The Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IdISBa) has officially launched the ninth edition of “Women Scientists in the Classroom,” a strategic outreach initiative designed to connect the Balearic research community with schools and to enhance the visibility of women in science.
The Regional Minister of Health, Manuela García, attended one of the opening sessions held at CEIP Gabriel Janer Manila in Pla de na Tesa (Marratxí), coinciding with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. During the event, primary school students from fifth and sixth grade participated in an educational session led by IdISBa researcher Maria Antònia Fiol, fostering direct engagement between scientific professionals and young learners.
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Ninth Edition of “Women Scientists in the Classroom” Launches, Bringing Balearic Research to Over 90 Schools
This year’s edition brings together 71 female researchers from the leading research institutions in the Balearic Islands, including IdISBa, SOCIB, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) and IUNICS. Of the total participants, 57 researchers are affiliated with IdISBa, which coordinates and leads the overall program across the archipelago.
Until 20 February, participating scientists will deliver lectures, practical workshops and interactive sessions in more than 90 educational centres at all levels, including early childhood, primary, secondary, upper secondary and vocational training institutions. The initiative seeks to inspire scientific vocations from an early age, provide accessible female role models and promote a culture of research grounded in excellence and equal opportunity.
In her remarks, the Minister of Health highlighted the growing presence of women in health research. Currently, 524 of the 924 researchers working within IdISBa research groups are women, representing 57 percent of the total. She also emphasized that public research funding calls include evaluation criteria that actively promote female leadership and the integration of a gender perspective in the design and implementation of scientific projects.
Such measures contribute to more rigorous and inclusive research practices, particularly in areas such as symptom identification, clinical diagnosis and treatment development, where biological and clinical differences between women and men require careful consideration.
Over the years, “Women Scientists in the Classroom” has established itself as a benchmark educational outreach program in the Balearic Islands, experiencing increasing demand from schools. The initiative reflects an institutional commitment to advancing gender equality in science and strengthening collaboration between research institutions, educational centers and public administrations to enhance its social impact.