Call for Applications Opens for Two Graduation Awards in Memory of Silvia and Alessandro, Victims of the Mottarone Cable Car Disaster: Environmental and Corporate Social Responsibility Topics

The University of Insubria is offering two graduation awards worth €1,500 each to support students preparing a thesis on environmental or socioeconomic issues. The awards are funded by the “Come l’Aria – Per Silvia e Alessandro” Aps association, established in memory of Silvia Malnati and Alessandro Merlo, who lost their lives in the Mottarone cable car accident on May 23, 2021.

The two awards are the first concrete outcome of the five-year agreement signed by the University and the association, which was publicly presented on May 19, 2026, during a meeting featuring Professor Adriano Martinoli, the Rector’s Delegate for Sustainability, Green Spaces and Energy Efficiency. The agreement aims to promote educational, cultural and research activities focusing on the environment, sustainability, biodiversity, science communication and corporate social responsibility, strengthening the ties between the university, young people and the local community.

The initiative seeks to turn the memory of Silvia and Alessandro into tangible support for research and future generations, rewarding projects that explore issues relevant to the present and future of the community.

One award is dedicated to environmental topics, including biodiversity, climate change, the circular economy, the energy transition, urban sustainability and environmental law, as well as other areas related to environmental protection and transformation.

The second award focuses on socioeconomic issues, with particular attention to corporate social responsibility practices and their impact on the province of Varese. Topics listed in the call include gender equality, youth training, workplace inclusion, the promotion of cultural, sporting and social activities, local regeneration and philanthropic initiatives. The aim is also to encourage an ethical and transparent business model that contributes to the well-being of the communities in which companies operate.

Students regularly enrolled at the University of Insubria in a master’s degree programme, a single-cycle master’s degree programme, or a first- or second-level university master’s programme are eligible to apply. Applicants must have an average examination grade of at least 24/30. Their thesis must not have been defended by the application deadline.

The selection process is open to thesis projects that have not yet been developed. Applicants must submit a proposal of no more than five pages outlining the chosen topic, research question, objectives, methodology, expected impact and work schedule. Applications must also include a CV, documentation of the applicant’s academic record, and a letter of support from their thesis supervisor or tutor.

Proposals will be assessed by a committee comprising representatives of the University of Insubria’s Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, the “Come l’Aria – Per Silvia e Alessandro” association, and Varese Web, the publishing company behind VareseNews. The committee may also seek input from external experts.

The evaluation will take into account the scientific quality and originality of the proposal, the feasibility of the project, its expected impact and its potential practical benefits for the local community.

Award recipients will have 18 months to complete and defend their thesis. At the end of the project, they will also be invited to present their work publicly at an outreach conference, sharing their research findings.

To consult the call for applications and download the application form, CLICK HERE.

For further information, please contact Romina Schlegel at Romina.Schlegel@uninsubria.it or by telephone on +39 0332 421333.
 

(Pictured from left: Adriano Martinoli, Ilaria Notari of Varese Web, and Andrea Zanovello of the “Come l’Aria” association)