To mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11), the Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa is once again joining in the celebrations with an extensive program of educational activities. During the week of February 9-13, 2026, CBM research staff will participate in workshops, talks, scientific demonstrations, and meetings with students of different educational levels, both in schools and in public spaces, as well as online. These initiatives aim to bring science closer to young people, awaken scientific vocations, and highlight the fundamental role of women in research. Below is a list of all the activities organized by or involving the CBM around February 11.
Workshops for children at Arcángel International School – “Who lives in Luna’s tummy?”
On Monday, February 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Severo Ochoa Molecular Biology Center is organizing an educational workshop for preschoolers at Arcángel International School in Madrid. Through practical and dynamic activities, the children will discover the world of microorganisms and the importance of microbiota in a fun way. The activity will feature the participation of María José Martín Pereira (CBM), along with the school’s teachers and students.
Scientific talks for children at CEIP Concepción Arenal in Leganés – “A researcher at school”
Also on Monday, February 9, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., the CBM will bring science to CEIP Concepción Arenal in Leganés. Through informative talks aimed at students in grades 3 to 6, the work of female researchers will be brought into the classroom with the aim of awakening scientific curiosity and showcasing female role models in science. This activity is organized by the Severo Ochoa Molecular Biology Center in collaboration with the school.
Webinar from the Women and Science Series at the CBM – “Curiosity as a Compass: a scientific journey guided by mitochondria”
On Tuesday, February 10, at 12:00 p.m., an online seminar will take place as part of the CBM’s Women and Science Series. This session, given by researcher Sara Cogliati, will address the role of mitochondria as a focus of biomedical research. The webinar, presented by María José Martín Pereira, is aimed at educational centers and the general public, and can be followed live via the link available on the CBM website.
Scientific demonstrations at Espacio Fundación Telefónica – “Ellas Formulan el Futuro” (Women Shape the Future)
On Wednesday, February 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., the CBM will participate in the conference “Ellas Formulan el Futuro,” organized by the CSIC Network of Centers on the Cantoblanco campus. This event, aimed at 220 secondary school students, will feature six live practical demonstrations, including one by CBM staff entitled “Visualization of tissue tension in a bright field microscope.” Basic microscopy and cell observation techniques will be demonstrated using a microscope connected to a screen. Researchers María Santos Galindo, Victoria Fernandez Perez, María José Martín Pereira, and María José Rodríguez Gómez will participate on behalf of the CBM.
Science workshops for children at Aguirre Schools – “Science at School”
On Thursday, February 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the CBM will collaborate with the Apadrina la Ciencia association in a day of science workshops aimed at students of all levels at the Aguirre Schools in Madrid. The center will participate with the workshop “The Cell is a Universe,” a hands-on activity aimed at explaining in a relatable way how cells work and the basic principles of biology. María José Rodríguez Gómez and María José Martín Pereira will take part in the activity, along with volunteers from the association.
Experiments and scientific talks at IES Blas de Otero – “Investigating Together”
On Friday, February 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., IES Blas de Otero in Madrid will host a day of workshops and scientific talks organized by the CBM for secondary school and high school students. Under the title “Investigating Together,” students will have the opportunity to participate in experimental activities and learn firsthand how a research laboratory works. The activity will feature the participation of María José Rodríguez Gómez and the school’s teaching staff.
Scientific activity for young people at IES Pedro Salinas – “Science at School”
On Wednesday, February 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the CBM will hold an educational activity at IES Pedro Salinas in Madrid aimed at students at the school. Through workshops and talks, it will show how scientific work is carried out and the importance of research in society. The activity will feature the participation of researcher Bruna Fernanda Silva de Sousa and is jointly organized by IES Pedro Salinas and the CBM.
Talks at the Liceo Italiano in Madrid organised by the Italian Embassy in Spain
On Wednesday, February 11, CBM Director Paola Bovolenta will participate as a speaker in an series of talks organized by the Italian Embassy in Spain and the Liceo Italiano, to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This event seeks to highlight the careers of women researchers amongst young girls and boys.
Scientific talk at the IES Ana Frank
To mark 11F, on February 20, researcher Esther Serrano-Saiz will give an informative talk aimed at secondary school and sixth form students at the IES Ana Frank. The aim of this activity is to bring scientific research closer to the educational environment and to highlight the role of women scientists as professional role models.
Science workshop for secondary school students at the CBM in collaboration with STEM Talent Girl
As part of the activities for February 11, the CBM will host a practical workshop for secondary school students, organized in collaboration with the STEM Talent Girl program. The activity will be led by CBM researchers Celia García and Eva Richard, who will introduce participants to laboratory work and research in molecular biology. The aim of this workshop is to encourage young women to pursue scientific careers and reinforce their interest in STEM disciplines through a direct and motivating experience.
Group photo of female researchers at the CBM on February 11
On the morning of Wednesday, February 11, a group photo of the women working at the CBM will be taken. This initiative, now a tradition on International Day of Women and Girls in Science, seeks to highlight the fundamental role of female researchers, technicians, and professionals at the CBM and symbolically showcase the diversity and talent of women at the institution.