What are the key aspects for the development of women's research careers? What challenges do women scientists face today? The researchers María Blanco, Marta Alonso and Ujué Moreno, from the University of Navarra, the Clínica Universidad de Navarra and the Cima, moderated by the student of the Faculty of Science, Lara Leal, shared their experience as women scientists in a colloquium that took place in the civivox Iturrama. The event is part of the activities programmed by the Science Museum of the University of Navarra to commemorate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. 

Under the title, Research and talent, the role of women, the three talked about the trajectory of women researchers in past centuries, the reality of research in the world today, as well as the challenges that lie ahead for the full incorporation of women in the scientific field.

"It is necessary that girls have role models that inspire them and awaken new vocations in all fields, and that their talent is supported in an adequate and fair manner," said Ujué Moreno, a researcher in the Department of Biochemistry and Genetics of the Faculty of Sciences.

María Blanco, from the University's Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, commented: "Women can play any role they want in science. There are more and more relevant female researchers in laboratories all over the world. We are on the right track but we must continue to visualize the role of women in science to achieve equality".

Marta Alonso, a researcher in the Solid Tumors program at Cima, referred to "the difficulty of reconciling work and the need to demonstrate more achievements than our peers as the main challenges facing women scientists today".

For her part, the rector of the University of Navarra, María Iraburu, held a meeting with students from the Padre Moret-Irubide Institute in Pamplona. In a session entitled Science and Inspiration, she encouraged the students to pursue their dreams and free themselves from fears and ties. He also spoke about science, professional careers and eliminating glass and concrete ceilings. She also took the opportunity to visit the school's facilities accompanied by the school's management.