The URJC is committed to the visibility of women in science

Irene Vega

The Vice-Rectorate for Research, Innovation and Transfer, through the Scientific Culture and Innovation Unit (UCC+I), is organizing for the ninth consecutive year the conferences URJC scientists in the classroom. The aim of these activities is to raise awareness of the role of women in science and to awaken young women's interest in scientific and technological careers. This event is held to commemorate the Women and Girls in Science Day, which takes place every year on February 11, as declared by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on December 22, 2015.

More than a hundred URJC professors and researchers will participate in this edition, sharing their personal and professional experiences with students from 78 educational centres in the Community of Madrid. Throughout this week, the researchers will give informative talks to primary, secondary and high school students.

The program of activities is divided into four thematic areas: 'I am a scientist', which will address personal experiences of different scientists from the university, 'What if I study a STEM career?', which will aim to promote the study of careers and professional opportunities in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). science, technology, engineering and mathematics), 'Health Scientists', dedicated to the areas of knowledge of the branch of Health Sciences, and 'In social and legal sciences, art and humanities, research is also carried out', where other areas of knowledge will be revealed that beforehand are less related to scientific activity.

“URJC researchers are increasingly involved in participating in this day. They want to pass on their experience and their way of seeing science to the new generations. At UCC+I, we work proactively to ensure that educational centres welcome female researchers and bring science into their classrooms,” says Carmen García Galera, academic director of UCC+I.

The response from the scientific community of the URJC has been very positive and every year more women join the different activities that are programmed. This initiative has the collaboration of the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) - Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and, in addition, is part of the program of activities Researchers at Schools, within the European Researchers' Night (NIGHTMADRID) project, funded by the European Union within Horizon Europe, the EU Research and Innovation Programme, under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (under grant agreement number 101.162.110).

Women leaders in science

By second consecutive year, the URJC joins in the celebration of a special event in commemoration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. On Tuesday, February 11, a special event will take place Roundtable, under the theme: 'Women leaders in science: their experiences, challenges, difficulties and personal achievements'. This event will be held at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) starting at 10:00 am.

The event will be attended by representatives of the organizing institutions: UCM, through its Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), the Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC), the madri+d Foundation for Knowledge, the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) and Wikimedia Spain. Also participating will be distinguished women scientists with extensive professional careers, who as experts will share their vision and experiences in the scientific field, inspiring new generations to follow in their footsteps and overcome existing barriers.

Following the round table, there will be an editing session on Wikipedia, led by Wikimedia Spain. This 'editathon' will allow its participants to collaborate in editing articles on the biographies of women in science on Wikipedia. In addition, this activity will have the option of virtual participation through Zoom, thus facilitating the inclusion of people from various places.