As part of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on February 11, and the Equality Plan, the University of Aveiro (UA) will discuss the challenges that women face in the world of Science. The debate, which will take place after the screening of the documentary Picture a Scientist, will feature the participation of four UA researchers and is scheduled for February 27, starting at 5:00 PM, in the Renato Araújo Auditorium, located in the Central Building and Rectorate.
Moderated by Sara Diogo, a researcher at the Centre for Research in Higher Education Policies, the debate will feature contributions from Sónia Gouveia, from the Institute of Electronics and Informatics Engineering of Aveiro, Sónia Ventura, from the Institute of Materials of Aveiro, and Sónia Cruz, from the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM/DBIO).
Prior to the debate, Picture a Scientist will be screened, a 2020 documentary directed by Sharon Shattuck and Ian Cheney, which addresses gender inequality in science. The film features biologist Nancy Hopkins, chemist Raychelle Burks, and geologist Jane Willenbring, who share their career experiences, during which they were subjected to harassment and discrimination.
Throughout the documentary, which takes us from cramped laboratories to impressive field stations, we encounter prominent figures in science—including social scientists, neuroscientists, and psychologists—who offer new perspectives on how to make science more diverse, equitable, and accessible to all.
News originally published in: UA Notícias on 14 February 2025.