Between 9 and 17 February, researchers from the Centre for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB-CSIC) will visit primary and secondary schools in the regions of La Selva, Maresme and Barcelonès to talk with students about their everyday work as scientists.
The talks are part of the celebrations of 11 February, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a key date to highlight the gender gap in science and technology, make women’s contributions to research more visible and help break down stereotypes that are still present in these fields.
Within this framework, CEAB-CSIC has scheduled around twenty talks at ten educational centres in towns such as Blanes, Palafolls, Malgrat de Mar, Lloret de Mar, Tordera, Premià de Mar and Barcelona.
The sessions, led by researchers from different research groups, will allow students to gain first-hand insight into what scientific work is like, the challenges it involves and the career paths it offers. Around 600 students are expected to take part in this year’s 11F activities.
Aware that the mirror effect plays a key role in fostering scientific vocations, the researchers explain in the classroom what they work on, how they started their research careers, the difficulties they have encountered and the achievements they have reached. These talks help to break down clichés and provide close female role models for girls and young women, reinforcing the idea that science is for them too.
