About IBMB

Director of The Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB)

Núria Verdaguer Massana – nvmcri@ibmb.csic.es

Vicedirector of The Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB)

Mariona Arbonés Rafael  | marbmc@ibmb.csic.es

Josep Vilardell Trench | jvtbmc@ibmb.csic.es

Mª Isabel Geli Fernández-Peñaflor | mgfbmc@ibmb.csic.es

This is an endemic disease in all professional activities. However, in addition to the intrinsic obstacle that often implies to make compatible professional and family activities, in the scientific career we face a surprising added problem;  even in the 21st century, 67% of europeans think that women lack the necessary skills for science such as rational thinking, analytical and practical mind and / or perseverance, among others (https://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2015/sep/24/67-of-europeans-dont-believe-women-have-the-skills-to-be-scientists). Why are there only 18 female scientists Nobel Prize winners versus 590 men?

The example of successful professional women in their field is vital for future researchers to take the necessary steps towards the scientific career. At IBMB 42% of the group leaders are women (this makes it an exception, compared to an average of 16% in other research institutes in Biomedicine). Female researchers at IBMB maintain a very high level of scientific competitiveness internationally without having to give up forming a family, if they wish. Counting their experience they want to contribute to eliminate the opacity on the scientific women so that young researchers do not abandon science. Society cannot afford this waste of highly qualified talent.