The EVISAP group has actively participated in the 9th edition of Científiques a l’Aula, the IdISBa programme that brings Balearic research into schools and highlights the role of women in science. The initiative coincides with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and has become one of the most significant science‑outreach activities in the Balearic Islands.
In this edition, two EVISAP researchers took part:
– María Antònia Fiol de Roque, specialist in evidence‑based medicine, and
– Pilar Andreu Rodrigo, patient‑safety researcher.
Both delivered sessions in different educational centres, bringing students closer to the fundamentals of critical appraisal of evidence and to the principles of quality and safety in healthcare.

An institutional opening with EVISAP’s participation
The official launch of the programme took place at CEIP Gabriel Janer Manila (Pla de na Tesa, Marratxí). The event was attended by the Minister of Health, Manuela García; the Director General of Universities, Research and Higher Artistic Education, Sebastià Massanet; and the Managing Director of IdISBa, Carlos Enrique Herrero.
The institutional representatives attended one of the activities delivered by Maria Antònia Fiol, aimed at two 5th‑ and 6th‑grade groups, with a total of 46 students.
During the session, Maria Antònia introduced students to role models of women scientists — both historical figures and women from our immediate environment, including researchers from Spain and the Balearic Islands. She then introduced key concepts of evidence‑based medicine, explained the process of synthesising scientific knowledge, and highlighted the importance of having rigorous information to support healthcare decision‑making. The session stood out for its participatory nature and for showing students how scientific evidence is built in practice.

Session by Pilar Andreu: patient safety in the classroom
In her session, Pilar Andreu Rodrigo introduced students to the world of science and health research, highlighting the essential role of women scientists and the value of the scientific method. She explained one of the projects she is involved in, aimed at improving patient safety in primary care centres. In addition, the students carried out a small hand‑hygiene experiment to understand, in a practical way, how these actions help prevent infections.

A growing programme
This year’s edition brings together 71 women researchers from IdISBa, SOCIB, IMEDEA (CSIC–UIB), UIB and IUNICS. IdISBa leads the programme with 57 researchers, accounting for 80% of the total.
The scientists take part by delivering talks, workshops and hands‑on activities in more than 90 educational centres across all the islands, including early‑childhood, primary, secondary, baccalaureate and vocational‑training schools.

EVISAP’s contribution
EVISAP’s participation in Científiques a l’Aula highlights the diversity of the group’s areas of expertise and its commitment to rigorous and accessible science communication.
Through its activities, evidence‑based medicine and patient safety were presented as essential fields for understanding how scientific knowledge is generated, assessed and applied to improve healthcare.
In addition to introducing female research role models, these sessions foster critical thinking and help inspire scientific vocations among students, especially girls.

Commitment to science outreach
EVISAP continues to support initiatives that connect research with society and promote a more equitable participation of women in science.
Collaboration in Científiques a l’Aula reinforces this commitment and helps to shape future generations that are better informed, more critical, and more engaged with research.

 

Press notes

• Consellería de Salut
• IdISBa

News item on the newscast

• Informatiu Balear (min. 8.30)
• IB3 Notícies