MARE marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science

The Regional Research Unit of MARE at the University of Évora joined the celebrations of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, observed on 11 February, by co-organising and participating in initiatives that reinforce its commitment to gender equality and to promoting more inclusive scientific pathways through the sharing of experiences by its women researchers.

In partnership with the Gender Equality and Inclusion Office of the University of Évora and the Gabriel Pereira School Cluster (Évora), MARE co-organised the activity “Speed Dating with Women Scientists”, which brought together researchers from the University of Évora, representing diverse scientific fields such as Biology, Mechanical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mathematics and Sociology, and secondary school students.
Held on 9 and 11 February, the initiative provided dynamic meetings in which scientists shared their academic journeys, research areas and professional challenges. The activity promotes direct contact with female role models in science, technology, and engineering, highlighting women's contributions to knowledge production and encouraging more girls to consider scientific careers.

Organised since 2023 by the Gender Equality Office of the University of Évora and MARE, this year the initiative reached four classes, approximately 70 students from the 10th and 11th grades of Gabriel Pereira Secondary School. Participating researchers included Zara Teixeira (MARE/ARNET), a biologist specialising in biosciences and Geographic Information Systems; Cátia Sousa (CHRC), from the field of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacology; Isabel Malico (LAETA), a mechanical engineer whose research focuses on fluid mechanics, energy systems and bioenergy; Constança Alves (CREATE), a biologist with a PhD in Forest Sciences; Sara Fernandes (CIMA), a mathematician specialising in dynamical systems, particularly chaotic systems; and Vanessa Carreira (CICS.NOVA.UÉvora), a PhD candidate in Sociology developing a thesis on online romantic and sexual extortion.

Also on 11 February, MARE was represented at the session “In Conversation with Women in Science”, promoted by the Rectorate of the University of Évora in partnership with Rádio DianaFM. Helena Adão, Scientific Coordinator of MARE at the University of Évora, joined the panel of invited speakers in a moment of experience-sharing and reflection on the role of women in science and society. According to Vice-Rector Noémi Araújo of the University of Évora, the session aimed to create a space for dialogue that inspires young students and the wider community to recognise the importance of equal opportunities in access to scientific careers.

Through these initiatives, MARE reaffirms its commitment to promoting a more diverse, inclusive and representative science.