Passion, curiosity, love for discovery: #ChooseSTEM

A choice driven by passion, by the desire to fulfill a dream. A choice that is also a challenge—to understand how the world and the universe work, to uncover unsolved mysteries.

These are the testimonies of young Italian female researchers on the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, marking the conclusion of the National Week of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Their experiences have been gathered and shared today in a video by the Ministry of University and Research, in collaboration with Italian research institutions: Area Science Park; Italian Space Agency (ASI); National Research Council (CNR); National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF); Einstein Telescope (ET); National Institute of Metrological Research (INRiM); National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN); National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV); National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS).

The testimonies of these researchers also serve as a call to all female students to consider choosing scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical disciplines (STEM). An encouragement to pursue their passions, interests, and skills with courage and determination: #ChooseSTEM.

#ChooseSTEM is the hashtag of the social campaign promoted by the Ministry of University and Research, together with research institutions and universities, with the aim of raising awareness and inspiring students—both girls and boys—to explore and choose these disciplines.