University of Trieste, Donata Vianelli first rector in the university's history

Donata Vianelli will be the first Rector of the University of Trieste. A professor of Economics and Business Management, with 552 votes she already exceeded the absolute majority threshold of 505 in the first round. The second candidate, Ilaria Garofolo, obtained 341 votes. From 2013 to 2019 the Rector's delegate for Orientation and Job Placement, Vianelli is currently director of the university's Department of Economics, Business, Mathematics and Statistics.

Born in Vicenza, Italy, she obtained her doctorate in Business Administration from Ca' Foscari University in Venice and has focused her research and teaching activities on a number of core topics: internationalisation of companies, corporate strategy, supply chain management, marketing and sustainability. He has spent numerous visiting periods abroad, including Europe, the United States and China. He counts over 130 scientific publications. He is President of the National Conference of Directors of Economics and Statistics and a member of the Interconference of Italian Department Chairmen.

Yesterday's turnout reached 89.20%, an increase of 10% compared to the 2019 elections, a sign of the broad participation and involvement of the academic community.
Roberto Di Lenarda, the outgoing Rector, comments: "I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to the new Rector, Professor Vianelli, the first in the history of the University of Trieste, to whom I will hand over the baton as of 1 August 2025. I leave behind a healthy, dynamic and efficient University, which will be able to support the new governance in the challenges that await us over the next six years. The very high turnout is further testimony to the solidity of our community, which over the years has been able to renew itself, become cohesive and participate in the growth of our University. A heartfelt thank you to the challenger, Professor Garofolo, for her willingness to participate in this strongly democratic and participatory process'.