The event was a dynamic experience that aimed to inspire and educate students through interactive activities and thought-provoking talks. Held in three parts throughout the day, the event provided a platform for learning, collaboration, and celebration of women in science.
In the first part of the day, younger students from a local school were introduced to science through a variety of engaging, hands-on activities. First-graders participated in simple DIY experiments, had the opportunity to look through microscopes, and even tried on real doctor’s lab coats while taking photos to capture the fun. One of the main highlights was an interactive educational game, played on a large 2.4×2.4m surface, which challenged students with fun scientific questions and helped them think critically. Older students, from seventh to ninth grade, also participated in the same set of activities, but with a few modifications. They were given more challenging experiments, disposable coats, and more complex versions of the educational game, allowing them to explore science at a deeper level.
After a lunch and coffee break for organizers and volunteers to prepare for the second part, the evening session began with a series of TED-style talks. Six prominent female scientists and professors shared their inspiring life stories in science, each speaking for no more than 9 minutes. The talks were informal, encouraging audience interaction and questions. The stage was uniquely designed to resemble the world’s first university, Al Qarawiyyin University, founded by Fatima Al-Fihriya, reinforcing the theme of women’s contributions to science. Among the confirmed speakers were Belma Kalamujić-Stroil, a member of the MST BiH, and other esteemed scientists from the Marie Curie Alumni Association, including Azra Frkatović-Hodžić and Dunja Šamec. Additional inspiration was brought by the emotional performance of the girls from the drama school, emphasizing the importance of supporting young talents.
Following the talks, the event took theatrical turns with short performances that brought the lives of Fatima Al-Fihriya, Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, Mileva Einstein, Maryam Mizrakhani, and Frida Kahlo to life. These performances highlighted the remarkable contributions of these women to both science and culture. The evening concluded with the presentation of The Marie Curie of the Mediterranean exhibition, celebrating the legacy of Marie Curie and her groundbreaking work in science.
The event successfully combined fun, hands-on science activities with inspiring stories of women who have shaped the world of science, creating an engaging and empowering environment for all participants.