A commemoration to recognize contributions, break down barriers, and share testimonies that connect curiosity, training, and perseverance in science.

Every 11 de febrero, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is commemorated, a date promoted by the United Nations to highlight the contribution of women to knowledge and, at the same time, emphasize the persistent challenges to achieving full and equal participation in research, innovation, and STEM disciplines.

More than just an anniversary, this commemoration serves as a reminder: scientific talent exists everywhere, but opportunities do not always arrive with the same strength, at the same age, or for everyone.

At Centro Ciencia & Vida (Fundacion Ciencia & Vida - Universidad San Sebastian), this commemoration takes on special meaning because it links to concrete and relatable stories: those of women scientists and students who are pushing the boundaries of knowledge today from their laboratories, classrooms, and work teams. The voices highlighted within the framework of 11F gather testimonies that, from different stages of the scientific career, show something in common: vocation does not appear by magic; it is built through experiences, role models, and conditions that allow it to be sustained over time.

In her testimony, for example, Dr. Alejandra Loyola  underscores the value of early contact with research and seeing women scientists in action. This “approach,” whether in school or during adolescence, can be decisive for a girl to imagine herself in science. Dr. Fabiola Osorio , for her part, emphasizes how a specific learning experience can open a door: a course, a concept, or a question that “clicks” and transforms curiosity into a life project. Thesis student Daniela Malavé , meanwhile, connects vocation with purpose: choosing science can also be an ethical and emotional response to personal experiences, such as facing an illness closely, directing that impulse toward the development of therapies and solutions with real impact.

Researcher Valentina Ugalde  recalls that many trajectories start from a spark: discovering DNA, molecular biology, or the beauty of an invisible process can ignite a passion that later becomes discipline, study, and rigorous work. And finally, the testimony of Ornella Chovar , researcher and USS doctoral student , adds an essential dimension: science happens in real life. Balancing research with motherhood and caregiving, sustaining motivation amidst demands and limited time, as well as persevering when the path becomes challenging, are also part of the scientific experience and must be recognized.

Commemorating 11 de febrero, then, is to reaffirm an institutional commitment: to promote training and research environments that expand opportunities, highlight role models, strengthen networks, and reduce barriers—explicit and implicit—that still limit the participation of girls and women in STEM. Because when more girls feel called, supported, and valued, science not only becomes fairer: it becomes better, more diverse, and more capable of responding to the challenges of our time.