The group Women for Science and Technology of the University of Navarra, formed by female 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 researchers, a poster exhibition 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 discussion paper "Mathematics is beautiful", given by mathematician Ujué Etayo, graduate in Mathematics, PhD in Science and Technology and researcher at the high school of Analysis and Number Theory at 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 lecture, "Humanity needs science and science needs researchers", will be held at position by Biola María Javierre, former student of Biology and Biochemistry of the School of Sciences. It will take place on February 11 at 1:00 pm at auditorium of Sciences Building. "Biola personalizes aspects that seem very important to us: passion for science, spirit of partnership and interest in people," says María Iraburu, Vice President of the University of Navarra.

Dr. Javierre -recently recognized among the 100 women leaders in Spain- will tell the audience her story staff: from her university career, the professional challenges, difficulties and opportunities that have presented themselves in her professional degree program , and her time as leader of group of research in the high school of research against Leukemia Josep Carreras of Barcelona.

Also, from February 10 to 14 there will be a exhibition of posters of women scientists -at partnership 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 women professors in 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 are only 21% of the academic staff in that category. In some areas, such as technology, an increase in that percentage is even more difficult due to the low issue of interested girls. That is why this workshop 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 the scientific degree program . "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 family care. For example, more flexible professional careers, support for scientific degree program after maternity or a leave of absence to care for a sick parent," says Dr. Iraburu.

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