Scientific outreach and the inspiration of new generations take centre stage once again at the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), with twelve of its researchers participating in the seventh edition of #científiques. This initiative, organised by Fundació Catalana per a la Recerca i la Innovació (FCRI) and the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), in collaboration with the Departments of Education and Research and Universities of the Catalan Government, has established itself as a key platform for promoting scientific and technological vocations among students.

#científiques is an initiative organised in the framework of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February). In this edition, 611 scientists from public and private institutions across Catalonia have delivered talks to nearly 38,000 students in Year 6 of primary school and Year 1 of secondary school at 501 educational centres throughout the territory. The main goal is to highlight the strategic role of women in science and technology, as well as to promote equal access and participation in these fields. Another objective is to present relatable scientist role models and help break gender stereotypes among young people. Additionally, the #científiques gathering held at the PRBB on 5 February focused on artificial intelligence, examining its scientific applications and the gender challenges it presents.

During this edition, IGTP researchers have shared their expertise in various schools and secondary schools across Catalonia, offering students a first-hand and inspiring insight into their work in biomedical research. Their interventions have underscored the importance of science and the need to break down gender stereotypes in this field.

First-hand experiences: What are their thoughts?

• Alicia Lacoma (Escola Marta Mata, Viladecans): I enjoy taking part in these initiatives because children need to know that science is within everyone's reach. Alicia also gave a talk the day before at Escola Milagros Consarnau in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat.
• Arola Fortian (Escola Els Maristes, Girona): I feel privileged to be able to talk about what I do and what I am passionate about, to spark curiosity for science in new generations, and to encourage them to follow paths they may never have imagined possible, thanks to research.
• Irene Latorre (Institut Públic Mollet del Vallès): Scientific outreach is key to igniting interest in science in the classroom. I love taking part in this initiative because it fosters critical thinking among children and young people, providing them with tools to guide their future choices.
• Iris Romero (Institut Sant Feliu de Guíxols): I take part in this talk to give visibility to women in research (and we are not few) and to show teenagers that scientists are normal people, with hobbies, strengths and flaws, so that they can see that anyone with curiosity and determination can become a scientist.
• Marcel·la Franquesa (Escola Mare del Diví Pastor, Capellades): It is truly exciting to be able to share my passion for science in schools and to spend time with these potential future scientists.
• Maria Vidal (Escola Mogent, La Roca del Vallès): Every year, taking part in these events is incredibly rewarding. You bring science closer to children, who receive it with curiosity and enthusiasm, and at the same time, you learn to see your work through their eyes.
• Marina Tuxans (IES Pla de l'Avellà, Cabrera de Mar): I joined this initiative because I believe it is crucial to make women in science more visible. Even though we have gained many rights in recent years, there is still a long way to go. I also want to show girls that there are no limits, that if they want to, they can become excellent scientists.
• Mariona Cortacans (Escola Carles Faust, Blanes): This is my second year participating in the #científiques programme, and once again I found myself with an enthusiastic and curious group eager to understand how we conduct research. I think this is a fantastic initiative to encourage scientific careers and showcase the role of women in research.
• Marta Sanroque (CE Jaume Balmes, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat): This is my first time taking part in this initiative, and my main motivation is to share our work, our daily life, and how we got here. Now, it seems so clear to me, and I see it every day, but when I was 12, I would have loved for a scientist to come and explain to me what the journey is like, what paths are available, and above all, what it is like to be a woman working in science in the 21st century. I hope to reach out to these young students and share with them the message I would have liked to receive at their age.
• Mònica Suelves (Institut Escola Manresa): I enjoy taking part in the #científiques initiative because, even though it is a challenge to engage and hold the attention of such young students, it has always been a very enriching and rewarding experience. I think it is important to explain to students why research is necessary and to show them that they can all be a part of it.
• Paula Goncalves (Institut Petit Estel, Terrassa): I participate in this initiative to promote science and to help more girls discover curiosity and passion for research. To show that knowledge has no gender.
• Raquel Guillamat (Escola Pau Picasso, Badalona): #científiques helps bring scientists closer to children with different interests and motivations. These talks allow children to explore their curiosity about our profession and bring science and our work into schools. I love being able to challenge certain social stereotypes, encouraging girls to study science. It is always interesting to answer their questions and see their curiosity. It is always a fantastic experience to take part in this initiative, and I hope to continue doing so. I must say that I always learn something from them too.

This seventh edition has reaffirmed the importance of initiatives like #científiques in creating female role models in science and fostering scientific vocations among young people. According to a study published in Science, gender stereotypes start forming as early as six years old, and associating intelligence with the male gender remains a barrier for many girls. Actions like this are essential for bringing research closer to society and building a more equitable and diverse future in science.

A well-established initiative

#científiques is an initiative organised as part of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February), in which scientists from public and private institutions in Catalonia deliver outreach talks to Year 6 primary and Year 1 secondary students in Catalan schools. In this way, it aims to introduce relatable scientist role models and help break gender stereotypes among young people.

Launched in 2019, six editions of #científiques have taken place so far. The first edition included 101 scientists and 103 schools. Since then, #científiques has continued to grow, now involving more than 500 science professionals-including researchers, technologists, engineers, innovation managers, entrepreneurs, and executives-and reaching more than 500 schools and secondary schools across nearly all Catalan counties. It is the only initiative of its kind to cover the entire Catalan territory.

Other talks to bring science closer to students

As part of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, but outside the #científiques initiative, IGTP researcher Maria Rosa Sarrias, together with her collaborator Jana Vázquez, delivered a talk on 11 February to Year 13 students at Institut Pau Claris. During their presentation, they shared their professional experiences and reflected on the importance of increasing the presence of women in high-responsibility positions in research centres, at least in proportion to their activity within research institutions, while conveying their passion for scientific research.

Gemma Monté, head of bioimaging at the Comparative Medicine and Bioimage Centre of Catalonia (CMCiB), also gave a talk to Year 13 students, this time at IES Viladecans, about research bringing us closer to the medicine of the future. She commented, "It was a wonderful experience. They were very interested and asked many questions about our field at CMCiB and IGTP. They liked it so much that they asked if they could organise a visit to the centre next year!".