Concrete support for university studies and the promotion of Italian culture in Ticino. This is the underlying theme of the award ceremony for the 2025-2026 academic year scholarships, sponsored by the Lang Foundation for Italian Culture of the Canton of Ticino.
On Monday, February 9, 2026, approximately 60 people—mostly students accompanied by their families—gathered at the UBS Lugano headquarters in Piazzetta della Posta for an event that, over the years, has become a gathering and recognition opportunity for deserving young people from the area.
Targeted support for university education
The Lang Foundation for Italian Culture of the Canton of Ticino's primary objective is to provide scholarships to Ticino students enrolled at Swiss universities or, alternatively, in the faculties of Literature, Education, Law, or Agriculture at Italian universities.
For the current academic year, a total of 84,500 francs has been donated, distributed to 32 students selected based on academic merit and criteria established by the Foundation Board. This contribution, while not fully covering the cost of studies, represents a significant aid in meeting tuition fees, course materials, and living expenses.
The ceremony in Lugano
The meeting was opened by Luca Pedrotti, President of the Foundation and Regional Director of UBS Ticino, welcomed those present, emphasizing the value of investing in education as a lever for the cultural and social development of the Canton. In his speech, he reiterated the importance of supporting talented young people through their university careers, acknowledging their commitment throughout their studies.
The evening continued with a presentation by Marco Gaia, meteorologist and head of the Forecasting and Consulting department at MeteoSwiss. His speech, entitled "(Human) Intelligence and Energy. As in the Past, the Keys to the Future", offered a reflection on the evolution of scientific knowledge and the role of human ingenuity in addressing contemporary energy challenges. This topic captured the audience's attention, creating a connection between academic education and responsibility for the future.
Roberto Pestoni, Secretary of the Foundation, then retraced the main stages of the institution's history and provided some data on the applications received in the current academic year, outlining the growing interest in scholarships for culture and the emerging needs among Ticino students.
A moment of recognition
The evening's highlight was the official presentation of the checks to the 32 beneficiaries. A symbolic yet concrete gesture, it confirmed the Foundation's commitment to supporting educational programs aimed at enhancing Italian culture and the humanities and law, while also focusing on fields such as educational sciences and agriculture.
After the ceremony, students, family members, and members of the Foundation Board gathered for a convivial aperitif, an opportunity for informal exchange and dialogue between generations.
A reality rooted in the territory
Active for years in the Ticino landscape, the Lang Foundation for Italian Culture of the Canton of Ticino has established itself as a significant player in supporting higher education. Scholarships for culture represent not only financial support, but also public recognition of commitment and merit.
Information on the Foundation's activities and how to apply is available on the official website:
http://fondazionelangeculturaitaliana.ch/
