Scientific degree courses, the decision to enroll comes from afar, even for female students

The results of the survey “Young Women and STEM Subjects,” conducted by the University of Udine, particularly by Alessio Fornasin and Laura Pagani, supported by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, were presented during the event “Women Who Do Science,” which saw the participation of, among others, scientist Antonella Viola, Rector Roberto Pinton, and the university’s delegate for equal opportunities, Laura Casella. The survey is part of a broader project by the University of Udine within the framework of an agreement with the Region. The goal is to reduce gender disparity in university access to STEM subjects.
Enrollment in a scientific degree course (STEM) often starts before entering high school. During the educational path, particularly for female students, the role of teachers in stimulating interest in scientific subjects, as well as the role of parents, becomes particularly evident. Furthermore, the likelihood of enrolling in a scientific course is higher among the children, both male and female, of non-graduates than among the children of graduates who did not study STEM.
This report focuses on high school students, university students, and graduates in STEM disciplines in the region. The data were collected through questionnaires between November and December 2023.
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