Thirteen young Italian scholars are the winners by Women in STEM 2025the project promoted by the Giuseppina Mai Foundation of Confindustria to support female talent in science and technology disciplines.

The winners, selected from 172 applications from all over Italy, are first-year female students in a Master's degree programme in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Each of them will receive a 3,000 euro scholarship and will have access to a customised mentoring course with researchers and professionals in the field.

A project to close gender gaps in STEM

Women in STEM is an initiative realised in collaboration with Assolombarda and the STEAMiamoci association, Bracco Foundation and Space Workwith the support of Chiesi Group, Fondimpresa and Enel Italy.

The project relies on three decisive levers:

• economic support to the most deserving female students,
• targeted orientation to reduce drop-outs from science courses,
• university-business relationship networks to foster female employability in key innovation sectors.

Milan, 21 October, the winners of the Women in Stem 2025 call for proposals

Bracco: 'Investing in female talent means building a fairer society'

Diana Bracco, President of Giuseppina Mai Foundation and of Bracco Foundation, he stated:

"Valuing the talents of young girls means building a society that is fairer, more innovative and better able to face the challenges of tomorrow. Behind every girl who chooses science there is a society that believes in her talent'.

De Santis: 'Female presence in STEM is an engine of competitiveness'

Francesco De Santis, Vice President for Research and Development of Confindustria, pointed out:

"More female presence in STEM is not just a matter of equity, but of system performance. It means energising an ecosystem of research and innovation that makes a difference on the grand challenges of the future."

Assolombarda: 'STEAM skills are the future of companies and territories'

The vice-president of Assolombarda, Alessandro Picardi, he emphasised:

"The companies in our area are well aware that innovation and competitiveness come from people and are already ready to welcome this new generation of skills. For Assolombarda, talking about STEM - or rather STEAM, including art and creativity - means looking to the future of our companies and territories. Investing in STEAM skills means building bridges between the world of education and the world of work, between critical thinking and technology. And it means, above all, recognising the value of diversity as a lever for growth'.

Fondimpresa: 'Continuing education is indispensable for STEM graduates'

Mario Moioli, Head of External Relations of Fondimpresa, emphasised the importance of continuing education:

"In an ever-changing labour market that requires constant updating of skills, it is imperative that graduates in STEM subjects continue their education throughout their lives. To support this need, Fondimpresa offers the Italian production system a wide range of continuous training funding tools, such as, for example, the Notice on Technological and Digital Innovation'.

Milan, 21 October, award ceremony for the winners of the Women in Stem call for proposals. In the photo, from left: Dorika Franchini, President Space Work; Aldo Forte, Head of People & Organisation Enel Italia S.p.A.; Gaela Bernini, Secretary General Fondazione Bracco; Chiara Mazzoli, Senior Director, Project Management & Processes, Portfolio Management Gruppo Chiesi; Mario Moioli, Head of External Relations Area Fondimpresa; Anna Carmassi, President STEAMiamoci

SteaMiamoci: 'These girls are a model to spread'

Anna Carmassi, President of the association STEAMiamocihighlighted the excellence of these young women:

"Congratulations to these girls for their achievement. This recognition certainly brings with it a feeling of satisfaction, but also a responsibility, as bearers of a model to be spread among other girls."

Spacework: 'Talent cannot have gender barriers'

Dorika Franchini, President of Spaceworkspoke of the need to free talent from all forms of barriers, especially gender barriers:

"In a context where innovation is the new currency, talent cannot have gender barriers. Supporting those who have the potential to drive change is a duty, not a token gesture'.

Why Women in STEM is important for Italy

According to Confindustria, strengthening the presence of women in STEM paths is not only a measure of equal opportunitiesbut a strategic investment for the competitiveness of the country. More science and technology skills mean more innovative companies, more advanced research and a society better prepared to face global challenges.

Milan, 21 October, Award ceremony for the winners of the Women in Stem 2025 call for proposals

FAQ on Women in STEM 2025

What is Women in STEM?
It is a project of Confindustria's Giuseppina Mai Foundation that rewards young Italian female scholars with scholarships and mentoring courses to strengthen the presence of women in scientific disciplines.

Who are the winners of 2025?
Thirteen female students in their first year of a Master's degree in STEM fields were selected from 172 applications from all over Italy.

What opportunities does the prize offer?
Each winner receives a EUR 3,000 scholarship and participates in a mentoring course with female researchers and professionals.

Why is it important to value women in STEM?
Because increasing the presence of women in science and technology means reducing gender gaps, stimulating economic growth and strengthening the competitiveness of the Italian system.