Science without gender boundaries - Initiative proposed by ' Ambiente: un mestiere da ragazze''

On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, on 12 February 2024 middle school girls are invited to an open-door afternoon in which institutes and schools in Italian-speaking Switzerland will welcome young female students to bring them closer to the world of science, exploring it through an environmental perspective and promoting inclusion and equal opportunities.

The initiative is proposed by ‘Ambiente: un mestiere da ragazze’, an interdepartmental project of the Professional Education Division (DECS), the Environment Division (DT) and the Equal Opportunities Service (CAN), with the collaboration of Millestrade.

The Università della Svizzera italiana and Scuola universitaria professionale della Svizzera italiana through the Dalle Molle Institute of Artificial Intelligence Studies (IDSIA) USI-SUPSI and the Institute for Applied Sustainability in the Built Environment (ISAAC) DACD-SUPSI are taking part in the initiative by proposing two activities open to middle school girls:

IT specialist? On the hunt for stereotypes! - Wednesday 12 February 2025 2.00 - 5.00 p.m., Classroom C1.03, Sector C, East Campus, Lugano:
Dishevelled hair, dark circles under the eyes, glasses, technological objects, a white coat, mismatched socks and unlikely shoes: create your own image as an IT specialist using our filters specially created by an experienced team. You will reflect yourself in this stereotypical representation and then engage in a reflection that will dispel preconceptions and show how IT is a career based on creativity and versatility. Why attend the event? If you want to find out who works in the world of IT, if clichés intrigue you or if you think it could be an interesting career but don't know if it's right for you, come and have fun with us!

Sustainable Buildings and Electricity from Renewables - Wednesday 12 February 2025 14.00 - 17.00, DACD - SUPSI Via Flora Ruchat-Roncati 15, Campus Mendrisio
After a guided tour of the photovoltaic Labo and the material library, the students will be able to touch some basic materials and components (e.g. silicon ingots), carry out practical experiments on photovoltaics, and manipulate various prototypes made by the girls themselves to understand how simple and safe it is to obtain electricity from renewable sources. A concrete case will then be presented, the 15 photovoltaic systems made by the students.
Why attend the event? The opportunity to live a unique, interactive and stimulating experience by addressing current and innovative topics in a context otherwise reserved for researchers.

Places to participate are limited, you can register via the following link by 6 February 2025.