The promotion and support of the Faculties of the University of Italian Switzerland (USI) and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Italian Switzerland (SUPSI), the Faculty of Theology of Lugano and any other university and research institution based in Ticino, provided they are recognized by the Swiss university system. The promotion and support, in Switzerland and abroad, of teaching and scientific research, in particular in the fields of natural sciences, medical sciences, humanities, technical sciences and physical sciences, through the payment of financial aid to scientific institutions of a university and non-university nature. Measures of direct financial support to institutions, as well as measures aimed at enabling or facilitating the purchase of technical equipment, the creation or support of university chairs, the development of scientific research projects, the granting of research leave, the awarding of scholarships, the funding of sabbatical leave for research purposes, the establishment of special prizes, etc. The Foundation is of public utility, non-profit and may take over other foundations through merger.