The Institute for Advanced Study - IUSS of Pavia, Italy, is the third Italian higher education and research School. IUSS-Pavia, the Institute for Advanced Study of Pavia, is the last step of a long lasting higher education process started on 825 when King Lotharius appointed Pavia, the ancient capital of the Lombard kingdom, as the site for higher education of his kingdom. This process went through the foundation in 1361 by Emperor Charles IV of the Studium Generale later on named University of Pavia. The first Colleges for university students were established in the 15th and 16th centuries. They are now 15 offering, to the almost 2000 students, a unique opportunity of study and cultural enrichment in a multidisciplinary and multiethnic environment. Through centuries the University of Pavia became one of the leading institutions in Europe. IUSS fulfils, since 1997, an advanced teaching and research model successfully implemented by other prestigious institutions in Italy, like the Scuola Normale Superiore and the Scuola Sant’Anna in Pisa. Due to the completeness of its education and training fields, which allows a strong interdisciplinary approach, the mission of IUSS is that of contributing to the growth of a small number of selected students by offering them, at any step of their higher education, qualified programs enhancing their capabilities and knowledge. The Institute is also committed to scientific progress by preparing young researchers and developing scientific research programs.