The visibility of women who paved the way in science is fundamental for building a more egalitarian society and for new generations of girls and women to find role models they can identify with. Aida Fernández Ríos represents one of these essential role models, a pioneer in marine research and the first woman to direct the Institute of Marine Research of the CSIC.
The City Council of Santiago de Compostela promoted an initiative on October 9th to recognize her figure by installing a commemorative plaque in the Padre Sarmiento Science Park, dedicated to the scientist as a pioneer and role model for women in science.
This initiative is joined by the City Council of Vigo, which on November 5th, through its Department of Equality and in collaboration with the Royal Galician Academy of Sciences and the IIM-CSIC, held a tribute event for Aida in the Alameda de Bouzas. The city already has a commemorative plaque installed on one of the benches of this promenade, facing the sea.
“"Her scientific and human legacy deserves to be remembered and recognized, not only for her contributions to the knowledge of the oceans but also for the path she opened for so many other women."
The event in Vigo was attended by Beatriz Novoa, director of the IIM-CSIC; Alicia Estévez, vice-president of the RAGC; and Abel Caballero, mayor of Vigo. The mayor also announced that the city will soon dedicate a street to the memory of Aida Fernández Ríos. The IIM-CSIC expresses its gratitude for the promotion of this recognition, which brings her figure closer to the public and keeps her contribution present in public spaces.
