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Women in science

Conquering the STEM fields

Education is the key to unlocking the potential of women in science. However, while it is true that there has been a positive evolution in terms of female presence in STEM disciplines, challenges remain.

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Women in science: education and the current situation

From the pioneers of the past to contemporary innovators, these women not only broke barriers, but also paved the way for future generations.

The search for equity and diversity in the world of science has marked the path of women whose contributions have been fundamental in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Although there is still a long way to go, more and more girls and young women are finding role models in these disciplines, important women in science capable of breaking stereotypes and awakening vocations, making it clear that talent knows no gender. Join us on this journey through the history of some of the most interesting women in science, discovering their achievements and how they defied stereotypes.

Sustainable Development Goal 8, which seeks to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, includes addressing gender gaps in the educational and professional spheres as one of its imperatives, and the figures back this up.

According to the latest data from the statistical series, Scientists in Figures, prepared by the Women and Science Unit of the Ministry of Science and Innovation, over the last 5 years, the percentage of women (56.3%) remains higher than that of men among those who have enrolled in undergraduate and first- and second-cycle degree programs. However, female students barely represent 26.5% of the total student body in the branches of engineering and architecture, compared to the 71.8% they represent in studies related to health sciences.

Along the same lines, the CYD 2021/2022 Report notes the low female presence in information and communication technologies (ICT) and mathematics, in comparison with the European Union. Barely 14% of students in these disciplines in Spain are women, 5.5 points less than in the European Union as a whole, differences that are also observed in other fields such as mathematics, where they represent 35.6% in undergraduate studies (41.4% in the EU) and 24.4% in master's degrees (51.7% in the EU).

More and more important women scientists are breaking educational barriers in STEM fields, becoming role models for the new generations. The recent Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to Anne L'Huillier or its equivalent in medicine for Katalin Karikó are just a few examples. And the fact is that, supporting equal opportunities in science education is essential for building a more equitable and sustainable future.

Women scientists: a look back at history

woman looking at a beaker

In the vast universe of history, women scientists have left a lasting mark. Names such as Marie Curie (Warsaw, 1867-1934), for example, stand out not only for her contribution to physics and chemistry, but also for pioneering the use of radioactivity in medicine. The Polish scientist received two Nobel Prizes, demonstrating that women not only belong in the scientific world, but are also capable of holding leading positions in it.

Another important figure was Rosalind Franklin (London, 1920-1958). Her work on the structure of DNA laid the foundation for crucial discoveries in genetics and molecular biology. Although her contribution was initially belittled, her legacy lives on as an example of the importance of recognizing the work of women in science.

aerial view of MIT

Within the energy sector, visionary women have led significant advances. American physicist and theorist Shirley Ann Jackson (Washington, D.C., 1946), did pioneering work in particle physics research that contributed to the development of telecommunications technology, laying the groundwork for modern technologies - from mobile telecommunications to fiber optics. In addition, her leadership as the first African-American woman to earn a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology serves as an inspiration for future generations.

Ada Lovelace (London, 1815-1852), a 19th century British mathematician and writer, is considered the first computer programmer. Her vision of the potential of machines to go beyond simple numerical computation paved the way for the development of modern computing. Meanwhile, the long-lived American computer scientist Margaret Hamilton (Indiana, 1936) was instrumental in the Apollo 11 mission. Without the software she designed for the spacecraft, neither Neil Armstrong nor pilot Edwin F. Aldrin would have been able to land on the moon.

close-up of hands in a laboratory

But there are also contemporary examples of important women in science. The recent winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics, Anne L'Huillier (Paris, 1949), has left an everlasting mark on high-intensity laser research. According to the jury, she and her award-winning counterparts, Pierre Agostini and Ferenc Krausz, are responsible for a new way of creating extremely short pulses of light, which could be used to photograph the fleeting processes in which electrons move or change energies.

Equally inspiring is Ann Makosinski (Victoria, Canada, 1997), whose body-heat-powered flashlight project is an innovation that not only stands out for its creativity, but also demonstrates how women can be leaders in the development of sustainable energy technologies.

These women, along with many others, challenge the traditional perception that STEM disciplines are male-dominated and demonstrate that diversity is essential for innovation and progress. By highlighting the work of these trailblazing women scientists, we foster an environment where more women can flourish in science and contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future.

Women in science and STEM disciplines at Repsol

Innovation is part of Repsol's DNA. That's why we not only incorporate women scientists into our talented teams, but we also recognize the role of women scientists and promote initiatives that bring us together within the STEM professions.

woman in a laboratory

In our Puertollano Industrial Complex, for example, there are 95% women in the STEM field. Ana Orallo, a technician in the Processes and Differentiation department, with almost two decades of experience in the company, is one of them, as is Ana Cabañero who, after completing an internship at Repsol, joined the department's team. As women scientists, they share their passion for technology and innovation which, as Orallo explains: "have always been tools on which we have relied, but today more than ever, they allow us to carry out processes and work more efficiently and safely".

Marta Roche, IT and digital projects process consultant and transformation support; Pamela Torres, senior scientist, or Mar Calderón, senior consultant and sustainability expert, and many other women scientists are the most obvious examples of how the presence of women can play a decisive role in science.

Encouraging the participation of women in STEM disciplines is not only a matter of equity, but also a strategy to drive innovation and solve global challenges. Women scientists not only inspire future generations, but also bring unique perspectives and creative solutions to the problems facing our world. By recognizing and celebrating their contributions, we move towards a future where science is truly inclusive, diverse, and capable of addressing our society's most pressing challenges.

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