Inclusion, Equality and Gender Committee
We are a vocationally diverse committee. Each member has a unique role in our community.
Leonor Calopa
Marc Liesa
Marta Llimargas
Monica Torras
Pablo Guerra Lahoz
Pilar Lozano Fernández
Ramiro Illanes Vicioso
Mission
The committee aims to identify and promote initiatives that support diversity at IBMB. We strongly believe that diversity stimulates creativity and consequently scientific excellence.
Our specific objectives are:
1) Gather and analyze our current situation of diversity in terms of, mainly, gender balance and equality, but also in cultural and personal-condition diversity and LGBT+ inclusivity.
2) Disseminate the situation and values of equality, diversity and inclusion within the IBMB community and understand the level of value placed on equality, diversity, and inclusion in the IBMB community
3) Promote the values of diversity, equality and inclusion in all aspects and activities at IBMB, from inclusive language to selection of speakers
4) Take positive actions to promote gender and social equality (see Actions)
5) Collaborate/advice with IBMB direction in decision making toward attracting staff at different career stages and professional categories.
6) Protect staff against sexual harassment and discrimination based on gender, race or sexual orientation (See Mailbox)
7) Promote diversity and inclusion with scientific communication and social outreach through different activities and events (see Actions)
Facts
Despite efforts by the Spanish government to enact policy changes that support women’s inclusion in the workforce and more access to leadership positions, women still hold only 14.3% of the higher level positions in large companies. This percentage is lower than other European countries, and research shows that society still considers women less fit for leadership roles (Hernandez Bark, A. S., Escartín, J., & van Dick, R. (2014). Gender and leadership in Spain: A systematic review of some key aspects. Sex Roles, 70(11), 522-537).
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.
Today, IBMB is formed by 29 teams, ~40% of these teams are led by women PIs. This extraordinary gender balance at IBMB PIs is the consequence of very active female faculty, with strong leadership, that have been historically participating in the institute direction boards since 2006. Underlaying this strong female participation there has been an extraordinary ~50% incorporation of female PIs along the 20 years of IBMB consolidation. This gender balance of PIs is high for this ICU when compared to similar ICUs in campus (IRB, ~20%) or to the CSIC Life Sciences Area (Biology and Biomedicine subarea, 33%).
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, 33% of the national projects in the CSIC Life Area/Biology and Biomedicine Subarea were led by women. The IBMB, as an institute of the CSIC, improves that average, with 38% of PI women. Female researchers at IBMB maintain a very high level of scientific competitiveness internationally without having to give up their family and social life, if they wish.
Besides our commitment in gender equality at IBMB, we are also engaged in promoting diversity and inclusion in our research mission. At present, the proportion of scientific staff at any stage of the career from the European Union (EU) at IBMB is higher than that compared to the proportion of EU citizens in the Barcelona area (8,5% of EU researchers at IBMB vs 3,5% EU citizens in Barcelona area.). In contrast, the proportion of researchers at IBMB from countries other than the EU is low compared to the proportion of citizens of those countries (mainly Southamerica and Africa) living in the Barcelona area (3,5% at IBMB compared to 17% in the total population). Stimulating scientific exchange and collaboration as well as scientific outreach should help to address this imbalance. Our actions aim to balance these numbers to the percentages of the actual population residing in the Barcelona area.
Actions
Four Actions to increase diversity in Science at the IBMB
1. Mentoring program for young students in disadvantaged urban areas (High School):
Many young students do not feel attracted to scientific and technological areas, in spite of their intellectual capacity. Several reasons account for this reality, from lack of referents and role models, to social stereotypes. This lack of interest is extremely clear among young women and individuals from South-american and African origin, and particularly evident in rural areas or in urban areas with high social complexities.
Our program aims to approach young students (particularly women from South-american and African origin, without excluding anyone) at very early stages to show them that scientific careers can be an appealing and engaging option.
We are approaching and visiting High Schools in disadvantaged urban areas of Barcelona. After discussing with the students about the role of women in science, the stereotypes, role models and the importance of scientific research, we offer them mentoring for their “Research Project (Treball de Recerca)” of “Batxillerat”. The Research Project is a compulsory high school activity that can be mentored by an external tutor.
With this program we expect to encourage scientific vocations, particularly among young women and individuals of South-american and African origins, and engage them in research.
2. Mentoring program to promote career development of women scientists and underrepresented groups at IBMB
We plan to initiate internal informal talks with young women and underrepresented scientists at all career levels. We aim to study the challenges hindering access of these groups to a long-term scientific career and to work internally in promoting the gender and international perspective as a transversal category in all aspects of our day-to-day life. This initiative will help to make visible to early-stage women scientists possible obstacles that they may face during their promotion, and help them to anticipate solutions. With this action, we also aim to draw attention to positive stories and role models. Science and Society cannot afford the current waste of highly qualified female talent, and we compelled to propose urgent actions.
3. Actions to raise social awareness of gender inequality in science
Even in the 21st century, 67% of European Citizens 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. Hence, the example of successful professional women is vital for future researchers to take the necessary steps towards the scientific career. Only when gender becomes irrelevant to how people view the person at the bench will equality in the lab even start to become a reality.
Female faculty at IBMB maintain a very high level of scientific international competitiveness. Through our experiences, we want to contribute to the elimination of prejudices, so that girls consider science as a real possibility in their lives.
We participate every year in the 11F initiative (International day of women and girls in science) in February giving talks and workshops in Primary and High Schools. We show the students what it is like to be a woman scientist and how exciting science can be. We raise awareness about the relevance of science in each person’s daily life, and educate and inspire the next generation of women as potential scientists. Our previous experiences with this work have been incredibly enriching to both sides.
We also participate in the 11F initiative and the 8 March (International Women’s day) through our web page and social media with different outreach actions (see Gallery). On both February 11th and March 8th, we share stories on our social media and website about the women at our Institute. This year on the International Day of women and girls in science, we featured images of our women scientists showing their passions outside of science. We wanted to show that the female leaders at IBMB excel in their careers, but they can pursue other interests too.
4. Prevention and intervention against sexual ans sex-based harassment
Sexual or gender-based harassment in the workplace is also a form of gender-based violence that finds some of its foundations in discrimination based on gender. Research in this regard shows that only 1% of cases of sexual harassment or harassment for reasons of sex are usually reported despite the fact that more than 1,400,000 women have been sexually harassed in the workplace. There is evidence that young women are the most vulnerable and that there are significant differences between people in relation to the perception of what is and is not sexual or gender-based harassment.
The Inclusion, Equality and Gender Committee of IBMB, in coordination with the “Comisión de Mujeres y Ciencia” of CSIC and “Comisión Delegada de Igualdad”, present a firm commitment against any manifestation of gender violence at work.
We attach the “Prevention and intervention against sexual ans sex-based harassment” (English and Spanish) protocols and a complaint model. Please contact us through the mailbox folder (diversity@ibmb.csic.es).
Gallery
Talk about Transcending Cisgenderism: a Story of Freedom – Judith Juanhuix Gibert
Title: Transcending Cisgenderism: a Story of Freedom
Speaker: Judith Juanhuix Gibert
The IBMB Diversity Committee is organizing different activities to promote diversity, equality and inclusion at our Institute. On the occasion of June 28, international day for LGBTI rights, we have invited Judith to hear her opinions and personal experiences. Judith is a researcher, PhD in physics and trans activist, currently head of the life sciences section at the Alba Synchrotron. Judith has published a book (Una dona. Ara Llibres, 2021, ISBN 9788418928048, also Una Mujer Dos Bigotes, ISBN 9788412597578 ) and several articles on the rights and health care of trans women. We look forward to seeing you all.
Host: Diversity Committee
Seminar Room: Fèlix Serratosa
Date: Friday, June 30, 2023, 10:00-11:30 AM
The IBMB Diversity, Inclusion and Equity (DEI) Committee organized a talk to celebrate International LGBTI Rights Day (28th June), and invited Judith Juanhuix, a physicist and head of the Life Sciences section at the Alba Synchrotron, who is also a transgender activist. The committee’s aim was to show support for the LGBTI community and promote equality and freedom. Judith, with her scientific expertise and her role as an activist, was the perfect choice to deliver an engaging and informative speech. Judith delivered a masterful talk that emphasized the significance of freedom and the rights of the LGBTI community. She skillfully intertwined scientific information with social reflections to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. She illustrated how sexual and gender diversity is inherent in human nature and how discrimination based on these aspects is irrational, non-scientifically justified and unjust. Students, Post Doctoral fellows, Junior and Senior PIs, as well as the administrative department and the directors of the IBMB completely filled the Felix Serratosa room at the PCB.
+ III Encuentro de los Comités de Igualdad de los ICUs del CSIC 2023
Last May 26, representatives of the Equality Committees (IC) of the ICUs of CSIC participated in their 2023 Meeting, which was held at the López Neyra Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine of the CSIC, in the city of Granada.
The director of the IBMB, Elisa Martí, and Marta Llimargas, representing the IBMB Diversity Committee, participated in the meeting.
Press release: https://www.csic.es/es/actualidad-del-csic/mas-de-140-personas-participan-en-el-iii-encuentro-de-comites-de-igualdad-del
+ IBMB Diversity Committee formation -"Every day is 11February, 8March and 28June at IBMB" series
Dear all, 
We are delighted to announce a formative activity organized by the Diversity Committee, on Friday March 31, at 10:00 AM.
Title: Desigualdades de género y micromachismos en el ámbito laboral
Speaker: Rachel Alfonso, consultora Fundació Surt (www.surt.org)
The IBMB Diversity Committee is organizing different activities to promote diversity, equality and inclusion at our Institute. As a follow up of our activities of February 11th and March 8th to promote gender equality at the workforce and STEM, the committee organized a necessary training session for all members of the Institute, intended to identify and prevent gender inequalities and micro-masculinism in the workplace.
This training session will be led by Rachel Alfonso, consultant at Fundacio Surt (www.surt.org).
Fundacio Surt is an association for social action that works to make the economic, social and cultural rights of women effective and to eradicate all forms of discrimination on the basis of gender, with a view to achieving a society with effective gender equality.
Host: Diversity Committee
Seminar Room: Serratosa
Date: Friday, March 31, 2023, 10:00-11:30 AM
The IBMB Diversity, Inclusion and Equity (DEI) Committee organized a workshop about Gender Equality and Micromasculinisms at Work, led by Rachel Alfonso from Fundació Surt. Students, Post Doctoral fellows, Junior and Senior PIs, as well as the administrative department and the directors of the IBMB filled the Felix Serratosa room at the PCB. The IBMB community discussed strategies to identify the source of gender inequality in different professional settings and reverse its consequences. The deep interest and engagement showed by the audience caused the event to go way over its scheduled time, illustrating the need for these active initiatives and debates.
+ IBMB is celebrating March 8th
At IBMB, we believe in commemorating International Women’s Day on March 8th. We recognize the contributions of women in society and particularly in science and research and celebrate their achievements. We are engaged in promoting gender equality and diversity in our workplace. We also take this opportunity to reflect on the challenges women still face in their careers and we work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all genders.
Today, Elisa Marti, IBMB director, participates in a round table with other CSIC women directors, in CID (https://www.cid.csic.es/), to exchange ideas and insights with other professionals about leadership in science (follow the event in streaming https://www.youtube.com/live/
Meet some of the women in our institute. Our women scientists are passionate about science but they have many other passions too!
+ 11 February Activities
+ LGTBIQA+ Pride Day
From the Institute of Molecular Biology of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC) we would like to acknowledge the LGTBIQA+ community for defending their rights and fighting for equality of these diverse realities. Being homosexual, trans or queer is still legally prohibited in eleven countries around the world, where three of them it can be punished with a death sentence. Facts such as the raising of extreme-right wing parties or illegalizing again the right to abortion (recent event on the United States of America) prove how easy is losing what once cost so much and how necessary is reclaiming the variety of our society, where the hetero-normativity is only one part of those many that forms our social environment. Specially, the discrimination trans people suffer regarding job offers, heading them towards horrible experiences that can affect for their whole life. Hereby, we remind everyone our institution is a safe place where anyone can freely express themselves and share their emotions and opinions.
“How many years has it taken people
to realize that we are all brothers and sisters
and human beings in the human race?”.
Marsha P. Johnson, black trans-woman, and AIDS activist. Even though the cause of her death is still “unclear”, her body was found in the Hudson River in 1992.
+ 11 February 2021
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.
Image Gallery
Video Gallery
Mailbox
Do you need help, support or advice related to diversity, equality and inclusion?
You can directly contact any of us or use the following e-mail address for questions, any incident, initiatives or concerns you may have in this regard. Messages will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.