Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome: 61 per cent of students are women

The increase in the number of female students is also reflected in the quality of the degree programmes. Women account for over 60 per cent of the University’s graduates and, across the various types of degree programmes, generally achieve higher completion rates than their male counterparts. This figure goes hand in hand with a strong focus on internationalisation: almost three out of four students taking part in outgoing international exchange programmes are in fact women.

This trend is even more evident when looking at academic careers. Between 2020 and 2025, the number of female lecturers rose from 39 to 59, an increase of 51 per cent, whilst the number of women in positions of scientific and teaching responsibility is gradually increasing.

At the same time, women’s participation in selection processes and decision-making bodies is increasing. The proportion of women on competition panels has risen from 23 per cent in 2020 to 41 per cent in 2025, whilst women now account for 39 per cent of positions on the University’s governing bodies. This figure rises to 57% on the Board of Trustees and 50% within the Rector’s Office and amongst the Rector’s Delegates, confirming a trend towards a progressive rebalancing of university governance.
There is also a significant female presence among technical and administrative staff: women now account for 58 per cent of the total, making a decisive contribution to the functioning and development of the university organisation.

Alongside the increase in female representation, the Gender Report highlights the consolidation of welfare policies and measures to support a work-life balance. Throughout 2025, in line with previous years, the University ensured the provision of the ‘Polo 0–6’ ‘Nursery and Pre-school’ service for the UCBM community, providing tangible support for balancing personal, family and professional life for those studying and working at the University. During the year, the service was used by 26 families, involving a total of 30 children, confirming the Centre’s role as a stable part of the University’s welfare infrastructure. An additional financial concession was also maintained for families with siblings attending the Centre, providing further support to families. To complement the initiatives supporting parents, the UCBM Summer Camp was run again in 2025, organised in collaboration with Scienza Divertente. It took place over three weeks in June, with extended opening hours from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm.

It is on this basis that the new Gender Equality Plan 2026–2028 has been developed, identifying five strategic priorities: work-life balance; participation in decision-making processes; the development of academic careers; the integration of the gender dimension into education and research; and the prevention of all forms of discrimination and violence.
Key actions include mentoring programmes and initiatives to promote women’s leadership, new schemes to support female students in STEM and digital fields, the expansion of international opportunities for young female researchers, measures dedicated to maternity and parenthood, and tools to monitor career progression.

“Putting people at the heart of everything we do is the foundation of our identity and our educational mission. The figures from the Gender Report confirm that the Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome is creating an environment in which talent can flourish and contribute to the common good, free from gender-related constraints. The growing number of women in teaching, research and leadership roles testifies to the strength of a model that combines academic excellence, a focus on the individual and social responsibility,” says Carlo Tosti, President of the Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome.

“The Gender Report paints a picture of a university that is growing by investing in talent, merit and the development of its staff. The data highlight particularly significant results: from the strong female presence amongst students and graduates to the substantial gender balance in STEM disciplines, right through to the increase in the number of women in academic careers and in positions of responsibility. These are signs that demonstrate the ability of the Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma to create an environment in which everyone can fully realise their potential and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. “With the Gender Equality Plan 2026–2028, we aim to consolidate this progress, offering new generations of female scholars, researchers and professionals increasingly concrete opportunities to play a leading role in the country’s scientific, technological and social innovation,” says Rocco Papalia, Rector of the Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome.

“Equal opportunities require strategic vision but also concrete investment. This is why the new Plan incorporates measures relating to welfare, support for parents, training, professional development and inclusion policies. Our aim is to build a university ecosystem in which lecturers and staff can fully realise their potential, balancing professional growth, family responsibilities and quality of life,” concludes Andrea Rossi, Chief Executive and Director-General of the Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome.