Retired professors may be awarded an honorary title if they have particularly distinguished themselves by merit or scientific and teaching achievements.
The Professor Emeritus is an academic figure in almost every university in the world and represents the highest academic rank.
In Italy, the figures of Professor Emeritus and Honorary Professor were defined in Royal Decree No. 1592 of August 31, 1933.
If the professor has served as Full Professor for at least 15 years, a proposal may be made to confer the title of Honorary Professor; if they have served as Full Professor for at least 20 years, the title may be Professor Emeritus.
A Decree of the Ministry of Education, University and Research grants the title.