Martina Giancane, a PhD Student at Sant’Anna School, among the winners of the “Innovazione, Particolare Femminile” Award at FORUM PA 2026

Martina Giancane, a PhD student in Biorobotics at Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa, has been selected among the 50 winners of the “Innovazione, Particolare Femminile" Award, established by FORUM PA 2026 on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of women’s suffrage in Italy. The award recognizes professionals who are helping to build a more innovative, inclusive, and future-oriented Public Administration.

Giancane conducts her training and research activities within the Neuro-Robotic Touch Lab, coordinated by Professor Calogero Oddo, in a scientific collaboration with Professor Emiliano Ricciardi of IMT School Lucca and Dr Mariangela Filosa, within the Tuscany Health Ecosystem NRRP initiative. She received the award for her research on the recognition of emotions conveyed through touch in human–robot interaction.

Below is the motivation that led to Martina Giancane’s selection among the 50 winners of the “Innovazione, Particolare Femminile” Award:

"For the innovative contribution of a new generation of female researchers who are redefining the relationship between technology and care. At Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, she has developed advanced solutions in the field of robotics, introducing tactile perception systems based on e-skin technology.

She has initiated research pathways that open new perspectives for more empathetic, safer, and more sustainable assistance. She represents an emerging talent capable of combining scientific excellence with social impact, helping to envision the future.”