International day of Women and Girls in Science. February 11th

European (and Spanish) laboratories are highly populated by young female predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers. However, the proportion of women in positions of responsibility (leading laboratory researchers, departmental / center directors) remains low

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. In 2020, 35% of the national projects in the CSIC were led by women, the IBMB, as an institute of the CSIC, improves that average, having 37.93% of PI women. 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.