Since 2016, the Adult Learning Community of Verneda-Sant Martí has been holding a Scientific Dialogic Gathering every Thursday, a Successful Educational Action where a scientific book is read and discussed. The Dialogic Scientific Gatherings are an activity where participants read scientific works and articles, reflect on them, and create collective learning through dialogue. The only requirement for participation is having read the book, regardless of academic level. In this case, all the participants are women.
Currently, they are discussing the book Breaking Through: My Life in Science by Katalin Karikó, a scientist whose life story reflects the constant struggle of many women in the scientific field. One participant mentioned that “her tenacity and persistence have been key in the development of mRNA technology, which has saved millions of lives through the COVID-19 vaccine.” As another participant expressed: “Thanks to that fight, today we have a vaccine that saved us.”
During the discussions about the book, the participants have shared their own experiences and reflected on the challenges they have faced as women. “It has taught me many things, and I have learned a lot.” They also highlighted the universality of the issues addressed in the book, showing that the barriers Katalin Karikó faced are still present today: “All the problems she highlights are still here.”
In this space of dialogue, the example set by women like Karikó is valued, as their commitment and effort serve as inspiration. One of the participants expresses admiration, saying: “I take my hat off to her,” while another emphasized the exceptional nature of her figure, stating: “There are not many like her.”
Participant in Dialogic Scienctific Gatherings at the Adult Learning Community of Verneda-Sant Martí.
Coordinator at la Verneda-Sant Martí Learning Community and adjunct professor at the University of Barcelona
Adjunct Professor in Sociology at the University of Barcelona