As previous years, the ICN2 organised a dedicated event and participated in initiatives meant to highlight the growing presence of women in science and technology, create a space of discussion and dialogue on related topics, and to inspire girls to pursue a career in STEM disciplines.
The ICN2 participated again this year in some of the numerous activities organised in Spain (and in the world) for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Since the UN elected February 11 as the day for this celebration, in 2015, many initiatives have been put in place with the main goals of recognising the role of women in science and technology and, more importantly, of raising awareness about the significant gender gap that persist at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Conferences, roundtables, activities for school pupils, communication campaigns and more took place around this date all over the world. The ICN2 organised on February 13 a debate, titled “How to build a successful scientific career (especially if you are a woman…)”, oriented at sharing relevant experiences and insights about roadblocks encountered by women in their professional path and strategies to overcome difficulties and discrimination issues. Organised with the support of the ICN2 Equal Opportunities Committee, the roundtable was introduced by Dr Margarita Navia, Head of Strategy at the ICN2, and led by three of our women group leaders: ICREA Prof María Escudero Escribano (NanoElectrocatalysis and Sustainable Chemistry Group), Prof. Monica Lira-Cantú (Nanostructured Materials for Photovoltaic Energy Group) and Prof. Laura Lechuga Gómez (NanoBiosensors and Bioanalytical Applications Group).
A very interesting discussion took place, involving not only the panellists, but also various attendees, who posed questions, shared their experience and doubts. The event was recorded, and the edited video is available here:
The ICN2 Equal Opportunities Committee also held a special meeting on February 16 in which the webinar “Tools for including the gender perspective in R&I projects” organised by CSIC and delivered by Dr Isabel Díaz, Deputy Vice-President for Internationalisation and Cooperation of CSIC, was streamed. This lecture was oriented at providing ideas on how to include the gender perspective in project proposals to be submitted to Europe Horizon calls or other international funding programmes.