The Spring Media Award is an annual journalistic award established by the Italian Cluster of circular bioeconomy spring and dedicated to Raul Gardini, considered the father of Italian bioeconomy thanks to his intuition to integrate chemistry and agriculture back in the 1980s.

Created to stimulate the world of communication to spread the themes of circular bioeconomy and more broadly environmental sustainability, it will be awarded to the journalist who has distinguished themselves the most in covering these topics.

Third Edition 2025

The third edition of the Spring Media Award was held on June 24, 2025, in Rome, during the annual assembly of the SPRING Cluster, to Laura Bettini, journalist at Radio24, on the occasion of the Spring Cluster assembly titled: “Circular Bioeconomy: Italian Leadership in a Competitive Europe”.

These were the motivations announced by President Catia Bastioli:

For her deep and never superficial storytelling on sustainability in all its facets. Her radio program “Si può fare” is a call to action rooted in understanding and sharing.
Through her investigative work, she has consistently offered an enlightened perspective on the effects of climate change and the urgent need for a new economic and social paradigm, helping raise public awareness in Italy.
She has made a significant contribution to economic and environmental journalism, placing the circular bioeconomy at the heart of her narrative.
The quality of her journalism, her hosting style, and her sensitivity as both a professional and a storyteller fully justify awarding her the SPRING Media Award Raul Gardini.

Second Edition 2024

In the second edition, held on June 27, 2024, in Rome, the award was presented to Sara Deganello, a journalist from “Il Sole 24 Ore,” during the annual assembly of the Cluster held at the Europa space in Rome with the central theme “Circular bioeconomy between Europe and regions.”

The President Catia Bastioli announced the following motivations: “For her ability to disseminate the themes of sustainability and bioeconomy, addressing scientific, cultural, and business aspects with equal attention and effectiveness. Her journalism is of quality, confirming the fundamental role of the media in providing clear and transparent information, serving as an educational tool and a continuous source of discussion.”

First Edition 2023

In its first edition on June 28, 2023, in Rome, the award was presented to Edoardo Vigna, a journalist from “Il Corriere della Sera,” during the annual assembly of the Cluster held at the Rospigliosi Congress Center with the central theme “Circular bioeconomy for an innovative, competitive, and resilient Italy.”

The President Catia Bastioli announced the following motivations: “For his clear and articulated narrative of circular bioeconomy and more general themes of environmental sustainability. Through his articles and investigations, he has provided a continuous and profound view on the dramatic effects of climate change, fostering a new awareness in the Italian public opinion. He has made a fundamental contribution to economic and environmental journalism. The quality of his journalistic work, his writing, his television hosting, and his sensitivity as a professional and narrator, fully justify the recognition of the Spring Media Award in its first edition.”

Rassegna Stampa