Four women and one man, five books exploring science from invisible microorganisms to the sense of touch. Antonella Fioravanti takes readers into the unseen world of microorganisms that sustain the planet's delicate balance (Journey into the Invisible World). Vincenzo Levizzani shows how fog, wind and storms have shaped the course of human history (The History of the World in Ten Storms). Daniela Minerva gives voice to women's knowledge that remained on the margins of mainstream medicine for centuries (Plural Women's Medicine), while Beatrice Mautino explores the uncertainty and vulnerability of those who turn to science at one of life's most fragile moments—illness—in Vertigo. Completing the shortlist is Marta Paterlini's The Thinking Skin, which brings touch—the oldest and perhaps most overlooked of our senses—back to the heart of what makes us human.

These are the five finalists for the fourth edition of the Trieste Next – Science Book of the Year Award, promoted by ItalyPost and the Municipality of Trieste – Department of Education, Schools, Universities, Research, Employment and Innovation, under the scientific leadership of the University of Trieste. Presented as part of the Trieste Next festival, the award celebrates the most significant recent publications that explore and interpret the world of science.

The shortlist was selected by the Award's Scientific Jury, which chose five titles from more than 60 books submitted by publishing houses. The shortlisted authors will take part in the fifteenth edition of Trieste Next, entitled "The Shape of Thought. Interactions between Brains and Intelligences," taking place in Trieste from 25 to 27 September. Throughout the festival, each finalist will present their book in a dedicated event introduced by a member of the Scientific Jury. The winner will be chosen by the Readers' Jury, made up of more than 200 science enthusiasts from across Italy, and will be announced during the award ceremony on Sunday, 27 September at 11:30 a.m. on the Trieste Next main stage.

The Scientific Jury is chaired by Donata Vianelli, Rector of the University of Trieste, and includes: Gabriele Beccaria (Tuttoscienze, La Stampa), Fabrizio Brancoli (Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Gruppo Nem Nord Est Multimedia), Maurizio De Blasio (Councillor for Education, Schools, Universities, Research, Employment and Innovation, Municipality of Trieste), Leonardo De Cosmo (ANSA and Le Scienze), Paola Del Negro (Director General, National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics – OGS), Fabio Pagan, Marco Panara (la Repubblica Affari & Finanza), Nicla Panciera, Paola Pica (Corriere della Sera Innovazione), Caterina Petrillo (President, Area Science Park), Nico Pitrelli (SISSA, Trieste), Davide Re (Avvenire), Fabio Sottocornola (Corriere della Sera), and Camilla Valletti (Managing Editor, L'Indice della Settimana).

"Once again this year, the science books competing for the award reflect a wide range of fields of knowledge that have a profound impact on society. Bringing them to the attention of the ever-growing audience of Trieste Next is precisely our goal: fostering greater awareness of the role science plays in everyday life is essential," said Donata Vianelli, Rector of the University of Trieste.