On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated today, 11 February, IREC is once again participating in #científiques2026. This initiative, led by the Fundació Catalana per a la Recerca i la Innovació (FCRI) and the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), in collaboration with the departaments Educació i Formació Professional i de Recerca i Universitats of the Government of Catalonia, aims to bring science and technology into the classroom and foster scientific vocations among students.

Edition after edition, more than 500 schools across Catalonia have opened their doors to over 600 women professionals in science and technology, who act as key role models. Their involvement helps to challenge perceptions and show that girls can also become scientists, engineers or technologists in fields where women remain underrepresented. Currently, women account for approximately 30% of research staff, a figure that underlines the importance of initiatives such as #científiques in progressing towards a more diverse and equitable research landscape.

As part of the programme, the #científiques Meeting took place on 27 January 2026 at the Casa de Convalescència of the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (UAB Barcelona Campus). The event brought together participants from a wide range of institutions in a space dedicated to inspiration, training and networking, strengthening the community of women scientists and professionals committed to public engagement and social transformation through knowledge.

In this edition, IREC researchers and professionals are giving talks aimed at pupils in Year 6 (Primary) and Year 7 (Secondary) (ages 11–13) at several schools in Catalonia:

• Natalia Kostretsova – Hamelin-Laie International School (Montgat)
• Elisabeth Chulilla – IES Thos i Codina (Mataró)
• Lucile Bernadet – Escola d’Hortsavinyà (Tordera)
• Marta Fonrodona Turon – Pompeu Fabra (Lloret de Mar)
• Shanti Maria Liga – Ins Can Vilumara (L’Hospitalet de Llobregat)
• Alicia Ruiz-Caridad – IES Bosc de Montjuïc (Barcelona)
• Marina Calcagnotto Mascarello – Escola Serra de Coll-Bas (Carme) (virtual session)
• Paula Arias Cuberas – Escola Duran i Bas (Barcelona)

IREC’s participation in #científiques reflects its strong commitment to equal opportunities, the visibility of female talent, and the transfer of knowledge to society. Through these talks, IREC professionals share their career paths, bring energy research closer to the classroom, and help inspire future scientific vocations at a crucial stage in students’ educational development.

IREC recognises the commitment of its participating professionals and is pleased, once again, to contribute to this collective initiative, which works towards a more diverse, inclusive and representative scientific community.