WOMEN IN SCIENCE
In conversation with three Italian scientists in London

When: Saturday 25th January 2025, 5:30-7:30PM

Where: SIAL.school, 154-156 Holland Park Avenue, W114UH London (closest tube station: Holland Park)

Join us for an extraordinary free event in Italian that highlights the talent of three Italian scientists based in the UK and their passion for the world of science and technology.

Hear the stories of Maria Ubiali, Professor of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge, Lucia Cottone, researcher at University College London (UCL), and Beatrice Soliani, Associate Director of World Wide Patient Safety at Bristol Myers Squibb, an accomplished pharmaceutical professional.

During the event, our guests will share how they nurtured their passion for science from a young age, facing challenges and overcoming the gender stereotypes still present in the scientific field.

They will discuss the importance of having had the right mentorship throughout their professional journey and offer practical advice on how to encourage young women to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).

This will be a unique opportunity to explore the impact of scientific research on society and understand how, through perseverance and innovation, it is possible to make a positive contribution to the world around us.

Book your spot and start an exciting journey into the future of science: join us in inspiring the next generation of female scientists!

The event is open to everyone, with a particular focus on parents with daughters (and sons) aged between 11 and 17, who are interested in discovering the endless opportunities offered by the world of science.
Please note that the whole event will be held in Italian.

Register today

Registration is now closed.

Why attend this event?

Inspiration without boundaries: Be inspired by the experiences of scientists who have reached excellence in prestigious institutions such as the University of Cambridge, UCL, and leading companies in the pharmaceutical sector.

Valuable advice: Receive practical tips on how to support and motivate young women to pursue their passions in STEM fields.

Networking: Take advantage of the opportunity to network with professionals in the field and other families with similar interests, expanding your perspectives and those of your children.

The speakers

Maria Ubiali

Maria is a Professor at the University of Cambridge in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. She graduated in physics from the University of Milan and completed a joint PhD between the University of Edinburgh and the Catholic University of Leuven. She has worked as a researcher in Aachen and Cambridge, receiving recognitions such as a Royal Society Fellowship and the international Guido Altarelli Award. In 2024, she was included in InspiringFifty, a list of the fifty role model women in technology and innovation in Italy. A mother of three, Maria is a passionate mentor for women in STEM.

Lucia Cottone

Lucia is a Junior Group Leader at the Cancer Institute of University College London. She obtained her PhD in tumour immunology at the San Raffaele University in Milan and continued her research at UCL, focusing on primary bone cancers. In 2023, she received an Early Career Fellowship from the Bone Cancer Research Trust and in 2024, the Rising Research Star Bone Idol Award. A mother of three, Lucia is a Mentoring Champion and a member of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion committee, working to promote gender equality in the academic sector.

Beatrice Soliani

Beatrice is Associate Director of World Wide Patient Safety at Bristol Myers Squibb and an expert in pharmacovigilance. She holds a degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology and a master’s in pharmacovigilance. She has worked at companies such as Pfizer, Celgene, and Bristol Myers Squibb in Italy, Switzerland, and the UK. Her passion for drug safety enables her to be by the side of patients every day.

The moderator

Mariaelena Agostini

Mariaelena is a London-based journalist and TV producer who has worked for Al Jazeera English, Channel 5 News, and PA Media and currently works for Channel 4 News. Her work spans investigative reporting, politics, social issues, arts, and culture, with contributions to the Evening Standard, the Daily Mail, and LondraItalia.com. Drawing on her extensive experience conducting interviews and facilitating discussions, Mariaelena will moderate the event, ensuring an engaging and insightful conversation.

Brought to you by:

SIAL.charity is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the Italian language and culture in the United Kingdom. Founded 17 years ago, it established SIAL.school, the only full-time bilingual Italian school in London, and SIAL.courses, which offers Italian language courses to over 5,000 students in London and throughout the south of England and Wales.

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WOMEN IN SCIENCE In conversation with three Italian scientists in London