Mapping the Evolution of Italian Design Through the Lens of Scientific Research: A Gender Perspective

Design is a complex discipline with several areas of action. To outline a picture of the recent years’ situation—with respect to the contributions made in the Italian panorama—we chose to study the data of the National Scientific Habilitation, which is necessary to apply for permanent positions of Full and Associate Professor in Italian Universities, in the field of Design. The study focused exclusively on the publications submitted by female candidates to evaluate “Article 7” during the second-last round of national habilitations. The decision to focus on “Article 7” is because those publications represent a subset of scientific works that each candidate considers the most appropriate in defining their scientific profile and research focus. Therefore, the chapter aims to provide a picture of the main thematic focuses within the design sector, outlining the main topics discussed inside the scientific community with specific attention on female academics.