Meeting the challenges of the present and the future requires a commitment to finding solutions, and in this the role of scientific research, the engine of development and innovation in our society, is crucial. For these discoveries and solutions to generate impact, it is equally crucial to communicate their results clearly and effectively, making them accessible and understandable to all. To science and its communication is dedicated the Italian Premio Nazionale GiovedìScienza, now in its fourteenth edition in 2025.
The initiative
A showcase for the scientific-technological excellence of Italian research, the Prize aims to give visibility to the work of researchers under 35 who, with their production, contribute to the development and innovation of Italy. The Prize looks to the future by pursuing the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, an action program for people and the planet. The call for entries is open from January 27 until March 3, 2025.
The initiative is aimed at female researchers under 35 years of age who have achieved relevant scientific-technological results by working in an Italian research organization and who have, in parallel, demonstrated competence in disseminating such knowledge to the general public.
The Prize has 3 phases: application, selection and competition, with more than 100 referees involved in each edition. The winners will be decided by a technical jury of science communication experts, a popular jury of students, and a committee of experts representing the innovation ecosystem.
The 14th edition of the GiovedìScienza National Prize is held as part of the 39th edition of GiovedìScienza and is carried out in collaboration with the Turin Chamber of Commerce, the Business Incubators of the Universities of Piedmont 2i3T and I3P, LINKS Foundation, Club degli Investitori, BergamoScienza, Festival della Scienza, Fondazione Idis-Città della Scienza, Psiquadro and Fondazione Teatro Ragazzi e Giovani. The 39th edition of GiovedìScienza in itself is designed and organized by Associazione CentroScienza Onlus, under the patronage of the City of Turin, Metropolitan City of Turin, Turin Chamber of Commerce and CNR (Italian National Research Council), with the support of Regione Piemonte, Fondazione CRT and Banca d’Alba.
The prizes
There are four cash prizes and many educational opportunities available in the 14th edition:
- GiovedìScienza Prize, awarded for popularization: the winner will be awarded €5,000 and the opportunity to tell the audience of GiovedìScienza the results of their research in a dedicated conference in the next edition 2025/2026.
- Elena Benaduce Special Prize, dedicated to research work that stands out for having direct or important effects on people's well-being and quality of life, with a cash award of €3,000.
- GiovedìScienza Futuro Prize, awarded to the best feasibility study, with a cash prize of €3,000 and an accompanying path aimed at developing the project supported by one of the partners.
- GiovedìScienza "Sustainable and Digital Business" Prize, for those who develop the project proposal starting from the concept of “Double Transition” and the themes of sustainability and digitalization. Cash prize of €3,000 and an accompanying path aimed at the development of the project supported by one of the partners.
- Two orientation meetings: the first aimed at drafting the feasibility study for those who intend to participate in the GiovedìScienza Futuro Prize and the second aimed at drafting the project proposal for those who will choose to participate in the GiovedìScienza "Sustainable and Digital Business" Prize.
- New this year, a meeting dedicated to the topic of Intellectual Property protection, curated by the Turin Chamber of Commerce, which is essential for researchers who have to deal with the market. Experts in the field will explain the different forms of protection available in Italy and abroad, explaining the importance of safeguarding intangible assets such as patents and trademarks.
- The 10 finalists and winners of the Special Prizes will have the opportunity to participate in a training course dedicated to science communication and in “Arte Oratoria,” a training course in public speaking. From this year, all candidates and applicants who have submitted a valid application will be able to participate in this second pathway, with special conditions reserved for Premio GiovedìScienza.
Nominations must be received exclusively online in the "Premio" section of the GiovedìScienza website by 1 p.m. (13:00 local time) on Monday, March 3, 2025.
