Sofia Corradi, the visionary behind the Erasmus Programme that has enabled millions of young people to study across Europe, has passed away at the age of 91 in Rome.

Professor Corradi, who taught Educational Sciences at Roma Tre University, was affectionately known as the “Mother of Erasmus” for her pioneering role in shaping one of Europe’s most influential academic exchange initiatives.

According to reports from the Italian press, her family described her as “a woman of boundless energy, intellectual brilliance, and deep generosity.”

Corradi’s inspiration for what would later become the Erasmus Programme came from her own experience as a student. After earning a Fulbright scholarship and completing a master’s degree in law at Columbia University in New York, she returned to Italy—only to find that her American degree was not recognized by the Italian education system. Determined to prevent others from facing similar barriers, she proposed the idea of a European student exchange initiative. Her vision became reality in 1987 when the European Union officially launched the Erasmus Programme.

Since then, the programme has grown into a cornerstone of European education and mobility. According to official EU data, more than 16 million students have taken part in Erasmus exchanges, promoting intercultural understanding and academic cooperation across the continent.

Born in Rome, Corradi also contributed to international research and advocacy on the right to education, working with institutions such as the United Nations Human Rights Committee, The Hague Academy of International Law, and the London School of Economics (LSE).

Tributes poured in following her passing. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani highlighted that Corradi “inspired millions of young people to explore, learn, and embrace different cultures.” French President Emmanuel Macron also paid homage, writing on social media, “Millions of students owe part of their lives to her vision.”