BCAM welcomes more than 150 students as part of Emakumeak Zientzian

BCAM  welcomed more than 150 students from Berriotxoa, Zalla BHI and Zunzuengi BHI to its facilities for the Emakumeak Zientzian initiative, which aims to highlight the role of women in science and foster scientific vocations among younger generations.

During the visit, students had the opportunity to learn first-hand about daily life at a research center in applied mathematics, gaining insight into the work carried out by BCAM researchers and discovering the real impact of mathematics in addressing scientific, technological and societal challenges.

Mathematics to understand and transform the world

BCAM researchers led the visits and facilitated a range of activities designed to spark students’ curiosity and critical thinking. Among them was the activity “Turbine Detectives”, delivered by Ana Fernández Navamuel (Postdoctoral Researcher, Mathematical Design, Modelling and Simulations).

Through this activity, participants discovered in an engaging and accessible way how science, technology and mathematics contribute to the maintenance of large clean energy generators. They also learned how small variations — such as slight vibrations or barely perceptible tilts — can be crucial in preventing major failures, highlighting the importance of mathematical analysis in the energy transition.

“Turbine Detectives” is also part of the European project ORE4CITIZENS, which focuses on the potential of marine renewable energies in the fight against climate change and on the role of the Basque Country as an international reference in this sector. The project, led by Tecnalia, EHU, Euskampus and BCAM, will conclude next March and promotes the active involvement of citizens in science and the energy transition.

Emakumeak Zientzian also included a Scientific Escape Room organized by Irene Gonzálvez Martínez (Postdoctoral Researcher, Harmonic Analysis) and Eva Zabala Sanz de Galdeano (Research Technician, Computational and Applied Statistics).

Through physical and statistical challenges, students had to solve puzzles based on real data in order to “recover” missing research lines. This dynamic activity allowed them to experience how mathematics is applied to everyday situations through logic problems and data analysis.

These initiatives placed special emphasis on the importance of sharing female role models in STEM fields and demonstrating that research is a close, diverse and socially impactful career path.

In addition to the activities developed at the center, BCAM researchers also took part in other Emakumeak Zientzian formats. Eva Zabala Sanz de Galdeano and Claudia Peña delivered a talk as part of the Back to School programme, while Luz Roncal (Group Leader, Ikerbasque Research Associate Professor in Harmonic Analysis) participated in the event Women Scientists of Yesterday and Today in Bilbao, an initiative that connects past and present to highlight the role of women in science.

Through actions such as these, BCAM reinforces its commitment to science outreach, equality and the promotion of STEM vocations, contributing to the development of a more inclusive, participatory and socially connected science.