Universidade Católica marks International Day of Girls and Women in Science

February 11 is the International Day of Girls and Women in Science, a date established by the UN to recognise the essential role of women in scientific progress and to encourage their greater participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields.

The Universidade Católica Portuguesa joins in the commemoration of this anniversary, highlighting initiatives that promote female involvement in scientific research and sharing the inspiring testimony of Margarida Neves Oliveira, a young scientist in training.

From an early age, Margarida Neves Oliveira felt a special curiosity about the world around her. "Science is very important in my life. It's through science that I increase my knowledge of the world", says the 12th grade student at Colégio Internato dos Carvalhos, who is currently doing a curricular internship at Católica's Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF).

Her passion for science grows with every discovery. "Thanks to science, we have many advances in medicine, such as the development of vaccines and drugs, but also advances in food and agriculture, such as fertilisers and farming techniques", says Margarida. For her, these innovations are essential for a healthier, safer and more sustainable planet.

At the CBQF, Margarida has found a dynamic and challenging environment where she can learn new laboratory techniques and apply the knowledge she has acquired. "I consider the research opportunities that the CBQF offers me to be very relevant, because this way I get to know new concepts related to science, new practical techniques to use in my future work in the laboratory and I have direct contact with the world of work" she emphasises.

By supporting initiatives that encourage female involvement in research, especially among young people, Universidade Católica Portuguesa is helping to build a more inclusive and innovative future.

Stories like Margarida Neves Oliveira's demonstrate that science is a field open to everyone, regardless of gender, and that the potential for discovery and innovation is limitless.