Publishing date: 18 September 2026 Immagine notizia Immagine Paragrafo A €10,000 prize for first-year PhD students carrying out their research at the University of Insubria’s Como campus, awarded on the basis of a master’s thesis focusing on innovative technologies, processes and methodologies capable of contributing to the future improvement of society. The Silvia Luglio Prize has been awarded this year to Francesca Cherchi, a PhD student in Chemical and Environmental Sciences.The award was made possible by Fiorella Ortalli, who established a fund at the Fondazione Provinciale della Comunità Comasca in memory of her daughter Silvia Luglio, with the aim of supporting young students in their education and encouraging their ability to look to the future through study and research. Over the years, the fund has financed graduation prizes and scholarships; this year, support has been directed towards PhD students, with a contribution designed to provide concrete assistance throughout their research journey. Immagine Originally from Sardinia, Francesca Cherchi graduated from the University of Cagliari and gained several international experiences through the Erasmus programme. During a period in Barcelona, she met Gilberto Binda and became familiar with the work of the University of Insubria’s analytical chemistry research group, particularly its studies on microplastics. That experience led her to move to Como to continue her research career.The award ceremony was attended by Francesco Pizzagalli, president of the Fondazione Provinciale della Comunità Comasca; Monica Taborelli, the Foundation’s secretary general; Fiorella Ortalli; Michela Prest, director of the University of Insubria’s Department of Science and High Technology; as well as numerous students, PhD candidates and faculty members.The certificate was presented by Sandro Recchia, coordinator of the PhD Programme in Chemical and Environmental Sciences, who outlined the winner’s research path and also reflected on his own university experience.During the ceremony, particular emphasis was placed on the value of culture, education and research as an investment in the future. Francesca Cherchi spoke about her journey, the challenges she has faced and the aspirations that guide her scientific work, recalling that in Como she has found, in her own words, “a real family” and an environment in which to continue building her future in research.