The Imola branch of the University of Bologna, which was opened in 1997 and offered a university diploma course held in the Scarabelli complex, is now divided into several complexes where the teaching and research activities are carried out as part of various degree programmes, postgraduate degree programmes and a PhD programme degree.
Specifically, the activities of the first and second cycle degree programmes of four divisions (Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, Agriculture, and Engineering), of the interdepartmental PhD programme degree in “Health, Safety and Green Systems” (third cycle) and of several professional master’s degree programmes are carried out at this branch.
The complexes of the Imola branch
Palazzo Vespignani is a prestigious historical building owned by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Imola, dating back to the 16th century, which was recently renovated. It has been a branch of the University of Bologna since 2008.
Palazzo dal Pero is also owned by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Imola and, in 2019, the building was allocated to the University of Bologna.
The Lolli Laboratories complex was built in 1869 and is currently owned by the local public health service of Imola. It has six laboratories with high-profile equipment, which were built by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Imola for practical classes in the laboratory. There are also offices, a room with a PC and printer where students can process experimental data, and other facilities for students and staff
The Scarabelli complex is only a short walk from the city centre, in the area of the secondary school “Istituto Scarabelli”. It was once home to the Counts Scarabelli, and was then sold to the Comune di Imola. It is currently owned by the Metropolitan City of Bologna. In this complex, the University of Bologna offers teaching activities in a main building that houses several lecture rooms, a computer lab, a reading/study room and offices, as well as laboratory activities in an educational/experimental greenhouse with an adjoining shading structure. This complex, which opened in 2008, also thanks to the generous support of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Imola, is now run by the 
In the Osservanza complex, which once housed the eponymous Psychiatric Hospital, built in the mid-20th century, a hall of residence and new lecture rooms and laboratories are being built in the pavilions owned by CON.AMI and by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Imola. These renovation works are carried out as part of one of the biggest urban redevelopment projects in the city of Imola, one that will combine education, culture and social life in the same area: the University, the Imola International Academy Foundation, the Osservanza theatre and its auditorium. The entire area is located in a city park of approximately 12 hectares, with 650 tree specimens that are actual landmarks: an extraordinary historical, environmental and cultural asset for the city and those who use it.
There is also the AUSL - local public health service training centre, where some of the classes of the degree programmes in the medical division are held.
