ICIQ continues inspiring in third year of participation in Inspira STEAM

The project Inspira STEAM aims to bridge the gender gap in STEAM fields through mentoring and hands-on activities

For the third consecutive year, ICIQ joins the Inspira STEAM project, reinforcing its commitment to fostering a passion for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) among young girls. This initiative is leaded by the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Deusto and coordinated in Tarragona by the URV with the support of the business and public sectors in the region. This is the fifth edition of the programme, and it has already arrived to nearly 1,800 sixth grade and first year ESO students from 31 educational centers in Tarragona. These students have received more than 120 mentors, 8 of them from ICIQ.

In this edition, ICIQ’s team of mentors was formed by Dr. Laura Hernández, Dr. Marta Llorens Fons, Dr. Marta Giménez Pedros, Dr. Imma Escofet, Enric Ibáñez, Meritxell Díaz Estirado, Beatriu Domingo, and Neus Sunyer. Mentors from the research area, scientific core facilities and communications unit bring knowledge and enthusiasm to the project, aiming to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

“I have participated for 3 years as a mentor in the Inspira Steam programme in different schools in the region. The experience has been very enriching because primary school students are still full of energy, enthusiasm, and questions about absolutely everything. Through this program, we aim to bring real people working in scientific fields closer to students to break the myth that STEAM subjects are difficult and inaccessible. We try to convey that they should pursue what they truly like and find motivating, without dismissing STEAM due to lack of role models or stereotypes associated with them.”

Meritxell Díaz Estirado, Technician at ICIQ scientific core facilities

The Inspira STEAM project focuses on breaking down stereotypes and encouraging young minds to pursue careers in STEM by connecting them with mentors who share their experiences and insights. The project takes gender perspective into account and works separately with male and female students, which helps break gender-related dynamics in the classroom and explicitly address the lack of role models and sexist stereotypes in this field. ICIQ’s continued involvement highlights its dedication to social responsibility and its role in creating a more inclusive and diverse scientific community.

The end of the InspiraSTEAM 2023-2024 edition and the launch of the new edition for 2024-2025 were held on June 12th with a closing ceremony where mentors and staff from various educational institutions gathered. With an institutional welcome by Dr. Carme G. Yeste, URV Commissioner of Relations with the Department of Education, and Dr. M Luz Guènaga, coordinator of Inspira STEAM, the event featured presentations from mentors and educational centers, including talks by Laura Amenós, Jr HR Business Partner at Kellanova; Montserrat Martinez, Technology Area Manager at Essity; Sònia Jimenez, representing Inspira STEAM from the perspective of the Pràctiques Center in Tarragona; and Ramon Alonso, Process Automation ABB Product Manager at DOW. The session included a review of Inspira STEAM 23-24 data and upcoming course updates, followed by a recognition segment and concluding remarks by Prof. Josep Pallarès, URV Rector.