#Científiques 2026: Women Scientists from the BIST Community Bring Science into Classrooms

by Chema Arcos

A large number of women scientists from ICN2 and other BIST centres joined the programme to promote female role models and help challenge gender stereotypes in schools across Catalonia.

To mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (#11F), a new edition of the initiative #Científiques was led by the Fundació Catalana per a la Recerca i la Innovació (FCRI) and the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), with the support of the Government of Catalonia. The #11F was proclaimed in 2015 by the United Nations to recognise the vital contribution of women to science and to encourage scientific vocations among girls and young women. Since 2019, the FCRI and BIST have jointly organised #Científiques (formerly #100tífiques) to mark the occasion, bringing women scientists into primary and secondary schools to share their experiences and professional paths in STEM.

As part of the 2026 edition, nearly 600 female scientists visited classrooms across Catalonia to share their career journeys with primary and secondary school students. Ten of them were representatives from ICN2: Marta Delgà, Núria Basanta, Margarita Navia, Mary Cano, Rosa M. González, Laura María Flórez, Belén Pepió, Sara Navarro, Marianna Sledzinska and Patricia Aguilar. During these sessions, the scientists spoke about their careers in science, sharing personal and professional experiences, helping to make women in science more visible and sparking interest in research among younger generations.

In parallel, the ICN2 Marketing, Communication and Fundraising Department supported the organisation of the initiative by taking part in training sessions coordinated by BIST for teachers and participating scientists. These sessions aimed to provide them with the tools needed to maximise the impact of their classroom visits. The initiative also received support from the Institute’s Equal Opportunities Committee.

ICN2's active involvement in #Científiques demonstrates its ongoing dedication to promoting gender equality and encouraging careers in science among young people. Such initiatives are essential in building a more diverse, fair and inclusive research ecosystem.