Today, women scientists from IREC took part in the #científiques event, an initiative aimed at increasing the presence of women in science and technology in Catalonia. Organized by the Fundació Catalana per a la Recerca i la Innovació (FCRi) and the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), with the collaboration of the Departments of Education and Vocational Training, and Research and Universities of the Generalitat of Catalonia, the event was held at the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB). Over 200 researchers attended this gathering, marking the start of the seventh edition of #científiques and commemorating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11th).

The event was presided over by the Hon. Núria Montserrat, Minister of Research and Universities, and the Hon. Esther Niubó, Minister of Education and Vocational Training, who highlighted the role of over 600 women scientists offering talks this year to nearly 38,000 students from 501 schools across Catalonia. Both ministers emphasized the need to break stereotypes and make women’s talent in science and technology more visible. From the organizers’ side, Miquel Gómez, General Director of FCRi, emphasized the impact of such initiatives in classrooms, while Eduard Vallory, General Director of BIST, noted that gender stereotypes are formed in childhood, making women role models in STEM essential.

This edition featured a keynote lecture on biological diversity and its relationship with human health by Mafalda Dias, head of the Probabilistic Machine Learning and Genomics Lab at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG). Additionally, an inspiring roundtable discussion addressed the role of artificial intelligence in science and the gender challenges it presents. Participants included Marta P. Estarellas, General Director of Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech; Karina Gibert, Professor at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) and Director of the Intelligent Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (IDEAI) research center; and Rosa Gil, Professor in the Department of Computer Engineering and Digital Design at the University of Lleida (UdL). The speakers emphasized the importance of increasing women participation in traditionally male-dominated fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and ICT.

IREC is proud to have participated in this initiative since its inception, contributing to the consolidation of a space for discussion and reflection that grows in impact and participation each year. #científiques not only inspires scientific vocations among young people but also provides tools and training for researchers and educators to enhance the visibility of women in STEM. Such initiatives are essential for transforming the perception of science and building a more equitable future in research and innovation.