Inspiring the next generation of scientists

At IMSE we carry out several activities to highlight the role of the researchers at our center

Last Wednesday, February 11th, we celebrated the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a date that highlights the key role women play in the scientific and technological community. Throughout this month, the Institute of Microelectronics of Seville joined this initiative by giving special prominence to the work and tasks carried out daily by our female researchers.

On this occasion, in addition to carrying out outreach activities through social media, two of our researchers shared their knowledge and experiences with students from two schools.

Our colleague Macarena Martínez, a cybersecurity researcher, traveled to the IES Carlos Haya as part of the "Coffee with Science" initiative*. There, she had the opportunity to introduce microelectronics to four groups of high school students, using relatable examples and reflecting on her research career over the years. To conclude her presentation, she answered questions from the students, who showed great interest and curiosity about the impact of microelectronics on daily life and the professional opportunities in this field.

Meanwhile, our colleague Rafaella Fiorelli, whose research focuses on the design of integrated circuits (both radio frequency and analog systems), organized a roundtable discussion with students from the San Francisco de Paula International School. The event, titled "The Invisible Signals That Move the World (and Fit on a Chip)," allowed students to learn about the science behind the technology we use every day, such as mobile phones and smartwatches. The event concluded with a personal anecdote from our colleague in the world of research, where she showed the audience that science isn't just for "geniuses," but for curious, creative people eager to understand how the world works.

With these initiatives, the Institute of Microelectronics of Seville reaffirms its commitment to science outreach, equal opportunities, and promoting STEM vocations among young people. Highlighting the work of our female researchers not only helps break down stereotypes but also opens new doors for future generations, demonstrating that science is an accessible, exciting, and promising path for everyone.

* "Coffee with Science is an initiative organized by the Descubre Foundation, in collaboration with the main research and outreach institutions in Andalusia. It is funded by the Regional Ministry of Universities, Research and Innovation and the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology – FECYT."