Marine research takes to the streets of Vigo through the image of real women who work for science every day at the CSIC Institute of Marine Research in Vigo. The “Women of Science in Your Neighbourhood” initiative, an adaptation of the award-winning original idea from the University of Zaragoza, will fill bus shelters across the city with photographs of these workers. Each image also includes a sentence in which the protagonist shares something about her hobbies, tastes and interests beyond science. The aim is to show that women who do science are ordinary, approachable women, and to bring society closer to research and innovation. The campaign is organised by the IIM-CSIC Scientific Culture Unit, with the collaboration of Vigo City Council in installing the bus-shelter displays.

The event consists of an exhibition of 12 photographs of researchers, predoctoral researchers and technicians from IIM-CSIC on up to 30 billboards and bus shelters provided in collaboration with Vigo City Council. Each display includes a quote in which the protagonist talks about her work in science as well as a hobby or interest from her personal life. The installation began on 6 February and will remain on the streets until 27 February.

In this way, the initiative seeks to break stereotypes and reinforce the idea that science is close and accessible, and that the women who work in it are citizens of our city with hobbies, friends, family and diverse interests like anyone else.