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Stefano Campostrini

Stefano Campostrini

Social Statistics

Let’s talk about you: what is your background, what do you teach, and what are your research interests?
I am Stefano Campostrini, full professor in Social Statistics. I teach in a diverse range of degree courses the process to obtain information from data within Statistics, a useful method for decisional processes. In particular, I have been studying and analysing public organisations and public politics. I’m also interested in health discrepancies and, more recently, in territorial governance and social innovation. I have recently founded the Governance & Social Innovation Centre at Ca’ Foscari.

Tell us about your academic path.
After earning a PhD at the University of Padova, I worked as a researcher at the University of Edinburgh before returning to Padova. I then started my career as a professor in Pavia, where I worked for five years before moving to Venice to work at Ca’ Foscari. I have also worked in international contexts, collaborating with organisations such as OMS, ILO, World Bank, and nationally with the Ministry of Health and various NGOs.

What has given you the greatest satisfaction in your career?
Being able to offer my knowledge and skills on an international level, and after a few years, being listened to by decision-makers.

What are you most passionate about in your field of research?
Research is similar to art: it takes a lot of passion. Getting to a certain level requires determination and sacrifice, although if you are passionate about your work, you do it willingly.
I started conducting research almost by chance, and I never thought I would become a professor. My passion has guided me along this path, together with the numerous work relationships that have I built over the years. Today what I love the most is working with new generations of students and employees that collaborate with the Centre I’m in charge of.