IHCantabria supports the celebration of the ‘International Day of Women and Girls in Science’ with activities that inspire new generations of women scientists.

Once again this year, the Environmental Hydraulics Institute of the Universidad de Cantabria (IHCantabria) has joined in the commemoration of the “International Day of Women and Girls in Science” (11F) organized by the Universidad de Cantabria (UC), to highlight the essential role of women in the scientific community, especially in the field of hydraulic engineering.

In addition to valuing the fact that more than 45% of its staff are women, IHCantabria celebrates this anniversary with science outreach talks highlighting the important work of its female researchers and providing information about women in science. These talks are given by members of its Communication team and the Research Area.

During 2023 and the first two months of 2024, IHCantabria has actively contributed to the promotion of scientific vocations through various scientific communication and outreach activities. During this period, more than 1,300 students from more than 50 educational centers in Cantabria have participated in informative talks, and approximately 50% of them were female.

Last Friday, on the eve of 11F, IHCantabria was visited by approximately 50 high school students from a high school in Santander and another one in Colindres; almost half of this group was female. This group of students enjoyed their visit and the scientific talks they received in the facilities of this institute; in addition to showing a remarkable interest in the lines of research being developed at IHCantabria.

Within the framework of this initiative, this year IHCantabria will promote informative talks in several educational centers, such as those soon to be given by researchers Itxaso Odériz Martínez, Bárbara Ondiviela Eizaguirre, Ana de los Ríos Gutiérrez, Elvira Ramos Manzanos and Camino Fernández de La Hoz.

Importance and background of the celebration of 11F

In 2015, by resolution of the United Nations General AssemblyFebruary 11 (11F) was declared the “.International Day of Women and Girls in Science“., in order to to promote full and equal access and participation in science for women and girlsin addition to recognizing the fundamental role they play in STEM fields. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Engineering and Mathematics).

Therefore, the objective of this event is to make visible and recognize the work of women in STEM fields, as well as to encourage their full and equal participation in these areas, to show female referents in science and to promote scientific vocations in girls.

In Spain, this initiative has unified efforts to organize activities and materials to commemorate this date (11F), which are aimed at various sectors, such as the media, bookstores, museums and, especially, educational centers.

On the occasion of the commemoration of 11F, the Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant, has highlighted the importance of gender equality in the STEM sectors, pointing out that the future of Spain “it will only be possible to write fairly if women, who make up half of the population, are involved” and that “the Government of Spain is working to promote equality and create opportunities for women in STEM areas, which are essential for the future”.

Coherent with its scientific and social contribution, IHCantabria reaffirms its commitment to the promotion of gender equality in science and will continue working to make visible and to recognize the work of women in science, as well as to promote access and full and equal participation of girls and women in STEM areas, and to contribute to the promotion of new scientific vocations.