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Nine IGTP researchers participated in the 5th Edition of #100tífiques

Last Friday, 10 February, the #100tífiques 2023 event was held with the participation of 573 women researchers. They gave simultaneous talks during the morning to around 40,000 students aged 11 to 13 across 505 Catalan schools. The purpose of the event is to encourage children to pursue scientific and technical careers while fostering a community of shared interests between academics and industry professionals. The Fundació Catalana per a la Recerca i la Innovació (FCRI) and the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) organized the activity, in collaboration with the Generalitat's Departments of Education, and Research and Universities. The event was part of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February, but was held a day earlier, given that February 11 was a Saturday.

#100tífiques IGTP

Nine scientists working at the Germans Trias i Pujol Institute (IGTP) took part in the event. We asked them for their feedback, and this is what they had to say:

  • Arola Fortian, INS Santiago Sobrequés i Vidal: "I feel fortunate to be able to transmit my passion for science through outreach initiatives such as 100tífiques. There is a phrase that says seeing is believing, and I believe that the closer students see us, the more we can boost their interest in STEM careers."
  • Marcel·la Franquesa, Pompeu Fabra: "Being a mother has made me realise that there are certain stereotypes about the personal and intellectual abilities attributable to a certain sex that are still deeply rooted. It is very satisfying and necessary to be able to do our bit by making our activity visible and being a reference for future scientists."
  • Paula Goncalves, INS Tremp: "I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for my high school biology teacher, who made me love biology and become passionate about it. I would like to give them an image of science that makes them curious, and I would also like them to see that more and more women are reaching scientific positions."
  • Raquel Guillamat, Escola Goar: "I participate in this initiative because I enjoy seeing the children's ability to ask questions and look for answers to scientific problems. Every year I learn something new and I leave motivated to keep sharing my work and make it even better."
  • Sandra Martínez, Escola Mestre Marcel·lí Domingo: "Initiatives like this are essential to bring research closer to primary school classrooms, showing the often underestimated role of female researchers. It was a great experience and I look forward to repeating it in future editions."
  • Elisa Martró, INS Morelló: "It has been a very good experience to be able to get close to the girls in 1st ESO and let them experience the research on different viruses and my day-to-day life as a scientist."
  • Anna Not, Sagrat Cor de Sarrià: "It has been a very enriching experience to explain my work to children in 6th grade and to awaken their curiosity about the scientific world."
  • Noemí Párraga, Escola Font Rosella: "I decided to take part in the 100tífiques programme so that I could explain to girls what research is and how to get there. In my case, since I was a child I used to say that I wanted to be a scientist without really knowing what it meant, as I had no reference and no one to explain to me how science worked until I started university."
  • Mònica Suelves, FEDAC Santa Coloma: "It was a very positive experience to share with the 1st ESO students of the FEDAC school in Sta. Coloma the research we do in the IGTP Neuromuscular Diseases laboratory and why I decided to study biology when I was their age. The students asked many questions and the class hour flew by. A very rewarding and fun experience with a very different audience than usual."

Events such as #100tífiques play an essential role in bringing science closer to young audiences. These activities encourage students to explore science and technology by providing them with the opportunity to interact with female researchers and learn about their work. Furthermore, by showcasing the work of the researchers, the event helps to create female role models in schools. Ultimately, such events not only contribute to building a more diverse and inclusive scientific community but also help to raise a new generation of scientists and researchers.

IGTP is committed to promoting equality and diversity. We recognize the importance of creating a work environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying. In line with this commitment, we have developed an Equality Plan that includes a series of measures to ensure equal opportunities and to prevent any form of discrimination. By implementing these measures and policies, the organization aims to create an inclusive and respectful work environment that values and supports all its members.