Zumarraga brings science to citizens through a programme of activities that runs until April 2027
The project gets underway with a science photography exhibition from 19 to 30 October
San Sebastián, 22 October 2026. The exhibition “Science through the female lens: what is not visible at first glance” (Ciencia en femenino: lo que no se ve a simple vista), organised by the Centre for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials, CIC biomaGUNE, opened this week at Donostia Technology Park in Zumarraga.
The aim of the exhibition is to bring science closer to society through a selection of science photographs obtained using various microscopy techniques. All the images were taken by women working in scientific research; specifically, researchers who work or have worked at CIC biomaGUNE.
“In a similar way to many subjects of scientific research, the work of female researchers is not always visible at first glance. This makes it necessary to create spaces that recognise and give visibility to their work”, points out Clara García Gorro, Science Communication Manager at CIC biomaGUNE.
The exhibition runs from 19 to 30 October at the Zelai Arizti cultural centre in Zumarraga. In addition, at 6pm on Thursday 29 October, Irantzu Llarena and Lydia Martínez, researchers at CIC biomaGUNE, will be offering a guided visit during which they will explain the photographs and the research related to them in way that is accessible to the general public.
Accessible science and critical thinking
This exhibition marks the start of the scientific outreach project “Accessible science and critical thinking in rural areas” (Ciencia cercana y pensamiento crítico en el medio rural), which will include a range of activities taking place between October 2026 and April 2027 in Zumarraga and Urretxu.
In addition to the photography exhibition, the project —funded by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) and the Department of Science, Universities and Innovation of the Basque Government, with the collaboration of Zumarraga Town Council— will consist of interactive talks in educational centres and an intergenerational workshop on science culture and media literacy. On 10 April 2027, to coincide with World Science and Technology Day, there will be a performance entitled “Science against the Storm” (Ciencia contra la Tormenta), that will bring together dance, science communication and personal testimony.
“This project has many aims: to show science as part of our culture, as something that everyone can enjoy; to foster critical thinking to help combat misinformation; and to challenge stereotypes that might deter young people from considering science as a career option”, explains García Gorro.
“At CIC biomaGUNE we are committed to promoting science culture and we believe it is important to reach towns beyond the regional capitals which offer a greater number of science outreach activities. So we are delighted to be able to carry out this project thanks to public funding”, says Aitziber López Cortajarena, Scientific Director at CIC biomaGUNE.
Mikel Serrano Aperribay, the mayor of Zumarraga, is pleased to be able to offer people of different generations in the town “this complete programme that highlights several aspects of science, in collaboration with one of the leading research centres in the Basque Country. At Zumarraga Town Council we consider it extremely important to support initiatives that bring scientific knowledge to the people of Zumarraga, thus promoting education, innovation and critical thinking and fostering intergenerational dialogue. We believe it will contribute significantly to the cultural, educational and social development of our municipality and we invite everyone to come and enjoy the events.”
Photo captions:
1. Science photography exhibition at Zelai Arizti cultural centre (Zumarraga).
2. CIC biomaGUNE’s Scientific Communication team. On the left, Clara García Gorro. On the right, Pablo Menchero Quirós.
