Charged for Change: DigiCell’s All-Female Team in the Spotlight
11 February 2026 is International Day of Women and Girls in Science. On this occasion the DigiCell project shines a spotlight on the women behind cutting-edge battery research. At Politecnico di Torino, an all-women research team is contributing key expertise to DigiCell’s work on transforming battery manufacturing.
Meet the All-Female DigiCell Team at Politecnico di Torino
The DigiCell partner Politecnico di Torino brings together an all-female team with complementary expertise across different career stages. The team is led by Silvia Bodoardo, Full Professor at the Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT). Her research focuses on making batteries smarter, safer, and more sustainable, directly supporting the energy transition.
“I was inspired to pursue a career in research by the idea that science can have a real impact on society. Batteries sit at the heart of the energy transition, and working on them means contributing directly to cleaner mobility, renewable energy integration, and a more sustainable future. That sense of purpose has always driven my research choices,” reflects Bodorado.
She is joined by Carlotta Francia, Associate Professor at DISAT, whose work addresses post-lithium-ion technologies and the thermal behaviour of Li-ion cells. Her research bridges fundamental science and real-world applications, contributing to safer and more efficient battery systems.
“I have always been fascinated by the field of batteries, as it is a highly multidisciplinary area that integrates materials science, electrochemistry and solid-state physics, while maintaining a strong connection to real-world applications. Battery research plays a crucial role in addressing key technological challenges related to energy, sustainability and the transition toward renewable energy systems, making it both scientifically stimulating and socially impactful,” reviews Francia.
Completing the team is Sabrina Trano, a PhD candidate whose work reflects the next generation of battery researchers, combining curiosity-driven science with a strong collaborative spirit.
“What I am enjoying about my work in DigiCell is its spirit of collaboration and open sharing of science and tools. It gave me the chance to learn, exchange ideas, and work with brilliant, enthusiastic researchers driven by curiosity and passion,” highlights Trano.
Why visibility matters
Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in STEM – particularly in highly technical fields such as battery research. By highlighting women’s contributions, we want to address this imbalance, create visible role models, and challenge persistent stereotypes.
“Because visibility creates possibility and opportunities. When young women see other women leading research, building teams, and shaping innovation, they can imagine themselves in those roles. Diversity makes science stronger, and highlighting women’s contributions helps ensure that talent, ideas, and leadership are not lost.” – Silvia Bodorado
“Recognizing women’s contributions in research helps create role models and build a more inclusive and innovative scientific community, something I deeply value and strive to contribute to myself. I think it’s really important to highlight their role in science because it shows the amazing work they are doing and gives young girls role models to look up.” – Carlotta Francia
“Highlighting women’s contributions matters because many have shaped science without recognition. Giving them visibility corrects the narrative, inspires future generations, and reminds us that talent and curiosity – not gender – drive scientific progress” – Sabrina Trano
The all-women team at Politecnico di Torino embodies DigiCell’s commitment to gender equality in science. Their work shows that women are not only contributing to advanced research fields such as battery technologies but are leading them.
At the same time, we want to take the opportunity of today to celebrate and thank all the incredible women in our consortium, whose dedication, expertise and passion drive innovation in battery research.