The fourth edition of “Ambassador for a Day” took place today in Seoul, an initiative launched by the Embassy of Italy in Korea to promote gender equality and female leadership. Coinciding with the Italian Research Day Worldwide, the initiative highlighted the role of women in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). The 2025 edition featured Min-yeong Ko, a Chemical Engineering undergraduate at Dongguk University, who was selected through a competition among Korean university students. Her winning essay focused on Nobel laureate and scientist Rita Levi-Montalcini, marking the 116th anniversary of her birth.
Min-yeong Ko shadowed Ambassador Emilia Gatto for a day, taking part in her official engagements. The programme included a meeting with representatives of the Italian economic system in Korea, a visit to High Street Italia – the Italian Trade Agency showroom dedicated to promoting Made in Italy – and participation in the Annual Policy Session on Disaster Management, organised by the Korean Ministry of the Interior.
The day concluded with a video conference with INFN Director Paola Gianotti, followed by a networking event with Italian and Korean researchers held at the Ambassador’s Residence. On this occasion, the Association of Italian Researchers in Korea was officially founded. The Association will work in collaboration with the Embassy to strengthen scientific cooperation between Italy and South Korea, serving as a bridge between universities, research centres and technology enterprises.
