I have always been interested in the technical scientific field. I did a scientific high school because I was very interested in science. After high school, I graduated in chemistry. During my thesis dissertation I became interested in research, and I started my PhD at the Politecnico di Torino, doing a joint doctorate between the Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino and the University of Genova.
Your organization field and mission
Politecnico di Torino. Prepares architects and engineers. In the field of engineering, covers all sectors, except naval engineering. I’m in the Applied Science and Technology department that deals with chemistry, physics and materials.
Please tell us briefly about your role in the company / at your organization:
Professor and researcher in the field of batteries, mainly at EU level.
Your interest in STEM
Starting from the idea that there are no differences between men and women, the highest is the visibility that women have, the highest will be the possibility for women to recognize themselves in some role models.
Your studies
I didn’t have specific difficulties, perhaps the need to become independent from my family and be able to support myself. The hardest part came later, as there were few doctoral positions and it was difficult to be selected. In the end, I could make it even though the areas were completely different from those in which I specialized.
When I was young, while I was waiting to enter to the Politecnico di Torino, I was teaching at school. When I won the competition at the Politecnico di Torino, I left the job and my dad asked me why I was leaving a path so suitable for a woman. I made this decision because it was what I aspired to and to this day I am proud of my decision and of the goals achieved. So, it is important to carry on the things you’re passionate about, by not being afraid that it’s harder in the science field. Generally, women face more difficulties than men, as they always have to prove that they are up to the task.
You at work
Something is being done. For example, initiative to promote the possibility for woman to advance in their careers, as well as discussions on how to deal with the maternity leave, which should be equal for men. I, as representative of Piemonte region universities in the Board of Directors of the networks on the right to study, I had all the documentation modified to include the female gender.
In general, there is still no equality, even if something is changing, considering that in the past there were fewer women who did this job.
To have brought at EU level the topic of the batteries as central theme in the research field. I am one of the founders of the Battery 2030 initiative, which is leading to the formulation of many jobs at EU level. In addition, within these projects, I also deal a lot with the engagement of young people. For example, we have just created a youth community in Europe in the battery field, since it is important to have a youth community that can take forward these initiatives.
In this area it is very easy to find a job. As researchers or professors, it is more complicated because unfortunately there are not many places available. Within the battery industry there will be more jobs in the future (about one and a half million are foreseen by 2030), as it is also a multidisciplinary sector in which different skills are required, including chemistry, economy, electronic and mechanical engineer, etc. The field is in a very strong evolution.
Your point of view
All technical areas are those where you can earn higher salaries, so having the opportunity to enter on those areas give you more chances, even counting that it is much easier to find work. Also, from the point of view of social acceptance, a female engineer will enjoy higher importance, since the there are few female engineers in the field. The field of digitalization is transversal and important in all sectors. This must follow a conscious path. Digitization in general is extremely important because it is transversal to all sectors.
To finish with
Solidarity, peace, equity, fairness, environmental sustainability.
Support the creation of a group of proactive young people that can be attractive at European level, and create an impact with their ideas, especially in the field of sustainability.
To see people of the electrochemistry group have a good career and recognition at international and European level.