Inclusive Didactic in Higher Education: a pilot project to promote inclusion in an Italian university

Higher education plays a crucial role in advancing social sustainability and inclusion, especially amid growing inequalities. This study assesses the impact of the ‘Inclusive Didactic in Higher Education’ program, a pilot training initiative designed to improve university staff’s understanding and attitudes toward inclusive teaching. The program, which blended theoretical insights with experiential activities, involved 77 professors from diverse disciplines. Through a mixed-methods approach, pre- and post-training evaluations showed marked improvements in participants’ attitudes and an expanded, more nuanced understanding of inclusion as a dynamic cultural process. Results highlight the importance of faculty in fostering inclusive academic environments and the value of structured training in achieving lasting change. By addressing knowledge gaps and shifting perceptions, the initiative supports broader efforts to align higher education with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, particularly its goals related to inclusive and equitable quality education. The study offers practical insights for embedding inclusion into university teaching practices.