Sylvia Socorro inspired students about the role of women in science

Silvia Socorro, Vice Rector for Research, Innovation and Development at Beira Interior University, was invited to speak about her journey as a researcher, teacher and woman in science to an audience full of students of Escola Secundária Avelar Brotero, and about the role she has played in the field. Women in various fields of science.
National Scientists Day, May 16, was celebrated at the high school yesterday with a lecture on the theme “Women in Science” and aimed to pay tribute to the role of many history-making women throughout history in mathematics, biology and science. Science and technology, but sometimes they do not have the same character.
“When we talk about science, which scientist comes to mind?” she began by asking Sylvia Socorro, addressing students in the humanities course. The name Marie Curie quickly became the one the public heard and no one else heard. “Of course, Marie Curie is the most famous name and because she received two Nobel Prizes,” the researcher said, adding that there are many women who have made an important contribution, but they are not recognized.
Solar panels, a dishwasher, and a windshield were just some of the things the guest mentioned that were invented and developed by women.
He defended this by saying: “In these days when we celebrate science, my thoughts go to those women, scientists and researchers who have been subjected to injustice, and to those whose work has not been recognized and who have given so much to science,” recalling the journey of chemist Rosalind Franklin. The researcher told the students: “I discovered the DNA molecule, and when the scientific articles were published, her name did not appear.”
“So, my advice, basically, to the young women here today is: Be who you want to be, who you dream of being,” Sylvia Socorro said.
Today, Silvia Socorro asserts that “the reality is better,” but points out that there is still a long way to go in favor of gender equality in various sectors of society. “There are more and more women in higher education, in doctorates, but when we look at senior positions they do not appear,” said the Vice-Rector of UBI.
During the lecture, Sylvia Socorro also had the opportunity to talk about her journey as a researcher studying cancer cells. The lecture was moderated by Afonso Calle Márquez, student and student representative for humanities courses.