Women in Science Day: the Italian women scientists who made history

February 11 marks World Day for Women and Girls in Science, established in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly. This day aims to raise awareness of gender disparities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and promote equitable access to educational and career opportunities.

Even today, many women and girls face gender bias and discrimination in science, which often limits their opportunities for professional advancement. The lack of female role models and adequate professional support contributes to this disparity. Although the number of women pursuing careers in science is gradually increasing, data confirm that the gap persists: according to the UNESCO 2022-2023 report, women account for only 33 percent of researchers worldwide.

Women in Science Day is therefore an important opportunity to challenge gender stereotypes, encourage the younger generation to pursue careers in science, and celebrate women who have made key contributions to research.

Table of contents

Women in science in Italy

Italy's best universities to study STEM

Opportunities and scholarships for women in STEM.

Studying STEM in Italy

Women in science in Italy

Italy has a long tradition of scientific excellence, and many women have left their mark on the history of science, here are some of the most influential:

Rita Levi Montalcini

A scientist and researcher, she revolutionized neurology with her discovery of nerve growth factor (NGF), winning the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1986. For her merits in the scientific and social fields, she was appointed senator for life of the Italian Republic.

Margherita Hack

She earned the nickname "Lady of the Stars" for her long research and discoveries in the field of astronomy. Margherita Hack was not only an incredible scientist, but also a great popularizer, able to make science available to everyone.

Samantha Cristoforetti

Born in Milan in 1977, Samantha began her career as a military pilot, later graduating with a degree in aeronautical science. She was the first Italian female astronaut to make a space flight and the first European woman to become commander of the International Space Station.

Italy's best universities to study STEM

If you are considering a career in science, choosing the right university is crucial. In Italy, some of the best universities to study science, technology, engineering and math are:

• Polytechnic University of Milan
• Polytechnic University of Turin
• University of Bologna
• University of Padua
• University of Milan
• La Sapienza University of Rome

These universities offer highly specialized courses, collaborations with leading technology companies and numerous research opportunities.

Opportunities and scholarships for women in STEM

Italian universities are promoting several initiatives to incentivize girls to enroll in degree programs in STEM disciplines. Among the most relevant opportunities:

• Politecnico di Milano: offers 28 scholarships of €24,000 for girls who choose to matriculate in an engineering course (automation, electrical, computer science, etc.).
• La Sapienza University of Rome: since 2021 has activated the "100 STEM Girls" project, which awards 100 scholarships worth €3,255 to boost female enrollment in science courses.
• "Women in STEM" scholarship: provided by the Giuseppina Mai Foundation, offers €3,000 to female students who distinguish themselves on merit during their first year of science studies.
• Government scholarships: the Italian government provides funding for international students, with specific programs for STEM disciplines.

Studying STEM in Italy

If you are interested in starting or continuing your STEM career in Italy, Welcome Association Italy can help you organize all the necessary steps. On this page you can find useful directions for arriving in Italy and starting your studies: from choosing a university, to applying for a residence permit, to obtaining health coverage.

If you need more information you can contact Welcome Association Italy support.