Prof. M. Cristina Fossi represented Italy on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Italian Embassy in Vienna, at the Austrian Academy of Sciences. She participated in the event “Women in Science: Breaking Frontiers”, presenting her research on the impact of anthropogenic stressors on Mediterranean biodiversity. This represents an important international recognition for the research group and for the University.
To mark International Women’s Day, the Diplomatic Missions of Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, in partnership with the Austrian Academy of Sciences, organised the event “Women in Science: Breaking Frontiers – (Em)Powering the Green and Digital Transitions”, held on 3 March 2026 in Vienna. The initiative brought together leading female scientists and policymakers to discuss how women in science are driving innovation and systemic change towards a more equitable and sustainable future. Among the invited speakers was Maria Cristina Fossi, Scientific Director of the Biomarker Laboratory at the University of Siena and Scientific Coordinator of the Plastic Busters Initiative. During the panel “Driving Innovation – Female Scientists Shaping the Green and Digital Future”, she presented research on the impacts of anthropogenic stressors on Mediterranean biodiversity, highlighting the role of interdisciplinary scientific approaches in addressing marine pollution and protecting fragile ecosystems. The event provided an important opportunity to showcase the contribution of the Plastic Busters scientific team within an international dialogue on science, sustainability and environmental innovation.
