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Women’s application in underrepresented subjects

IULM is committed to encouraging applications by women in subjects where they are comparatively underrepresented:

STEM and AI

In 2024, IULM graduated its second class of students in Artificial Intelligence for Business and Society, with 55% of the total graduates being women. This outcome testifies to the success of IULM’s targeted policy to encourage women to study in these cutting-edge subjects, traditionally male-dominated, through national and regional campaigns. More specifically, IULM organizes Open Days, orientation services, and communication campaigns on the main university channels to promote the course among women students. During one of these presentations, the programme director emphasized the importance of actively reaching out to women students in this innovative study area. This AI programme exemplifies the targeted approach IULM uses to foster women’s applications and participation in underrepresented subjects.

In addition, one of the university’s main STEM research centers, the Behaviour & Brain Lab, currently has 57% female researchers, further demonstrating IULM’s commitment to gender balance in research leadership and innovation. The university also encourages the formation of young female entrepreneurs within these fields.

Screenwriting and Creative Industries

IULM maintains a consistent policy of encouraging women to apply in areas beyond STEM where they are underrepresented. A recent example is the initiative Enhancing Women’s Voices in Cinema and Audiovisuals, specifically in the screenwriting profession, through collaboration with ALF-Pensare Al Femminile. The university sponsors the 2024 Women Screenwriters Award and integrates the initiative into the academic curriculum. Students participate in the selection process for the Best European Film Award “Al Femminile” and produce video essays on the representation of women in films. This initiative is part of the IULM Gender Equality Plan, fostering equal opportunities and promoting women in creative industries.

Sports and Sports Marketing

In traditionally male-dominated areas such as sports and the Master in Sports Marketing and Communication, IULM has successfully encouraged women’s applications and participation. In the sports marketing Masters, for the 2023/2024 academic year students women increased significantly compared to previous editions:

  • +100% from first edition (academic year 2017/2018) and
  • +40% compared to the 2022/2023 academic year

The University aims to increase this percentage even more for the following editions through enhanced outreach to women applicants.

Moreover, IULM actively encourages all women students to participate in university sports teams. Through IULM Sport, the university has established both male and female teams across all sports, including football, volleyball, and basketball, providing structured opportunities for women to engage in competitive sports, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and enhance their visibility in traditionally male-dominated areas.

Research and Cultural Engagement

In research fields traditionally underrepresented by women, IULM has launched targeted programmes to support women’s participation. Notably, the La Montagna al Femminile project highlights women’s contributions to the cultural, economic, and social development of Alpine territories. This project combines research, exhibitions, and community engagement, providing a platform for women’s voices in both academia and public life.

These initiatives form part of a strategic, university-wide effort identified in the IULM Gender Equality Plan, which prioritizes women’s access to underrepresented fields — spanning technology, creative industries, sports, and research — and integrates policy, outreach, and practical programmes to sustain progress in gender equality across all academic disciplines.