Donata Vianelli will be the first female Rector of the University of Trieste!

An economist born in Vicenza and full professor of Business Economics and Management, she secured 552 votes, surpassing the absolute majority threshold of 505 in the first round.

The second candidate, Ilaria Garofolo, received 341 votes.
Vianelli is currently Director of the Department of Economic, Business, Mathematical and Statistical Sciences and served as the Rector’s Delegate for Student Orientation and Job Placement from 2013 to 2019.
Voter turnout reached 89.20%, marking a 10% increase compared to the 2019 elections, a sign of strong engagement and participation from the academic community.

“I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to the new Rector, Professor Vianelli, the first in the history of the University of Trieste. I will be handing over the baton to her on 1st August 2025,” commented outgoing Rector Roberto Di Lenarda. “We leave behind a healthy, dynamic and efficient University, well equipped to support the new governance through the challenges that lie ahead over the next six years. The exceptionally high turnout is further testament to the strength of our community, which over the years has shown an ability to renew itself, to come together and to actively contribute to the growth of our university. I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to the other candidate, Professor Garofolo, for her willingness to take part in this highly democratic and participatory process.”

All information on the electoral process: https://amm.units.it/elezioni/ele-53036