Today, Friday, March 7, 2025, the IX Women in Research Conference was held at the Marie Curie Auditorium of the Science Park of the University of Valencia (PCUV). Organized by the PCUV Equality Committees and the Equality Team of the Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol), the event was themed "Women in Science" and brought together leading female researchers to reflect on the role of women in research and science.

Opening Session

The event began with an inaugural session featuring:

• Sylvia Martínez Gallego, Vice-Rector for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusive Policies at the University of Valencia.

• Rosa Mochales San Vicente, Director of the Equality Unit at the University of Valencia.

• Pedro Carrasco, Director of the Science Park at the University of Valencia.

• Eugenio Coronado, Director of the Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol).

Guest Lecture: Women and Chemistry

Dr. Pilar Goya Laza, researcher at the Institute of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC), delivered the keynote lecture "Women and Chemistry: Reflections and Experiences." She shared her professional journey and discussed the progress and challenges faced by women in the field of chemistry.

Panel Discussion: Women in Science

The panel discussion "Women in Science" took place, moderated by Kristin Suleng (Science Park Foundation of the University of Valencia). The panel featured:

• Dr. Pilar Goya Laza (Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, CSIC).

• Dr. Amparo López Rubio (Director, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, CSIC).

• Dr. Emilia Matallana Redondo (Former Director, Institute of Integrative Systems Biology, UV-CSIC).

• Dr. Berta Rubio Barroso (Former Deputy Director, Institute of Corpuscular Physics, CSIC-UV).

The panelists shared their experiences and discussed the status of women in research, the persisting barriers, and strategies to promote equal opportunities in the scientific field.

Closing and Final Reflections

The event concluded with closing remarks highlighting the importance of initiatives like this in raising awareness of the role of women in science and encouraging female participation in research.

The conference saw high participation both in-person and through the YouTube live stream, establishing itself as a key forum for discussion and reflection on promoting equality in science.