International Day of Women and Girls in Science

The Institute of Materials of the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (iMATUS) will celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February 2026 with an open day aimed at educational centres and the general public. This initiative reflects the institute’s strong commitment to gender equality, the promotion of scientific vocations and the breaking of stereotypes in science and technology.

The event is addressed to primary, secondary and vocational training schools, as well as to anyone interested in learning first-hand about materials science research carried out at iMATUS. Prior registration is required via imatus.info@usc.es.

The programme will begin at 12:15 pm with the fifth edition of “Ultravioletas”, organised by the student association Luzada in collaboration with iMATUS. Entitled “Reconciling without giving up science”, the session will include a talk by Alicia Villalba Sánchez followed by a round table discussion with Alba Alonso Álvarez and Jorge García Marín, focusing on work–life balance and gender equality in academia.

In the afternoon, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, the institute will host a series of open-door sessions featuring live scientific demonstrations led by iMATUS researchers. Visitors will be able to explore topics such as organ-on-a-chip design, drug encapsulation, 3D printing of ceramic materials, green hydrogen-based mobility, light polarisation and magnetic levitation, through a dynamic and participatory journey into materials science.

The event is organised by the Gender Equality Committee and the staff of iMATUS, further consolidating this open day as one of the institute’s most prominent outreach activities.