The Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS) joins the celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. On this occasion, the center welcomed more than 60 high school students from IES de Brión and IES Fontexería de Muros, offering them the opportunity to explore the world of science and gain insight into the work of CiQUS female researchers..
By declaring February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the United Nations aims to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, in addition to empowering them and fostering gender equality at all stages of a scientific career. CiQUS actively contributes to this initiative by highlighting the work of its female researchers and providing high school students with female role models in the scientific field, encouraging curiosity and interest in research among young people, particularly young women.
CiQUS directors, José Luis Mascareñas and Dolores Pérez, welcomed the students in an event that featured the participation of María Quintiana, Director for the Promotion of Equality at Xunta de Galicia. Quintiana emphasized the importance of such events in raising awareness about the role of women in science and breaking the gender barriers that still exist. She also highlighted the work of the Women and Science Unit, a collegiate body of the Xunta de Galicia aimed at fostering and transforming Galician science and technology from a gender perspective”. Prior to this, CiQUS Deputy Director Dolores Pérez introduced the center to the students and provided a clear overview of the challenges women face in science: “There is objective data showing that women continue to encounter obstacles in gaining recognition for their work and advancing in their research careers. It is essential to work towards eliminating gender biases and supporting women during the critical postdoctoral stage, which determines whether many continue or leave their scientific careers.”
The event at CiQUS highlighted the diversity of female profiles in science. Researchers Concepción González, Dolores Pérez, Ester Polo, and María Tomás presented their research lines alongside their teams. This allowed students to engage directly and interact with young female researchers at different stages of their professional careers. Each of them, with their unique backgrounds and areas of expertise, provided a distinct perspective on a scientific career.
Committed to gender equality and the promotion of scientific vocations, CiQUS seeks to inspire new generations and nurture curiosity for research. Through initiatives like this, the center contributes to breaking barriers and creating female role models that encourage young women to pursue STEM careers.
