The promotion of scientific vocations continues with talks in schools and screenings for a new February 11

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, designated by the United Nations and celebrated on February 11, vindicates the role of women in the history of science to promote the participation of more girls and women in the science of the future. The Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona (IMB-CNM) joins, like other entities, the initiative through talks by female researchers in schools, the organization of a screening and the promotion of referents in social networks and other channels.

The message conveyed by the date is that women scientists can be of any type and origin, anyone can become one. For this reason, the participation of female researchers and technicians in educational talks, round tables and other actions aimed at promoting scientific vocations among young girls and achieving fuller equality with the participation of a more diverse society in scientific production is promoted. These outreach activities also promote scientific culture. Choosing to study science is a decision that is usually made before adolescence.

Talks in schools to promote scientific vocations

From the two major initiatives of February 11 in Catalonia and Spain, #100tífiques and 11 de Febrero, the institute's researchers participate in face-to-face and online talks with primary schools and secondary schools anywhere in the four Catalan provinces. In some cases, the talks have also been organized on their own, by direct request of the school. This year, the following researchers have contributed to the dissemination of the 11F message:

• Olga Muntada, with a talk on the disciplines of science and her research topic at the Escola Pablo Picasso in Barberà del Vallès (Barcelona).
• Silvia Mena, with a talk on matter and electrochemistry at Escola Cal Maiol in Barcelona (Barcelona).
• Gemma Gabriel, with an online talk with primary school students in Artesa de Segre (Lleida).
• Elisabet Prats in a school in Tordera (Girona).
• Mercedes Saludes, with two talks for primary and secondary school audiences in Blanes (Girona) and Sant Feliu de Llobregat (Barcelona).

Projection Que inventen ellas

The Equality Committee of the IMB-CNM organizes the screening of the documentary film Que inventen ellas. La mujer de ciencia y conocimiento en el cine español on February 16. The work is an initiative of the Equality Committee of the Research and Development Center (CID-CSIC) and will be introduced by Fernando del Blanco, director and documentary filmmaker, who will answer questions from the audience after the screening.

"Que inventen ellas" reviews the representation of women in science throughout the history of Spanish fiction films. It is an audiovisual documentary (fictional) history built from films and characters related to science. Based on a semiotic analysis of the feminine archetype linked to academia and knowledge, it explores how reality and fiction (social actors and actresses vs. filmic actors and actresses) interpellate and replicate each other in the bubbling magma of contemporary Spanish society, composing and decomposing symbolic spaces of continuity and rupture.

Other promotional activities

Throughout the month of February, the IMB-CNM's social networks are full of women researchers and scientists who are leaders in their fields in order to publicize their names and highlight their work. Images of these women are also promoted on the internal screen at the entrance of the institute. At the end of the month, an internal day will be held with a Pasapalabra-like game to reveal the names of these women scientists.