INL Celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Today, 11 February, the world celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. As gender inequality persists across the scientific landscape, this date serves both to honour the pioneering women who defied the odds and to remind future generations that they, too, belong in science.

Recognising the importance of this mission, INL is deeply committed to fostering an equal and balanced workplace, where women represent 44% of the scientific community, including key leadership positions.

This year, to raise awareness for the cause, INL highlighted six outstanding women in science, and their impactful contributions to scientific advancement:

:: Dr. Patrícia Sousa, from the Hanay Group, develops microfluidic systems with applications in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and environmental and food safety.

:: Dr. Temple Douglas, also a member of the Hanay Group, has built an impressive trajectory since she began researching in high school. Her work aims to advance cancer diagnostics and therapies.

:: Dr. Begoña Espiña, leader of the Espiña Group, is dedicated to water quality research. Her team works across two lines: water monitoring, detecting contaminants and pollutants; and econanosafety, studying how nanomaterials behave in aquatic environments.

:: Dr. Andrea Gouvêa, specialist at the EMX Facility, provides training, consultancy, and technical support, enabling researchers to use advanced electron microscopy techniques and instrumentation.

:: Dr. Laura Rodríguez‑Lorenzo, working within the Espiña Group, develops miniaturised, portable, and automated devices capable of detecting organic pollutants and emerging contaminants in water bodies.

:: Prof. Dr. Clivia Sotomayor, INL’s Director‑General and leader of the Sotomayor Group, is a world‑renowned scientist whose influence extends beyond phononics research to the mentorship and development of the scientific community.

On this day, we celebrate the stories of these brilliant women, standing as representatives of the 211 women that constitute INL’s scientific body, each contributing to excellence, innovation, and progress.

We wish everyone a Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science, and we reaffirm our commitment to gender equality by fostering an environment that is diverse, equitable, and rich in opportunity.

Text by Clara Miranda, Social Media Management Officer