Researcher Alicia Farina: “Bringing science closer to citizens”

The “Night of European Researchers” was organized. Interview with Alicia Farina, PhD student at the University of Catania.

It happened, even in SicilyThe “Night of European Researchers”The event organized by the European Commission since 2005, to promote and disseminate scientific research in the countries of the Old Continent. As part of the participatory initiative, QDS . was interviewed Alicia Farinaa young PhD student in Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment of the University of Cataniato put the event balance sheet and learn more about his academic life.

What exactly do you do as a researcher in your department?

“I am a PhD student in agricultural, food and environmental sciences dealing with interactions between vector insects, host plants, plant pathogenic microorganisms and natural enemies, to promote the environmentally friendly control of important diseases in horticultural crops”

What are the difficulties that young people, especially women, face in the world of research? Did you come across any particular person, specifically as a woman, even in your studies?

Among the most important difficulties is the functional uncertainty that prevents planning of long-term research goals. Fortunately, during my studies I did not encounter any particular difficulties due to the difference in gender or age above all.”

What are the limits and critical issues affecting the world of research, especially in Italy? What reforms are needed to achieve international and European standards?

Precarious working conditions for those involved in research is certainly a common characteristic in many countries. In Italy, a greater quantity and better management of finance can avert the problem associated with uncertainty about the possible and future stable situation in the world of work.”

What is your credit for “Researchers Night 2022”? What measures are needed to help and stimulate this important sector?

“I can rate my credit for ‘Scholars’ Night 2022′ more than positive because, again this year, the charisma-laden informal context has made it possible to meet scientific culture (seemingly away from society) and citizens. In my opinion, it is necessary to organize more events with Live science experiments and presentations, in order to prove, more and more easily to young and old, that science has a beneficial effect on everyday life.”