The categories of teaching staff in State higher education institutions that are described in this chapter are:

• Professors and researchers at universities;
• Professors at institutions of the Higher education for the fine arts, music and dance (Alta formazione artistica, musicale e coreutica - AFAM).

University professors do not undergo a specific initial training. However, owing the National scientific habilitation is the necessary requirement to apply for a position of professor, both full and associate, through the public vacancies published by universities.

Researchers must have a PhD, or a specialisation diploma for the medicine sector, and any other requirement established by each university in its own regulations.

At present, professors at Higher education for the fine arts, music and dance institutions follow the initial training and the recruitment procedures of upper secondary school teachers. Some Afam institutions (e.g. the Higher institutes for Artistic Industries – ISIA) recruit professors through public vacancy.