3 April 1997       Doc. 7790

ADOC7790

REPLY

from the Committee of Ministers

to Written Question No. 370

by Mr LORENZI

on professional qualifications

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1.       Written Question No. 370 (27 January 1997, Doc. 7741)

      Mr LORENZI,

      Considering that a draft law currently being debated by the Italian Parliament on the methods of holding competitions for academic posts in universities refers to the need to be in possession of an "abilitazione scientifica" (scientific qualification for higher education teachers) - with emphasis on the word "scientific" - in order to take part in these competitions (the examination serving to verify that qualification);

      In the light of previous Council of Europe documents, to ask the Committee of Ministers whether it considers this inappropriate and if it would not be more appropriate to ask for an "abilitazione accademica", that is to say, a qualification for higher education teachers (without the emphasis on "scientific"). The word "scientific" does not appear to reflect the range of subjects taught at any European university;

      Furthermore, does the Committee of Ministers agree that the term is ambiguous and that its use could be exploited in a way that could result in a lowering of professional qualifications in comparison with all other member states of the Council of Europe.

2.       Reply from the Committee of Ministers (1st April 1997)

1.       The Ministers' Deputies have taken note of Written Question No. 370 formulated by Mr. Lorenzi concerning a specific formulation (abilitazone scientifica) in a draft law under consideration by the Italian Parliament.

2.       The Ministers' Deputies share Mr. Lorenzi's concern that, as the university comprises a broad range of academic disciplines, the title giving access to the teaching profession at university level should reflect the wide range of disciplines included.

3.       The question by Mr. Lorenzi, however, seems to concern primarily the interpretation of the term "scientific" (scientifico) which, at least in the Italian language, has more than one meaning. In the present context, it seems reasonable to interpret the term as designating a certain level of general academic competence, rather than as relating solely to a limited range of academic fields, such as the natural sciences. This interpretation would be totally in line with requirements for academic positions in most European countries, for which a high degree of competence in the relevant academic field, including the ability to carry out independent research, is generally required.

4.       In the view of the Deputies, a requirement for high academic competence, including a research competence, as implied by the terminology used in the draft law, is a perfectly reasonable requirement which will help ensure the quality of teaching and research in a broad range of academic disciplines.