Pavia, January 20, 1981

   

 

ISTITUTO DI MICROBIOLOGIA E FISIOLOGIA VEGETALE

 

UNIVERSITA DI PAVIA Prof. J. LEDERBERG
VIA SANT’EPIFANIO, 14 The Rockefeller University
27100 PAVIA (Italy) 1230 York Avenue voce cemee
NEW YORK, NY 10021
U.S.A.

Dear Josh,

Finally we have in Italy something that looks like a Ph.D.
degree. The new law on the re-organization of University studies
has established courses leading to a "dottorato di ricerca". This
is a title that a student may get after he has received the italian
doctorate (= laurea). In order to be awarded a "dottorato di
ricerca", a student, after his “laurea", has to spend 3 to 5 years
in a University department attending special courses and pursuing
his own research project. We are trying to organize a "dottorato
di ricerca" in genetics and molecular biology that will be awarded
jointly by our groups at Pavia, and, probably, that of Magni in
Milano and of Polsinelli in Florence. Since there is the possibility
of students spending a considerable period of time abroad associat-
ed with foreign research institutions that have links with those
awarding the "dottorato di ricerca", we were wondering whether it
would be possible for us to say that we have links with Stanford
and the Rockefeller. Thus some of our students could do part of
their research work in one of these two institutions. There should
be no financial burden on your side as all these students will be
supported by Government fellowships. If you think that the idea is
acceptable, could you please send me a letter stating that, in
view of our previous scientific ties, the Rockefeller is willing to
consider the possibility that students for a "dottorato di ricerca in
genetica e biologia molecolare’ spend periods of time in its
laboratories. As I said, this is not going to bind you at all since
you will have the final word on selecting candidates for a stay
at Rockefeller.

I hope that I have not confused you too much.

The family joins me in sending our warmest regards to all
of you.

Many thanks and ciao.

Yours,

Ct: fe Daty