Rocío Andújar, CNH2: “It is very important to celebrate this day, we have fought hard for the recognition of women in science” – Internacional Day Of Women In Science
The National Hydrogen Centre, as a public consortium at the service of the entire scientific community, celebrates Women and Girls in Science Day 2024, reaffirming its commitment to equality and promoting the access and full participation of women in science. Currently, 49% of CNH2 staff are women.
The United Nations General Assembly established 11 February as the Day of Women and Girls in Science on 22 December 2015, through Resolution A/RES/70/212 and in recognition of the role of women and girls in science and technology. Although the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are considered fundamental to society and the economy as a whole, most countries, regardless of their level of development, have not achieved gender equality in this sector. Only 35% of students in STEM-related careers are women.
On the occasion of this day we spoke with Rocío Andújar Lapeña, PhD in Science and Technologies applied to Industrial Engineering from the University of Castilla – La Mancha with four and a half years of professional experience at the National Hydrogen Centre. She is an outstanding scientist and engineer who has developed her professional activity both as a laboratory technician and as a research and development engineer.
Thank you for agreeing to this interview, Rocío. We know you are one of the most prominent engineers at the centre, could you tell us what kind of projects you are working on or have worked on at the centre?
Since I joined the centre in 2019, I have worked on projects with different themes, from those related to reversible solid oxide systems to those related to the use of materials suitable for use with hydrogen.
Can you tell us about your work on these projects?
In the solid oxide lab, I focused on the synthesis and optimisation of materials for subsequent use as functional layers in solid oxide cells.
As the current head of the materials laboratory, what is the focus of your activity?
Currently, as head of the materials laboratory, my activity focuses on the characterisation of the materials required. In this laboratory we offer services both internally, for specific projects that require it, and externally, for clients from different areas and sectors.
It is not easy to gain access to positions or responsibilities like the ones you hold. How did you become part of the National Hydrogen Centre?
I joined in 2019, thanks to some grants for the promotion of “Youth Employment” and the implementation of the youth guarantee in R&D&I, and from there I have continued. I consider it extremely important that this type of aid is promoted.According to the UN, only 35% of students in STEM-related careers are women. Why do you think many women give up studying STEM careers?I think that some time ago it was a cliché to think that science careers, such as physics or mathematics, were for boys. That has had a lot of influence. However, I think we are now seeing a significant change in this perception.
How do you think institutions and companies can improve to achieve parity?
I think we need to work on long-term initiatives, trying to implement different measures, such as offering flexible working options and providing adequate resources to both mothers and fathers, to achieve work-life balance.
Do you think it is important to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science?
From my point of view, I think it is very important to celebrate this day, as there has been a long struggle for the recognition of women in science. We should not forget that, not so many years ago, we were the forgotten ones and we felt the need to hide ourselves in order to participate in this field. By commemorating this day we are not only highlighting the achievements of women in science, but also highlighting the importance of gender equality and motivating girls to choose their professional future without restrictions.
