After the success of the first edition, the Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine – Foundation for Advanced Biomedical Research, in collaboration with the University of Padua and the support of the Bellisario Foundation, has organized the ‘Women in Science’ event for the second consecutive year.
The event, as part of the “International Day of Women and Girls in Science”, promoted by the United Nations, and now in its fifth edition this year, was held on 11 February in Aula Magna del Bo in Padua. A unique moment of comparison, discussion and awareness, through the story of the successes and achievements achieved by women protagonists of science.
After the institutional greetings of Annalisa Oboe, Vice Rector for Cultural Relations,
social and gender issues of the University of Padua, and by Francesco Pagano, President of our Foundation, the intervention of the President Emeritus of the Accademia della Crusca Nicoletta Maraschio, an expert linguist and first woman to lead the Academy, of which she was president from 2008 to 2014.
Afterwards, Rossella Panarese, author and host of Radio3Scienza, moderated two round tables with Marcella Bonchio, pro-rector of scientific research at the University of Padua and on the board of directors of our Foundation, Monica Montopoli and Onelia Gagliano, both VIMM researchers, Laura Secco, professor of forestry policy and economics at the University of Padua, Zimi Sawacha, researcher of the Information Engineering department, and Gabriella Chiellino, delegate for Venice of the Bellisario Foundation. Gaya Spolverato, oncology surgeon, and Daunia Verdi, general surgeon, respectively president and vice president of the “Women in Surgery” association, also intervened.
The event was a stimulating time to reflect, discuss and deepen. Scientific research is fundamental for the future of humanity and the presence of women is increasingly crucial.