BCAM participates in the new edition of Emakumeak Zientzian

Thirty-five Basque entities, BCAM being one of them, join forces around the Emakumeak Zientzian project, thereby reaffirming their commitment to the initiative's objectives: making women's activity in science visible, breaking stereotypes traditionally associated with male-dominated scientific and technical activities, and promoting the choice of scientific careers among girls and adolescents. With these goals in mind, these entities are collaborating to organize a program of activities for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated annually on February 11th.

Emakumeak Zientzian is a project that originated in 2017 and has grown and strengthened year by year. In addition to achieving the main objectives of the initiative, it reflects deeply on advancing a necessary change in the scientific and technological landscape. This year, "we want to highlight the concept of 'Hazia erein / Sow the seed,' emphasizing how each small action can make a difference in the journey towards gender equality in science," notes the Emakumeak Zientzian organization. "We firmly believe that every talk, workshop, or shared story has the power to inspire new generations and sow a change that transcends beyond just one week a year," they add. All of this will be captured in several audiovisual pieces aiming to bring the real voices of those working for change to the public, emphasizing gender equality and the role of female role models.

The programming for Emakumeak Zientzian 2025 will focus on the week of February 7th to 14th. An extensive program of over 60 activities has been designed, spanning across the Basque Country to underscore how collective, persistent small actions over time generate transformative impact. "From the work of a scientist to the spark of curiosity ignited in a girl, each contribution is a seed that nourishes real, profound, and sustainable change," adds the Emakumeak Zientzian organization.

Once again, Emakumeak Zientzian will kick off in a festive atmosphere on Thursday, February 6th, in Bilbao, where the main campaign video will be presented. More testimonials will be shared, and all volunteers and institutional representatives will gather. This event will illustrate, with the participation of various stakeholders led by Maitena Salinas, how the seed of Emakumeak Zientzian begins to sprout.

From that date onward, activities for audiences of all ages will take place. For the general public in Donostia, Bilbao, and Gasteiz, the event "Científicas de ayer y de hoy" will bring together prominent scientists working in various fields of research. These professionals will take the stage to share details of their projects and pay tribute to great female figures in the history of science, recounting their fascinating lives and scientific achievements. In addition to traditional student visits to research centers and workshops designed for teenagers, this year will see the return of the "Vuelta al Cole" activity, where over 60 female researchers will visit school classrooms to share their experiences and foster scientific vocations among students. Simultaneously, specific groups such as women over 55 will continue to be engaged, highlighting their role as cultural transmitters. In this context, the "El poder de la experiencia" activity will allow eight research centers to open their doors, showcasing their work through simple and replicable experiments, bringing science closer to families and the community. Roundtable discussions, thematic workshops, and more will also be organized.

The BCAM activity will be held on 7 February and will be led by Leire Garmendia, (Research Technician in the Mathematical Design, Modelling and Simulations line).

The full program of activities is now available on the website www.emakumeakzientzian.eus, and registrations for various activities are open.

The 35 entities participating in the 9th edition of Emakumeak Zientzian represent a cross-section of the science and technology fabric in Euskadi. They include Achúcarro, BCMaterials, the Center for Materials Physics (CFM CSIC-UPV/EHU), CIC biomaGUNE, University of Deusto, UPV/EHU Informatics, UPV/EHU Chemistry, Aranzadi Zientzia Elkartea, Basque Artificial Intelligence Center (BAIC), Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3), Basque Center for Applied Mathematics (BCAM), Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language (BCBL), BioBizkaia, Biodonostia, Ceit, CIC energiGUNE, CIC nanoGUNE, Cidetec, Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), Elhuyar, Kutxa Fundazioa, Fundación Biofísica Bizkaia (FBB), Ikerlan, Ingeniariak-Colegio Oficial de Ingenieros Industriales de Gipuzkoa, Mondragon Goi Eskola Politeknikoa (MEGP), Mubil, Parques Tecnológicos de Euskadi, POLYMAT, Tecnalia, Tecnun, UPV/EHU Engineers, Vicomtech, CIC bioGUNE, ESS Bilbao, and BBD BioPhenix SL-Biobide.

Emakumeak Zientzian 2025 is prominently supported by the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, the Provincial Council of Álava, Fomento San Sebastián, Bilbao Ekintza, Salto System, the Basque Research & Technology Alliance (BRTA), and Ikerbasque, along with collaboration from entities and organizations such as the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), the State Research Agency through Severo Ochoa and María de Maeztu centers participating in the initiative, the Basque Film Library, the San Sebastián International Film Festival, Biook, Skills4Science, Laboratorium Bergara, Emakunde, Lemniksata, and the Equality Office of UPV/EHU.