[1] It is devoted to publication of original research and survey papers in all areas of pure and applied mathematics: it also publishes workshops and conferences proceedings, following the tradition behind its foundation.

The journal was founded by Antonio Mambriani in 1950,[1] with the aim to publish the proceedings of the mathematical congress "Analisi funzionale e equazioni differenziali",[3][2] held in Parma on June 4, 1949.

[11] At present, eight series of the "Rivista" have been published, each one corresponding approximately to the duration of the period of charge of a given editor in chief.

[12] The full list of published series and editors in chief is tabulated below: The current by-laws of the journal define its structure:[16] in its present form, it states that the journal is directed by three controlling bodies, i.e. the editor in chief, the redaction committee or "Editorial Board",[17] and the redaction secretariat:[18][19] The editor in chief is appointed by the rector of the University of Parma on a proposal of the Board of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Parma, and shall remain in office for four years:[20] the candidate should be a university professor of the department itself, in office or retired.

[23] On its part, the appointed Advisory Board supports the scientific activity of the journal and does not perform any administrative duty.