Innovation is not only about developing new technologies. It is also about bringing together different expertise, perspectives, and ways of thinking to transform ambitious ideas into solutions that can address real-world challenges. As part of our Women in STEM campaign, we are highlighting the women contributing to CompSTLar and sharing the experiences, ideas and values that have shaped their careers.

In this edition, we meet Sabrina Verardi, Senior Researcher and R&I Project Manager at Engineering Ingegneria Informatica, where she works at the intersection of technology, research collaboration and industrial innovation.

Within CompSTLar, Sabrina contributes to the development of the Digital Thread framework, which aims to improve collaboration, traceability and information continuity across the aircraft lifecycle. Her role involves coordinating activities, engaging with partners from different domains and helping translate complex requirements into solutions that can support real industrial needs.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to bring together people with different expertise and perspectives to build something innovative.”

From curiosity to innovation

Sabrina’s journey into STEM began with a simple curiosity about how things work and a fascination with solving problems through knowledge and innovation.

“I have always been curious about how things work and fascinated by the possibility of solving problems through knowledge and innovation.”

For her, science and technology offered a combination of logical thinking and creativity. As her studies and career progressed, she also realised that STEM is about more than technology: it is about creating solutions, working with people and contributing to progress in meaningful ways.

Looking back, she identifies curiosity as one of the most important factors that shaped her path.

She also recognises the importance of visible role models in helping young people imagine themselves pursuing STEM careers. By sharing her own experience, she hopes to encourage more young women to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Turning ideas into concrete results

For Sabrina, one of the most rewarding aspects of her work is seeing innovative ideas evolve into concrete results.

In projects such as CompSTLar, ambitious concepts are gradually transformed into solutions that can support real industrial processes. Working on the Digital Thread means helping create a framework that can connect information, people and processes throughout the aircraft lifecycle.

“Knowing that these efforts may contribute to more efficient collaboration and better decision-making in the future is extremely motivating.”

She also finds great satisfaction in working with international teams, where learning from experts with different backgrounds continuously broadens her perspective.

For Sabrina, this is another reminder that innovation is a collective effort.

When different perspectives meet

Working in multidisciplinary and international teams has taught Sabrina that innovation emerges when different perspectives come together.

Engineers, researchers, software developers, industrial experts and business stakeholders may approach the same problem from very different perspectives. Bringing these viewpoints together requires more than technical expertise.

“One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is the importance of creating a common language between people with different expertise.”

Successful collaboration also requires listening, empathy and the ability to understand other viewpoints.

In European projects such as CompSTLar, diversity extends beyond technical backgrounds to include different experiences and ways of thinking. For Sabrina, this diversity is one of the greatest strengths of collaborative research, enabling solutions that are richer and ultimately more innovative.

Leadership through collaboration

Sabrina’s understanding of leadership has evolved throughout her career.

Earlier on, she associated leadership mainly with expertise and decision-making. Today, she sees it more broadly: as creating an environment where people feel confident sharing ideas, taking initiative and contributing their best work.

“Today, leadership means creating an environment where people feel confident sharing ideas, taking initiative and contributing their best work.”

In research and innovation projects, leadership does not always come through formal authority. It can also happen through influence, dialogue and the ability to bring people together.

Some of the most effective leaders she has encountered are those who listen actively, encourage diverse perspectives and build trust among team members.

For Sabrina, this approach reflects a simple principle: the best outcomes emerge when everyone feels included and empowered to contribute.

Proud of the connections built along the way

When reflecting on her career, Sabrina is particularly proud of contributing to European projects that have brought together research organisations, technology providers and industrial partners to address complex challenges.

She values the opportunity to help bridge the gap between research and real industrial needs, working on topics such as digitalisation, interoperability and the Digital Thread.

But some of the achievements she values most cannot be measured through a specific deliverable or milestone.

“I am also proud of having built strong collaborative relationships throughout my career.”

For her, trust, partnerships and shared learning experiences are an important part of what makes research and innovation meaningful.

Trust your ability to learn

If she could give one piece of advice to her younger self, Sabrina would tell her to trust her abilities more and not wait until she feels perfectly ready before taking on new challenges.

“I would tell my younger self to trust her abilities more and not wait until she feels perfectly ready before taking on new challenges.”

Throughout her career, she has learned that growth often comes from stepping into situations that initially feel uncomfortable or uncertain. Some of the opportunities that helped her develop professionally were those she felt least prepared for at the beginning.

She also highlights the importance of staying curious, continuing to learn and recognising the value of collaboration. Technical skills are important, but so are openness, adaptability and the ability to work with others.

Her message to young women considering a career in STEM is simple:

“Do not let self-doubt decide for you. Be curious, embrace challenges and trust your ability to learn.”

For Sabrina, what matters is the willingness to keep growing, learning and exploring new possibilities.