To the Mothers of Science

BIST recognises and supports scientist mothers working to reach a leading position and advance the research in their fields.

The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology first launched the Mothers of Science programme in 2018, inspired by the CRG Women Scientists Support Grant (WOSS). The Mothers of Science programme offers supporting grants and coaching sessions to talented BIST women researchers to recognise their roles as scientists and mothers, and to support them along their way to becoming pioneers in their fields. The programme aims to contribute in addressing the gender gap that exists in group leader positions. Within the BIST Community, as well as in most academic institutions, the number of women steadily decrease as the research career advances.

Three editions of the To the Mothers of Science Programme have run since the initiative launched. On January, 2024 BIST launched the 4th edition of the programme, which includes a salary top-up of 400€ per month for one year, in addition to a coaching programme for the ten selected researchers.