economics. 

"Prof. Parchet was appointed for his strong scientific profile, extensive academic experience, knowledge of USI, and ability to engage and interact with different faculties and disciplines. In addition to these qualities, he has demonstrated a strong institutional commitment to USI over the years, as evidenced by his leadership of the Bachelor's programme in Economics. We are delighted to welcome him to the Rectorate team," emphasises Interim Rector Gabriele Balbi. Professor Raphaël Parchet succeeds Professor Patrick Gagliardini, who has held the position since October 2019. 

The Rectorate is one of the central bodies of USI, together with the University Council and the Academic Senate. Its tasks in governing the University's academic affairs are defined in the Statute of Università della Svizzera italiana. 

From 1 February 2026, the new Rectorate team will be composed of: Gabriele Balbi (Interim Rector of USI, who will also retain his role as Pro-Rector for Education and Students' Experience), Antonio Carzaniga (Pro-Rector for Innovation and Corporate Relations), Fabio Crestani (Pro-Rector for Internationalisation), Sonja Hildebrand (Pro-Rector for Sustainable Transformation and Equal Opportunities), Raphaël Parchet (Pro-Rector for Research), Milan Savic (Interim Director of Operations) and Giovanni Zavaritt (General Secretary).