Honorary degree to Tina Malti: “Education is an act of care”

Pegasus Universityawarded the Honorary master’s degree in Pedagogical Sciences a Tina Malti, internationally renowned developmental psychologist and one of the most authoritative voices in the study of socio-emotional skills in the new generations.

The event – chaired by the Rector Pierpaolo Limone and introduced by greetings from Luciano Violante, President of Multiversity and Fabio Vaccarono, President of Pegaso University and CEO of Multiversity – saw the participation of representatives from the academic, institutional and business world including Valentina Di Mattei, President of the Order of Psychologists of Lombardy and Sergio Salvatore, President of the Italian Association of Psychology.

“Recognizing the value of Professor Malti’s research means attributing centrality to the person in educational processes – declared Pierpaolo Limone, Rector of Pegaso University – In a time marked by fragility and uncertainty, her work reminds us that care is not an option, but an essential educational principle. Pegaso University promotes an idea of education that places the integral growth of the individual at the center and today we celebrate a scholar who has contributed to redefining the very meaning of educate.”

The laudatio, entrusted to Anna Dipace, Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences, Education and Sport, recalled the impact of Malti’s studies at an international level: “Professor Malti’s work represents a contribution of extraordinary relevance for contemporary pedagogy. Her research has profoundly enriched our understanding of socio-emotional processes, showing how empathy, kindness and emotional regulation are not accessory elements, but central skills for human development. Her perspective invites us to consider education as a path that focuses on the quality of relationships and the dignity of the person, reminding us that care is an intentional act, capable of transforming the way we learn, live and build communities.”

“Technology evolves rapidly, theartificial intelligence continuously enters our daily activities with extraordinary tools, expanding learning opportunities and allowing us to explore new avenues.” comments Fabio Vaccarono, President of Pegaso University and CEO of Multiversity. “In this scenario, Professor Malti’s rigorous work reminds us that the human dimension of education remains indispensable. Care, listening and trust are elements that no innovation can replicate and foundations that shape communities and guide change.”

During the lecture entitled “From Me to We: Transforming Education Through Caring”, Tina Malti analyzed the profound meaning of education as a transformative path, illustrating the theoretical framework that guides her research such as the Model of Care, based on emotional regulation, empathy and kindness and the Model of Courage, which invites young people to peacefully affirm their thoughts.

“I was five years old when my father taught me, without saying it, what it means to enter another’s world” said Malti. “That experience was the starting point of my research: understanding how we can move from ‘me’ to ‘we’ in education. We must learn – and teach – to be kind. It is not a simple gesture, but it is the basis of our coexistence and our human potential”.