The Department of Environmental Biology is committed to combating discrimination and every form of harassment, with particular attention to those related to gender and sexual orientation. Our goal is to contribute to the creation of a peaceful and respectful academic environment, where personal freedoms are always protected and those who hold positions of responsibility are aware of the importance of promoting these values. The Department’s Equal Opportunities Committee works in this direction.
The Committee’s activities are aligned with the University’s Gender Equality Plan (GEP) and are developed through concrete actions coordinated with the equivalent committees of the other departments in the Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences. Learn more about the Faculty network.
Committee members: Laura Parducci (Coordinator), Emanuele Zannini – Faculty representative; Tiziana Babusci, Catia Cerra – TAB staff representatives; Marilena Marconi, Elisa Rondoni – Research fellows and PhD candidates representatives.
Link utili
- Sapienza offers a new course on gender equality, La Cassetta degli Attrezzi contro la violenza di genere, available to the entire Sapienza community. Information and registration can be found at thislink.
- Implicit bias in gender–science association
A test developed by Harvard University to explore unconscious bias.
👉 Visit the Project Implicit website and select the Gender–Science IAT. - Beyond gender–violence stereotypes
A freely downloadable booklet, published by Sapienza University Press, offering interdisciplinary reflections on gender-based violence. Download the booklet. - See no Bias, Hear no Bias, Speak for No Change
Article published in Physics (APS) in March 2023 on the impact of bias in academia. Read the article on APS Physics. - The String Theory Universe – Corollaries
A short video by Fabio Scamoni humorously addressing micro–gender biases in academic environments. Watch the video.
The Department of Environmental Biology is committed to combating discrimination and every form of harassment, with particular attention to those related to gender and sexual orientation. Our goal is to contribute to the creation of a peaceful and respectful academic environment, where personal freedoms are always protected and those who hold positions of responsibility are aware of the importance of promoting these values. The Department’s Equal Opportunities Committee works in this direction.
The Committee’s activities are aligned with the University’s Gender Equality Plan (GEP) and are developed through concrete actions coordinated with the equivalent committees of the other departments in the Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences. Learn more about the Faculty network.
Committee members: Laura Parducci (Coordinator), Emanuele Zannini – Faculty representative; Tiziana Babusci, Catia Cerra – TAB staff representatives; Marilena Marconi, Elisa Rondoni – Research fellows and PhD candidates representatives.
Link utili
- Sapienza offers a new course on gender equality, La Cassetta degli Attrezzi contro la violenza di genere, available to the entire Sapienza community. Information and registration can be found at this link.
- Implicit bias in gender–science association
A test developed by Harvard University to explore unconscious bias.
👉 Visit the Project Implicit website and select the Gender–Science IAT. - Beyond gender–violence stereotypes
A freely downloadable booklet, published by Sapienza University Press, offering interdisciplinary reflections on gender-based violence. Download the booklet. - See no Bias, Hear no Bias, Speak for No Change
Article published in Physics (APS) in March 2023 on the impact of bias in academia. Read the article on APS Physics. - The String Theory Universe – Corollaries
The String Theory Universe – Corollaries
A short video by Fabio Scamoni humorously addressing micro–gender biases in academic environments. Watch the video.
Initiatives
November 2025 - In view of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November), the Department of Environmental Biology actively participates in two events:
- 26 November 2025 - Workshop From the political violence against the Mirabal Sisters to gender-based violence today. Aula Marini Bettolo, Department of Environmental Biology (Botany Building CU022, 1st floor, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5), 10:00 a.m. Speakers: Antonella Polimeni, Anna Maria Giannini, Sara Ferrari, Giovanni Di Bartolomeo, Gabriele Favero, Linda Laura Sabbadini, Rita Valenzuela, Alessia D’Innocenzo, Gianni Lattanzio.
Purpose: Starting from the memory of the Mirabal sisters, symbols of the struggle against political and gender-based violence, this workshop aims to reflect on the legacy of that courage and its relevance today. Through presentations by leading experts in the field, we will examine the progress made and the challenges still to be faced in combating all forms of violence and discrimination, promoting rights, freedom and full participation of women in contemporary society.
Event promoted by the Departments MEMOTEF and Environmental Biology.
Scientific Committee: Laura Parducci, Maria Rita Sebastiani, Laura Sadori, Donatella Strangio. - 6 November 2025 - The Department of Mathematics “Guido Castelnuovo”, in collaboration with all Faculty GEP Commissions, organizes the event: “An Iris to not forget Paola Mostosi, Ilaria Sula and all other women victims of violence”. Aula Picone, Department of Mathematics “Guido Castelnuovo”, 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Further information on the event will be communicated on this website soon.
11 March 2025 - On the occasion of 8 March, International Women's Rights Day, the Department of Environmental Biology organizes an event during which a short film dedicated to two scientists among the first Italian academics will be screened: Eva Mameli Calvino, botanist, and Rita Monti, zoologist. Where: Sala Marini Bettolo, DBA (Building CU022, first floor). When: 3:00 p.m.
28 November 2024 - Gender-based violence concerns us all Event: The truth never seems true On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November), the Department of Environmental Biology invites you to a moment of reflection and discussion. Through readings of excerpts from the book Ferite a morte by Serena Dandini, we will share stories, emotions and thoughts, accompanied by coffee and pastries. During the event it will be possible to consult the numerous books on the topic acquired by the DBA Library in recent years and recently updated.
The department also invites you to visit, at the Botanical Garden of Rome (Department of Environmental Biology) in Largo Cristina di Svezia, the sculpture by Alejandro Marmo commemorating the Mirabal sisters, martyrs of the Dominican Republic and a global symbol of the fight against violence against women. The sculpture is located in front of the former Caretaker’s House of the Botanical Garden. An initiative by the association Il Tempo delle Donne, Sapienza University, and the Embassy of the Dominican Republic to the Holy See.
15 October 2024 - BELLA! E BRAVA - Microaggressions in the world of science: time to evolve, 5:00 p.m. Aula Montalenti Building CU022 - Aula Genetica. Speakers: Francesca Dragotto, linguist (University of Rome Tor Vergata); Lorenzo Gasparrini, philosopher, feminist and educator; Elenora Innocenzi psychologist, translator of the book “Le microaggressioni”; Barbara Perrini, illustrator and co-founder of the association Indici Paritari; Barbara Rizzato, Neurologist. Moderator: Laura Pertici, journalist. The meeting is open to the entire academic community, as an opportunity for collective discussion and reflection on microaggressions in the world of science and on the role of cognitive biases. Together with experts in the field, we will discuss these issues, creating a valuable opportunity to gain new knowledge, share experiences and reflect deeply on such matters. For an overview of the guests attending the event, we invite you to consult the poster on the website of the Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”. On the occasion of the meeting, the libraries of the Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin” and of the Department of Environmental Biology will make available to the public some books on the topic of gender equality and inclusive language.-
12 February 2024 - She Rocks Science! - On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February) the Department of Physics, in collaboration with the research bodies operating within the department (CNR, INFN, INAF), organizes this training, outreach and networking event open to teaching staff and students. Participation in the event is free, but for logistical reasons we ask those interested to register by 11 February 2024 using this form. The event will take place at the Physics Marconi Building according to the following schedule.
3:45–6:00 p.m. Aula Amaldi - Round table on Women and Science. Speakers:
Camilla Gaiaschi (University of Salento): Gender inequalities in academia: numbers, reasons and mechanisms
Ilenia Picardi (University Federico II of Naples): Crystal Labyrinths in Science: an analysis of gender structures in Physics
Mariacristina Sciannamblo (Sapienza University): Making a difference: narrating computer science through gender
Eleonora Severini (University of Pavia): "Whose science? Whose knowledge?" The feminist perspective in epistemology
Followed by a round table with the audience.
6:00–7:30 p.m. First floor Marconi Building - Meet and Greet: young female scientists active in the Department of Physics will present posters on their research activities. The posters will be accessible to undergraduate and graduate students.
7:45–9:00 p.m. Piazza in front of the Marconi Building - DJ Set and Apero: music and social time open to everyone.
14 February 2024 - On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February) the Department of Chemistry organizes the theatrical performance “Apparecchiami la Tavola” at 11:00 a.m. and at 2:30 p.m., in Aula La Ginestra, Cannizzaro Building (CU014). "Apparecchiami La Tavola" is a play written by Ludovica Valeri on the occasion of the 150 years of the Periodic Table. It is a cheerful comedy and at the same time a journey through the story of female scientists who passionately contributed to the discovery and study of chemical elements, but who often did not receive proper recognition from history. Participation is free and reservation is required. Participation must be confirmed by invitation email (available seats 300). Two performances: morning at 11:00 for schools and at 2:30 p.m. for the department and faculty.
12 November/11 January 2023 - The exhibition Did this really happen? is hosted at the Department of Environmental Biology, Botany Building, first floor, in front of the Marini Bettolo room.
27 November 2023 - In conjunction with the initiatives for 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, on 27 November 2023 the exhibition Did this really happen? was inaugurated at the Department of Physics. The initiative, organized together with the Gender Balance Working Group of the department, was conceived by a working group of scientists committed to combating episodes of sexism in academia. A similar exhibition was recently held at University College London. Panels will be displayed depicting, in comic form, real episodes of gender discrimination against female scientists of various ranks.
24 November, 2023 - 1:00 p.m. - DEMONSTRATION "NOISILY SILENT" IN MEMORY OF GIULIA CECCHETTIN. The commemoration of 25 November this year unfortunately coincides with yet another tragic femicide, of which Giulia Cecchettin was the victim. The context and motivations of this latest episode of oppression particularly affected our community of scientists engaged in research and academic training. The victim was a student of one of those STEM disciplines that still see low female participation today, due to cultural biases hard to eradicate. Giulia could have been us. In memory of Giulia, and all victims like her of violence, we will gather on Friday 24 November at 1:00 p.m. in front of the Physics Marconi building for a quarter hour of "noisy" silence. Anyone wishing to do so may bring a red scarf as a sign of our commitment to oppose a culture of domination instead of respect.
3 October 2023 - Debate GENDER EQUALITY “Who thinks well, speaks well?” Language and Gender: reflections on diversity, inclusion and well-being - Aula Marini Bettolo (Botany CU022) 5:00–7:00 p.m. The meeting is open to the entire academic community to discuss and reflect on the relationship between language and thought and the role of words in building a more equitable society, respectful of gender equality and diversity. Together with linguists and experts in the field, we will discuss these topics, creating a precious opportunity to acquire new knowledge and share experiences. For an overview of the topics covered and of the guests attending the event, we invite you to consult the poster. The initiative is organized by the GEP (Gender Equality Plan) commissions of the Department of Environmental Biology (DBA) and the Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘Charles Darwin’ (BBCD), Sapienza University of Rome. On the occasion of the meeting, a selection of books on the subject will be displayed and available for loan. The initiative is presented through a display made of eco-sustainable materials, curated by the libraries of both departments. Organizational coordination: laura.parducci@uniroma1.it sara.dipietro@uniroma
12 May 2023 - On the occasion of the 2023 Night of Museums, the Equal Opportunities Committee of the Department of Chemistry and the Primo Levi Chemistry Museum are pleased to present the theatrical performance: A.L.T. Apparecchiami La TavolaThe women scientists of the Periodic Table, by Ludovica Valeri, with Silvia Guido and Ludovica Valeri.
9 and 10 March 2023 - Second edition of the training campus Objective 5. Gender Equality organized by Sapienza with Corriere della Sera, in collaboration with La27esimaora, iO Donna, Le Contemporanee.
16 February 2023 - Aula Amaldi, first floor of the Physics Marconi Building (CU0013) at 4:00 p.m. Dr. Giorgia Ortu La Barbera, Sapienza’s Confidential Advisor, will hold a seminar entitled: Implicit biases and stereotypes on gender and science. All members of the Department are invited to participate.
14 February 2023 - On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (International Day of Women and Girls in Science UN-Women) the Department of Chemistry participates in the IUPAC Global Women's Breakfast (#GWB2023) by organizing the event CHIMICONOSCE #GWB2023.
10 February 2023 - On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (International Day of Women and Girls in Science UN-Women) the Department of Physics organizes an event attended by about 80 high school students and 20 female researchers.
16 and 23 January 2023 - Safe Zones Project - The project, part of Sapienza’s PEG, involves the creation of safe zones regarding LGBTQ+ people and the prevention of gender-based violence in all Sapienza Faculties. In January 2023 a pilot project will begin, involving the Faculty of Medicine and Psychology and the Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences. The deans of both faculties, the Pro-Rector for the Fourth Mission and relations with the Student Community and the relevant University Bodies have already approved its implementation. The Safe Zone is made possible by targeted training, addressed to teaching staff, TAB, students, etc., on issues related to gender, sexual orientations and gender identities, and on factors that help reduce discrimination and increase the sense of safety and well-being. The training was provided by Professor Roberto Baiocco, Professor of Developmental Psychology at Sapienza, and by Dr. Giorgia Ortu La Barbera, Confidential Advisor of the University. Two meetings of about three hours each were held on 16 and 23 January 2023, after which trained participants received a "Safe Zone" sticker to display on their office doors, indicating the presence of trained personnel. In the second meeting, useful information was shared about resources available at Sapienza, which are collected in this file.
18 January 2023 - Meeting with Sapienza’s Confidential Advisor Giorgia Ortu La Barbera - Dr. Giorgia Ortu La Barbera met students in the reading rooms of the Chemistry, Environmental Biology, Biology and Biotechnology C. Darwin and Earth Sciences libraries. The meeting helped to understand how important the role of the Confidential Advisor is in protecting the dignity of students and of the entire academic community, as established in Sapienza’s Code of Conduct for Combating Sexual Harassment. The Advisor provides guidance and assistance to victims of discrimination and sexual harassment, and works to prevent and combat such events in study and work environments.