Piedad de la Cierva: pioneer, visionary and scientist

The Library Services Central of the University of Navarra hosts from November 19, 2024 until March 14, 2025 the exhibition Piedadde la Cierva: pioneer, visionary and scientist . The sample is a tribute to this Murcian scientist who, in an era of limited opportunities for women, left an indelible mark in fields such as X-rays, optical glass and refractory bricks.

Organized by the Josemaría Escrivá Center programs of study , at partnership with the Museum of Science, the University Museum and the group Women for Science of the University of Navarra, the exhibition not only highlights the achievements of Piedad de la Cierva, but also invites visitors to reflect on the historical context in which she worked. Through recreations of laboratories of the time and original materials, visitors will learn about the life of this scientist who worked on research core topic for Spanish science.

Much more than a exhibition

The opening of the sample featured the roundtable Women who inspire, moderated by Eliana Fucili (UN), with the participation of Inmaculada Alva (UN), Sergio Barbero (CSIC), Gurutze Pérez (UPNA) and Ana Rouzaut (UN), who discussed the impact of women in science and the bequest of figures such as Piedad de la Cierva.

In addition, a program of school visits has been designed to encourage scientific vocations among young girls, with educational materials available at unav.edu/pdelacierva.

This initiative, supported by the Cosmos 2024 program of the Government of Navarra, is not limited to Navarra: at the close of the sample in Pamplona, it will travel to Madrid, extending Piedad de la Cierva's bequest to a wider audience.

A bridge between the past and the future

Piedad de la Cierva's life is a testament to how perseverance can blaze trails, especially in a context where opportunities for women were limited. Her story remains an inspirational source , not only for her scientific achievements, but for her ability to overcome obstacles in a predominantly male domain.

During the roundtable Women who inspire, Inmaculada Alva highlighted the figure of Piedad as a reference for young women scientists. According to Alva, Piedad's greatest contribution was precisely her own example, as she was one of the pioneers who paved the way for other women in the scientific field. Piedad's determination, her love for science and her deep faith, which allowed her to rediscover the beauty of the natural order, are elements core topic that continue to resonate today.

In her early years, Piedad faced skepticism and the social barriers of her time, but her passion for science and the support of her family and colleagues gave her the strength to move forward. The exhibition not only highlights her research, but also serves as a reminder that, despite the obstacles, the desire to contribute to knowledge and the well-being of humanity can lead to transforming the scientific landscape.