Chiara brings a strong foundation in mathematical modelling and systems thinking to her work developing digital tools for social impact.
After completing a PhD in mathematical engineering at Politecnico di Milano, she began searching for ways to apply her technical skills in service of social good. That search led her to IDEMS while exploring volunteering opportunities in Africa—and ultimately to becoming the first “Impact Activation Postdoctoral Fellow” at the organization – a now established position that is designed as a bridge between academia and applied development work, offering the flexibility to engage in diverse, transdisciplinary projects while learning from a global network of collaborators.
Since joining IDEMS in 2020, she has led and contributed to a wide range of projects—including chatbot-based parenting interventions, open-source statistical tools for meteorological services, and decision-support systems for agriculture. Much of her work involves translating complex problems into simple, scalable systems that can be used by local partners.
Driven by a belief that technology should increase access—not complexity—she is committed to developing tools that are inclusive, adaptable, and grounded in the needs of the communities they serve.
Why did/do you choose to work at IDEMS?
Working at IDEMS offers the opportunity to work on complex, impactful challenges in a truly innovative environment. The work is incredibly diverse, spanning multiple fields and addressing real-world problems. Its international focus, collaborative culture, and the chance to interact with inspiring colleagues and partners make it an ideal fit for me.
What’s most surprising, unexpected, or rewarding about working in transdisciplinary collaborations?
The most rewarding part of transdisciplinary work is the enriching human interactions it fosters. It’s amazing to uncover commonalities between seemingly different fields and see how knowledge and approaches can transfer across disciplines. It’s also a reminder of how much we can achieve when we collaborate with open minds.
What social problem is nearest and dearest to you?
I feel deeply connected to any issue that can significantly improve people’s livelihoods. This includes immigration, marginalization, and other challenges that prevent individuals and communities from thriving.
What role do you think tech can/should/could play in social impact?
In my view, technology should serve as a tool to make real-world solutions more efficient, accessible, and scalable. It’s not an end in itself but a powerful means to enable progress. By reducing barriers to access and amplifying the reach of impactful solutions, tech can help create equitable opportunities for communities worldwide.
Where is home?
For me, home is Italy, where I grew up surrounded by a strong sense of community and mutual support. I’ve recently moved to Rome and discovered inspiring social projects that aim to build connections and create spaces for collaboration and support. These initiatives resonate deeply with me and remind me of the importance of fostering community wherever you are.
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