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Giorgio Tecce, 71, has been elected for a third term as Magnifico Rettore of Rome's La Sapienza University, Europe's biggest institution of higher education, and second only in the world in size to Mexico City University.

Professor Tecce, a molecular biologist, was first elected in 1988 and again in 1991. He won the latest elections on the third ballot after his two main rivals, who were never a serious threat, accepted Tecce's appeal for unity, and withdrew.

Afterwards Professor Tecce vowed to "defend the autonomy of the university, the rights of the professors, and to ensure that the students are trained not just professionally but also in their personalities."