March 26, 2025 – In a landmark move that signals a new era for digital education and academic transparency, ISFOA – the Swiss Free and Private University of International Law – has officially announced its integration with blockchain technology for certifying academic degrees. This initiative, presented during a high-profile event held today, positions ISFOA among the first higher education institutions worldwide to provide its students, academic staff, and faculty members with secure, verifiable, and globally accessible credentials using the international LutinX platform.

The event marked not only a technological breakthrough but also a strategic milestone in the university’s journey toward redefining the standards of e-learning and academic credibility. With this bold initiative, ISFOA further strengthens its standing as an innovator in the global education ecosystem.

A Visionary Step Forward

The announcement was delivered by ISFOA’s Magnificent Rector, Professor Stefano Masullo, who has long championed the fusion of academic excellence, ethics, and technological innovation. In his address, Masullo emphasized the significance of this transformation, calling it “a decisive leap toward a future of transparency, global competitiveness, and student empowerment.“

“Today we are opening a new chapter in the history of our university,” stated Prof. Masullo. “ISFOA has always been committed to promoting meritocracy, ethics, and professional growth through high-level education. The introduction of blockchain-based degree certification is consistent with this vision. It is a tool of transparency, security, and freedom for our students. Thanks to LutinX, each academic qualification issued by ISFOA can now be verified in real time, anywhere in the world, eliminating bureaucratic obstacles and the risk of fraud. This innovation preserves and elevates the true value of knowledge, making it universally accessible.”

Official Recognition from the European Union

The blockchain integration comes on the heels of ISFOA’s recent recognition by the European Union. In late 2024, the university was formally entered into the EU Register of educational institutions, confirming its alignment with European academic standards and reinforcing its role as a reference point in the field of international distance learning.

This recognition validates ISFOA’s efforts to blend traditional academic values with cutting-edge technologies, making it one of the few institutions that meet the rigorous requirements of cross-border interoperability in higher education.

Blockchain: A Technological Shift with Profound Impact

The incorporation of blockchain into ISFOA’s academic infrastructure represents more than a digital upgrade — it is a paradigm shift in how qualifications are issued, shared, and verified.

Blockchain technology allows data to be stored in a decentralized and tamper-proof manner. When applied to academic certification, this means that each diploma or degree becomes an immutable digital asset. Graduates can share their verified credentials instantly with employers, institutions, or organizations worldwide without intermediaries.

The benefits include:

• Fraud Prevention: Degrees issued on the blockchain cannot be altered, duplicated, or forged.
• Global Verification: Institutions and employers can authenticate credentials with a single click.
• Student Empowerment: Learners have direct control over their qualifications.
• Administrative Efficiency: Institutions reduce paperwork, storage, and verification costs.
• Environmental Sustainability: Digital certificates reduce the need for physical printing and mailing.

These features collectively redefine the relationship between universities and their stakeholders, offering a more open, transparent, and efficient ecosystem for academic achievement.

LutinX: The Platform Behind the Transformation

LutinX is an international platform specializing in blockchain certification and digital identity verification. It enables organizations to issue, manage, and validate secure digital documents through a decentralized system.

At the event, Alessandro Civati, CEO of LutinX, joined the presentation to explain the broader vision behind this collaboration.

“We are honored to support ISFOA in this transformative journey,” said Civati. “This initiative is not just technological but deeply human and strategic. It promotes merit, creates equality of opportunity, and builds trust in academic and professional achievements. Blockchain-certified degrees empower graduates to share their credentials worldwide with complete transparency and credibility. This is a significant leap forward in democratizing access to education and employment.”

Civati also highlighted how blockchain is becoming a critical pillar in the digital economy, with applications ranging from finance and supply chains to education and public administration. “In this context,” he noted, “ISFOA is leading by example, proving that universities can be both guardians of knowledge and catalysts of innovation.”

A Trailblazer in International E-learning

Founded with a mission rooted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and aligned with the Italian Constitution’s principles of accessible education, ISFOA has formed over 6,000 students across various levels of higher education. It offers:

• Bachelor’s Degrees (EQF Level 6),
• Master’s and Executive Master’s Programs (EQF Level 7),
• Doctorates and Research PhDs (EQF Level 8).

The university’s governance structure includes a Board of Directors, an Executive Council, and an Academic Senate with members from academia, industry, and international organizations. This diversified leadership has allowed ISFOA to remain adaptive, multidisciplinary, and forward-looking in its pedagogical approach.

ISFOA’s commitment to quality and innovation is further evidenced by its active participation in international research networks, collaborative programs, and strategic partnerships with institutions and enterprises across Europe and beyond.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Academic Integrity

As institutions across the globe face increasing scrutiny over degree fraud, resume inflation, and diploma mills, the need for a transparent, secure, and globally interoperable credentialing system has become more urgent than ever. ISFOA’s adoption of blockchain sets a precedent that many institutions are expected to follow.

This model could redefine accreditation, credential evaluation, and talent mobility, especially in a post-pandemic world where remote education and cross-border employment are becoming the norm. For ISFOA, the integration of blockchain isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a strategic move to lead the conversation on educational trust and digital identity.

“Education must not only keep up with the times,” Prof. Masullo concluded, “it must also anticipate them. At ISFOA, we are building the foundations of a more open, ethical, and global academic community. This is only the beginning.”

With blockchain integration and official EU recognition, ISFOA has solidified its role as a beacon of digital transformation in higher education. Its students, now more than ever, can rely on a system that values merit, promotes equity, and prepares them to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.