by Guisela Chiarella
For the first time in its history, the University of Trieste will elect its next rector through an entirely online vote, and for the first time, both contenders for the role are women — a notable milestone for the century-old institution.
The two candidates, Ilaria Garofolo and Donatella Vianelli, bring decades of academic experience and leadership to the race. Garofolo, a professor of architecture, has previously served as a close collaborator to the current rector. Vianelli, a professor of economics, currently sits on the university’s academic senate.
Voting is scheduled to take place on May 6, with a possible runoff on May 13 if no candidate secures an outright majority. The new rector’s term will begin on August 1 and extend through July 31, 2031.
Both candidates have outlined comprehensive platforms aimed at strengthening the university’s work environment and academic output. Among the central themes of their campaigns is the growing competition posed by online universities, a sector that has expanded rapidly in recent years. They have also expressed concern over a decline in national funding for higher education, a trend that has impacted public universities across Italy.
The outcome of the election is expected to shape the direction of the University of Trieste for the rest of the decade, at a time when Italian universities are grappling with shifting student expectations, digital transformation, and tighter budgets.
