by InTrieste
For the first time in its nearly century-long history, the University of Trieste will be led by a woman. The official candidacies of Professors Ilaria Garofolo and Donata Vianelli were confirmed this week, ensuring that the next rector—Rettrice, in Italian—will be female.
The announcement marks a historic milestone for the northeastern Italian university, founded in 1924. One of the two candidates will take office on August 1, 2025, and serve a six-year term through July 31, 2031.
The election process begins on May 6 with an initial round of voting, conducted for the first time online. If neither candidate secures an absolute majority of votes, a runoff will be held on May 13.
Roughly 1,500 members of the academic community are eligible to vote, representing a broad spectrum of the university’s structure: tenured professors, researchers, administrative staff (both permanent and contract-based), elected student representatives, and postdoctoral researchers serving on various university councils.
Both candidates will present their visions and respond to questions during a press briefing scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. in Aula Bachelet, Building A of the university campus.
The forthcoming election is not only a symbolic step toward gender parity in Italian academia but also a pivotal moment for the University of Trieste, which is positioning itself at the crossroads of tradition and transformation.
