Department History of the DepartmentA brief history of the Department of Chemistry

A brief history of the Department of Chemistry

The Chemistry Department was established January 3rd, 1983. The inaugural ceremony was called February 22nd, 1983, by the senior member, Luigi Sacconi. During this meeting the Department Council took office and Enzo Ferroni was elected as Director for a period of three years (1983-1985). Successors were Dante Gatteschi (1986-1988), Rolando Guidelli (1989-1991), Piero Paoletti (1992-1994), Emilio Castellucci (1995-1997), Andrea Scozzafava (1998-2000), Piero Baglioni (2001-2003), Luciano Lepri (2004-2006) and Antonio Bianchi (2007-2009).

Under the Scozzafava and Baglioni directions the Chemistry Department moved from the hystorical buildings, via Gino Capponi 9 and via Maragliano 77, both situated in Florence, into the new hall, via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino (FI).

The Department of Organic Chemistry “Ugo Schiff” was established November 1st, 1984. The first Director was Alfredo Ricci (1984-1987). To Ricci succeeded Gianfranco Rapi (1987-1993), Mario Bianchi (1993-1996), Giuseppe Capozzi (1996-2001), Alberto Brandi (2001-2006), and Antonio Guarna (2006-2009). Similarly to the Chemistry Department, also the Department of Organic Chemistry moved from the hystorical laboratories, via Gino Capponi 9, to the new hall, via della Lastruccia 13, Sesto Fiorentino, in the years 2000-2001.

A single Department has been formed January 1st, 2010, under unanimous deliberation of both Departments. The official name of the new unit is Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, in due consideration of the great contribution coming from Schiff works to the advancement of Chemical Sciences in the University of Florence. The first director of the Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" was Pier Remigio Salvi (2010-2012).

The present director is Luigi Dei.