For three years now, CERN has been organising visits of women scientists and engineers to local schools on the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrated annually on 11 February. This year, new partnerships with the Science Outreach Department of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) and the University of Geneva (UNIGE) Scienscope, gave a new scope to the project.
From 11 to 15 February, 57 very enthusiastic volunteers from CERN, UNIGE and EPFL gave 150 talks, reaching over 3100 pupils!
They spoke about their background, revealed some mysteries of science and conducted small demonstrations in front of very curious school pupils. The idea behind the project is to have them act as female role models to change the perception towards scientific and engineering professions. They contributed in changing sexist stereotypes, enabling young girls to imagine themselves as researchers, explorers, innovators, engineers or inventors.
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If you are interested in participating get in contact with Local engagement.