Morant highlights the work of women scientists "to make the most of all our talent"

Morant recalled that "we celebrate this day because it is known that there is a lower presence of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering) studies".

She pointed out that "one of the purposes of this day is to encourage girls and young women to study science careers, and there is no better way to do this than to show the work of women scientists in the field, in Antarctica, doing science in a pure laboratory".

The minister spoke at the event, together with the researchers of the XXXVIII Spanish Antarctic Research Campaign Josabel Belliure, Nerea Pascual, Emma Huertas and Patricia Alegría, at the meeting 'Women and Girls in Science Day 2025: awakening STEM vocations from Antarctica', in which they held an online dialogue with students from three public schools: IES Lope de Vega (Madrid), IES Enric Valor (in Picanya, Valencia) and CEIP Santa Cecilia (in Espinosa de los Monteros, Burgos).

At the meeting, the scientists had the opportunity to explain the science taking place on the Antarctic continent, answering various questions from the students, such as the most important discoveries of their scientific careers, the effects of climate change on the behaviour of penguins, and how energy is generated in Antarctica.

The meeting, which aims to raise the profile of women among young people so that they can learn about the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, was held within the framework of the minister's trip to Antarctica to support the scientific projects of the 38th Spanish Antarctic Research Campaign.

Institutional declaration of the Government for the 'Day of Women and Girls in Science'

The Government also approved today an institutional declaration on the occasion of the 'International Day of Women and Girls in Science' to reaffirm its full commitment to work towards a science for life for all, which aims at the full and equal participation of women in the fields of science and innovation.

In addition, the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU) is celebrating this year's 'International Day of Women and Girls in Science' with more than 220 scientific activities organised through its organisations in different parts of our country.

In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly declared 11 February as the 'International Day of Women and Girls in Science' as a way to recognise the key role women play in the scientific community and technology, highlighting the need for initiatives that lead to the elimination of gender gaps in this field and promoting the empowerment and full and effective participation of women and girls in science, technology and innovation.

Non official translation