Women and science: “A week as a woman scientist “

Women make up just 34% of researchers in Italy according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD ). The percentage is very low, but it is rising. The Pathways for Transversal Skills and Orientation (PCTO) is guiding the “Week as a woman scientist ”, created in 2016 by the Bracco Foundation in collaboration with Centro Università degli Studi di Milano (CusMiBio). The initiative, which is aimed at girls in their fourth year of secondary school or technical college, revolves around the six points set out in the #Forwomeninscience manifesto.

The course is part of progettoDiventerò run by the Bracco Foundation, the object of which is to offer orientation to girls and encourage them to pursue studies in e subjects in defiance of the gender stereotypes that remain deeply rooted in STEM disciplines.

During the 2024 edition, which runs from 10 to 14 June, the 30 girls selected to take part will attend seminars given by experts in the biotechnology sector and carry out related laboratory activities, where they can learn more about, for example, the use of genetic tests in the study of hereditary diseases or the analysis of traces of DNA at a crime scene. Under the supervision of tutors, the participating young women will be able to use high-tech tools and develop their teamwork skills, simulating the environment of a real laboratory.