'I am STEM...': the MUR and the young female researchers for the 'International Day of Women and Girls in Science'

“I am STEM because science is the future and I am a part of it.” “ "I am a scientist because I can think freely”. “I am STEM to give value to research”. “Research allows me to be free and creative.” “ "I am STEM to plan the future”. “Take the front row seat for the future of science!”

These are the messages of some young researchers on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Their statements were summarised in a video produced by the Ministry of University and Research in collaboration with Italian research institutions: Area Science Park; Italian Space Agency (ASI); National Research Council (CNR); Italian Institute of Germanic Studies (IISG); National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF); National Institute of Metrological Research (INRiM); National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN); National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV); National Institute of Oceanography and Applyed Geophysics (OGS); Einstein Telescope Science Project. An invitation from young scientists to all female students to choose STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths). An encouragement to follow your passions, inclinations and abilities with courage and determination.

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was launched in 2015 by the UN National Assembly under the auspices of UNESCO to promote greater participation of women and girls in scientific research and reduce gender inequalities in the scientific field. The day is celebrated around the world every year on 11 February and this year falls at the end of National Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Week, which was established last November by Law 187/2023 to raise awareness of these disciplines and encourage children's interest and choice.

Watch the video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3M4Ifli3yX/?igsh=MTIwcWxqZWk2azBwbw