There are more than 16,000 students, about 600 professors and researchers and the same number of technical and administrative staff; these numbers indicate that the University can provide an ideal environment for study and research. Trentino is in the north-east of Italy, a short distance from Austria and Switzerland. Thanks to its position, Trentino has always been a meeting point between the Mediterranean world and Central Europe. The open-minded outlook towards the outside world and the opportunities arising from exchanges of ideas have meant that the area has developed and has made the most of its potential in terms of resources and opportunities.