International Day of Women and Girls in Science

February 11th is the day chosen by the United Nations to recognize the critical role that women and girls play in science and technology. During this week, Elena and Alba have lead outreach events across Galicia (NW Spain) to share their research with the general public.

Alba visited different secondary schools in Coruña, Santiago and Gondomar as well as the Galician Hospitality Management School. During her talks, Alba shared her masters’ research in the Arctic, her current PhD work with barnacles and how it is all connected with her participation in the Antarctic Leadership program Homeward Bound. Elena has visited the primary school of Mallón (Nigrán) this week to talk to the youngest future scientists, 3 to 5 year old children very engaged in ocean conservation and fisheries. Elena developed a game with the kids to illustrate how climate change is impacting fisheries across the world, and what we can do about it. This friday, Elena will also be at the city council of Nigrán to show the research we do at FOL to the general public.

With Alba’s and Elena’s visits, we have shared our research with a wide range of ages: from kindergarten to adults in primary and secondary schools of our area. From here we want to thank the institutions and participants that have made it possible, and hope we help to give more visibility to the important contribution of many women to science.

Elena Ojea (left)  with marine science researchers from Vigo. Source: Faro de Vigo.