Guido Corbetta Graduation Award

Each year, the Award offers one student the opportunity to develop a Master’s thesis based on applied research on a topic proposed by a partner family-owned company. The thesis may be developed as either a Research Thesis or an analytical/descriptive Thesis, in accordance with Bocconi University's Master's thesis regulations.

The Award is built on close collaboration with a different partner family-owned company each year. The partner company proposes the research topic and works alongside the selected student throughout the thesis project, creating a valuable link between academic research and real business challenges. 

For the inaugural 2026 edition, the partner company is Vitale Barberis Canonico, one of the world's oldest family-owned textile manufacturers, founded in 1663. Based in Biella, Italy, it is internationally renowned for producing high-quality wool fabrics and has been managed by the Barberis Canonico family for over thirteen generations.

The Award is open to students enrolled in the regular second or first ‘fuori corso’ year in a Master’s degree program at Bocconi University and interested in family business.

Applications must be submitted through the dedicated widget available in the yoU@B student diary by the published deadline and include all the documentation specified in the Award Guidelines.

Applications are evaluated by a selection committee consisting of one Bocconi University faculty member, members of the Corbetta family, and representatives of the partner company for the relevant edition. Thesis proposals are assessed based on their academic quality, originality, strategic relevance, and feasibility. Shortlisted candidates are then invited to an interview, after which the selection committee identifies the Award recipient.

Eligible students must submit their application, together with all the required documentation, through the dedicated widget available in their yoU@B student diary by 1 November 2026, 11:59pm CET. All applicants will be informed of the outcome of the selection process by email from Bocconi University by 15 December 2026.