The PUP Uniss is a national excellence

The University Penitentiary Centre (PUP), presented by the University of Sassari as one of the five university projects within the Third Mission for the last VQR (Research Quality Evaluation), received a score of 38/40 from the evaluators of the ANVUR Agency, which places the Uniss PUP in the Class: A-EXCEPTIONAL , best Third Mission project of the Sassari university. This autonomous and rigorous evaluation by ANVUR confirmed the solidity and quality of the PUP project, and was based in particular on the following four indicators.

  Social, economic and cultural dimensions of the impact (10 points) - The impact was assessed as exceptional thanks to the fact that a scientifically rigorous reporting methodology was used by the PUP. The use of predictive models (RAND Report) allows us to credibly estimate the reduction in recidivism, translating the educational action into a tangible economic benefit: an estimated saving of 1.5 million euros for the treasury for an investment of only €300k. The impact is not limited to an elite of students, but involves 95% of the unregistered detained population through professionalizing workshops (fish and agro-livestock supply chains), democratizing the right to knowledge and rehabilitation.

Relevance with respect to the reference context (points 9.5) - The PUP UNISS operates in a context of exceptional complexity, managing a population detained in High Security and 41bis regimes (60% of the total). The statistical data confirm the national record: the incidence of the student population (5.7%) is almost triple the national average (2.1%). The relevance is further strengthened by the role of technological "forerunner": UNISS is the first center in Italy with 100% of classrooms wired, having led the ministerial experimentation for the introduction of certified hardware and software in the prison environment.

Added value for beneficiaries (points 9.5) - The project guarantees multidimensional added value. In addition to the right to education, initiatives such as "LiberArte" (see photo) and the theater workshop based on Shakespeare act on emotional rehabilitation. The creation of marketable skills is fundamental: training courses on local production chains (fisheries and agriculture) create a direct bridge with the Sardinian job market. The extension of training to prison staff transforms the entire prison ecosystem, reducing conflict and improving the quality of life of all the actors involved.

Contribution of the proposing structure (9 points) - The University demonstrates excellent organizational and management capacity. The transition from simple bilateral protocols to a structured partnership with 5 institutions (including the Regional Body for the Right to University Education and the Center for Juvenile Justice) demonstrates solid institutional leadership. The active involvement of 50 tutors and 20 units of technical-administrative staff demonstrates that the project is a structural component of the University's social valorization of knowledge activities and not an episodic activity. The scientific approach is guaranteed by the constant monitoring of careers and by dedicated editorial production ("Dentro & Fuori").

 In the presentation of the case study, the strength and concreteness of the inspiring vision and the quality of the selection of indicators were appreciated.

For the University of Sassari, the Penitentiary University Center is a source of pride and will continue to be a project in which to invest time, resources and skills.