International Day of Women and Girls in Science

In 2015, the United Nations Member States adopted a resolution to establish an annual International Day to recognize the critical role women and girls play in science and technology communities. In support of this resolution, UNESCO and other relevant organizations that support and promote the access of women and girls and their participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, training and research activities at all levels, proclaimed the 11th of February of each year the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

ICFOnians took this celebration a step further by launching an annual month-long initiative, starting on February 11th, International Day of Women and Girls in Science and extending all the way to March 8th, International Women’s Day. “ICFOnians for Women in Science Month” (WiS), as this initiative came to be known, includes a range of discussions and activities aimed at supporting women in and around science and helping to ensure a positive future for women in science that we all hope to be part of. It is an important part of the institute’s Diversity and Inclusion program.

February 11^th was filled with activity:

For ICFOnians

• ICFOnians gathered in the Auditorium for a Keynote talk from Economist Marina Gertsberg, “Navigating New Collaboration Dynamics in the Post-#MeToo Era”. This thought and debate-provoking presentation inspired all to think about biases, trust, gender and equity, and their impacts on women’s careers. A reduced group met with Prof. Gertsberg  met for a roundtable discussion following the keynote to contemplate how institutions can facilitate productive and equitable collaborations and encourage women to grown in successful scientific careers.  
• Women in Science We Admire:  We have all been impacted by women who have done /are doing amazing and inspirational science.  During WiS month, we encourage ICFOnians to show support for women scientists by helping give visibility to their work and achievements. The first posters of nominations are up in the NEST Hall, and ICFOnians can continue to make nominations through

For the General Public: Outreach events highlighting the relevance and strategic role of women in science and technology.

• 10 ICFOnians joined over 600 women researchers and technologists from Catalan research centers, universities and businesses to participate in #Científiques 2025. This initiative of the Catalan Foundation for Research and Innovation (FCRI), co-organized with the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) and with the collaboration of the Department of Education of the Generalitat de Catalunya, gave nearly 38,000 middle school students in schools all over Catalonia the opportunity to meet a woman working in science through in person and virtual presentations. The visits allowed scientists to share their passion for their work, helping reinforce a love for science in young students. In addition, the initiative presents positive women role-models in science, and helps to foster a direct and reciprocal relationship between science and society. ICFO’s very own Prof. Leticia Tarruell, leader of the Ultracold Quantum Gases group, is the face of #Científiques 2025, in honor of the International Year of Quantum which the world will celebrate this year.

• Photonics in 5 Minutes:ICFO’s Outreach team regularly organizes an activity in which ICFO scientists are streamed into classrooms, where they inspire secondary school level students by sharing their work in a simple and understandable way and explaining why photonics is important for society. The special 11 Feb edition of Photonics in 5 minutes! presented four women scientists who, after sharing scientific insights, fielded questions about the daily life of a researcher as well as more personal insights into their motivations for pursing scientific careers.

There are many other activities planned throughout the month. We encourage ICFOnians not to miss out on the  chance to take part in celebrating the contributions of women and girls in science!