photographer: carly wollaert © | make-up artist: chelitha zugten from art of colors
laura ferranti(she/her)
associate professor at tu delft
about
i moved from rome to the netherlands to pursue my phd, and today i am an associate professor in the faculty of mechanical engineering at tu delft. in the reliable robot control lab, my team and i build ‘reliability in motion’—creating the algorithms that allow drones and autonomous cars to navigate our world safely. for me, robotics is about more than technology; it’s about creating a future where innovation serves everyone. as a researcher, teacher, and mother to a 3-year-old, i want to show the next generation that a career in tech is a place where you can belong, lead, and thrive.
what advice would you give to your younger self?
believe that you can lead a lab and raise a child; the two roles can actually fuel each other. it won’t always be easy, and it will require you to grow in ways you didn’t expect, but it is incredibly rewarding. my one caveat: choose your environment wisely. surround yourself with colleagues and mentors who champion your dual identity. you can be a researcher and a present parent, provided you are in a community that supports the ‘whole’ you.
delft university of technology
tu delft underlines that women in technology are essential—not only for equality, but for progress. with more women in engineering studies, we unlock a wider range of ideas, perspectives, and solutions. this diversity is not a luxury; it is a necessity to tackle the complex technological and societal challenges ahead. innovation grows stronger when everyone’s talent is included. by stepping into technology, women help shape a future that is smarter, fairer, and designed for all.
dewis – delft women in science
tu delft | women in science (dewis) is an independent employee resource group that represents and supports women+ in academia at delft university of technology. since 2006, we have been working to promote gender equality among scientific staff and drive structural change within the university. we are dedicated to enhancing the recruitment, retention and advancement of female academics and educators, while cultivating a culture of openness, transparency and equal opportunity. through providing independent advice, advocacy and community building, dewis helps create a more inclusive academic environment in which all scientists feel respected and valued, and equitable representation is recognised as vital for excellence, innovation and societal impact.