A study by Lin Bian and co-authors published by the journal Science showed that by the age of six, girls are less likely than boys to associate brilliance or genius with their gender, and these early acquired ideas about brilliance have an immediate effect on children’s interests. Building on this idea, the latest episode of the UniCorners podcast, created by the Equality Unit of the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, focused on gender stereotypes about brilliance and their impact on education.

Milagros Sáinz, director of GenTIC, participated in this episode as a guest expert to analyze this social phenomenon and reflect on the role of gender roles in self-confidence throughout life, young people’s motivation, and study choices. She was joined by Lorena Fernández, computer engineer and director of digital identity at the University of Deusto, and Estela Ortiz, cultural analyst and expert communicator in digital, audiovisual culture, and feminism. The conversation was moderated by Irene Lapuente Aguilar, director of La Mandarina de Newton.

Episode 6 of UniCorners is one of the activities organized by the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya to celebrate February 11, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Listen to it below!