The Women for Science and Technology group of the University of Navarra, formed by students, doctoral students, researchers, professors and other scientists, has organized a series of conferences and activities to commemorate February 11, International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Lectures by renowned female researchers, a poster exhibition and a projection of the neuroscientist Marian Diamond will be some of the events organized to disseminate and vindicate the role of women in science.

The events began with the lecture "Mathematics is beautiful", given by mathematician Ujué Etayo, a graduate in Mathematics, PhD in Science and Technology and researcher at the Institute of Analysis and Number Theory of the Technische Universität Graz. The expert emphasized that this discipline, despite being unknown, "moves the world" and that, "like all beautiful things, it does not understand gender".

The second conference, "Humanity needs science and science needs researchers", will be given by Biola María Javierre, a former student of Biology and Biochemistry at the Faculty of Science. It will take place on February 11 at 1:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Science Building. "Biola personalizes aspects that seem very important to us: passion for science, spirit of collaboration and interest in people," says María Iraburu, Vice Chancellor of the University of Navarra.

Dr. Javierre -recently recognized among the 100 women leaders in Spain- will tell the audience her personal story: from her university career, the professional challenges, difficulties and opportunities that have arisen in her professional career, and her time as leader of the research group at the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute in Barcelona.

Also, from February 10 to 14 there will be an exhibition of posters of women scientists -in collaboration with the Science Museum-; and on February 11 the Science Museum will screen at 7:00 pm "My Love Affair with the Brain: The Life and Science of Dr. Marian Diamond", winning film of #LabMeCrazy! Science Film Festival, which features the biography of neuroscientist Marian Diamond.   

Only 21% of female professors in the science area

The 11-F activities are aimed at all audiences but especially at women and girl scientists. "As of today in Spain, female professors in science areas make up only 21% of the faculty in that category. In some areas, such as technology, an increase in this percentage is even more difficult due to the low number of girls interested. That is why this conference is also aimed at them, so that they have a more realistic vision of what science and technology are, through activities and testimonials," adds Iraburu.

Women for Science and Technology aims to awaken new scientific vocations and support the development of women in scientific careers. "It should be easier for both men and women to have a dedication to science that does not prevent them from developing other important dimensions of their lives, such as caring for their families. For example, more flexible professional careers, support for a scientific career after maternity or a leave of absence to care for a sick parent," says Dr. Iraburu.

The Women for Science and Technology group brings together graduate students, doctoral students, researchers, professors and scientists from the University of Navarra who organize outreach activities aimed at raising the visibility of women scientists through videos, exhibitions, conferences, training programs and visits to national and international research centers.