We pay tribute to Sofia Corradi (1934–2025), affectionately known as “Mamma Erasmus”, the inspiring mind behind the Erasmus Programme.
A lifelong advocate for education and student mobility, Corradi dedicated her career to promoting the idea that studying abroad should be an integral part of higher education. Her vision was born from her own experience: after earning a Master’s degree in the United States, she discovered that her qualification was not recognized in Italy. That moment sparked the determination to change the system — and to make international learning accessible to all.

Thanks to her perseverance and belief in the transformative power of education, her proposal became the foundation of what we now know as the Erasmus Programme. Today, more than 300,000 students each year have the opportunity to study, train, and grow across Europe, building bridges between cultures and fostering a shared European identity.
Sofia Corradi leaves behind an extraordinary legacy — one that continues to shape generations of learners, teachers, and professionals who believe in learning beyond borders.