Serenella Medici wins the “Woman of Science” Award

Serenella Medici, Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical, Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences of the University of Sassari, has won the 2026 “Woman of Science” Award (Premio Donna di Scienza).

Now in its eighth edition, the award recognises women born or working in Sardinia, or who have made a significant contribution to the island, and who have distinguished themselves in scientific research, science education, or the promotion and dissemination of scientific knowledge.

The Donna di Scienza Sardegna Award is an initiative promoted by the Scienza Società Scienza Association, in collaboration with the Universities of Cagliari and Sassari, the INAF – Cagliari Astronomical Observatory, the Cagliari Section of the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), the Cagliari branch of the CNR Institute of Neuroscience, and the Municipality of Cagliari's Department for Public Education, Study Support and Knowledge.

Before Serenella Medici, Donatella Spano was the only other University of Sassari academic to receive the award, in its third edition in 2021. This is also the first time the award has been presented to a researcher in the field of chemistry.

The award citation

Serenella Medici receives the 2026 Woman of Science Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements in chemical research. The award acknowledges her contribution to the study of metals in pathological conditions and environmental pollution, the international standing of her scientific publications, and her ability to build connections between chemistry, medicine, the environment and archaeology.

Her research into the role of metals as environmental pollutants is of particular relevance to Sardinia. Alongside her research activities, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to teaching, training future generations and promoting STEM subjects among female and male students alike.