Every February 11th, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated—a date proclaimed by the United Nations to recognize the work of women scientists, highlight their contributions, and advocate for equal opportunities in accessing and developing scientific and technological careers.
This day reminds us that talent knows no gender, but opportunities historically have. Although significant progress has been made, women continue to be underrepresented in many STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), especially in disciplines such as artificial intelligence, computer engineering, or physics. The gap persists, and with it the need to continue generating real and relatable role models: women who research, lead projects, innovate, and transform our environment.
At the DaSCI center, we believe that visibility is a powerful tool. When a girl sees a woman doing science, she understands that this path can also be hers. That is why every year we join this celebration with initiatives that bring research closer to younger generations and put a face to the science carried out by women.
This year, we are organizing a new edition of “Coffee with Science”, an activity funded by the Descubre Foundation that seeks to break down barriers between the scientific world and students. The format is simple yet powerful: a female researcher sits at a table with a small group of students and, while sharing a coffee, they talk about science, technology, artificial intelligence, research life, or the role of women in science. It is a relaxed space that invites questions, debate, and discovery.
We will welcome 55 students from IES Manuel de Falla (Maracena), who will have the opportunity to talk with six researchers from our center:
- Arantxa Urrea
- Martha‑Vasiliki Sourla
- Rocío Romero
- Coral del Val
- Irene Trigueros
- María Cribillés
Each of them will share her experience, her career path, and her perspective on the current challenges in science and technology. It will be a unique opportunity for students to learn first-hand what it is like to work in research, what professional paths exist, and why diversity is essential for building a more complete and fairer scientific community.
From DaSCI, we celebrate February 11th with a firm commitment to continue fostering scientific vocations among girls and young women, to promote spaces for dialogue and exchange, and to recognize the fundamental role that women play in advancing knowledge. Because for science to be truly universal, it must include every voice. We would like to express our special thanks to the teaching staff of IES Manuel de Falla (Maracena) for taking part in this activity with such dedication.
In addition to this activity, our podcast SintonIAhas released a special episode for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which you can listen to on our website or on platforms such as Spreaker, Apple Podcasts, and others.
Our colleague Rocío Romero has also been interviewed on the podcast “La Ciencia también se escucha” by the Descubre Foundation. You can listen to this and many other episodes on their website.
This activity is part of the project “Ethical, Responsible and General-Purpose Artificial Intelligence: Applications in Risk Scenarios (IAFER) Exp.: TSI-100927-2023-1”, funded through the creation of university–industry chairs (ENIA Chairs) aimed at the research and development of artificial intelligence, as well as its dissemination and training, within the framework of the European Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, financed by the European Union–Next Generation EU.
