The mural is the work of the artist Alba Moncho ‘Abymoncho The central portrait of Emilia Matallana stands out against a background of wine yeast cells - her field of research - and different laboratory utensils, such as PCR tubes, flasks and a tube shaker labelled with the word yeast. All this with a chromatic palette in which the colour wine predominates, which acquires a great symbolic charge.

For me, participating in this project has been a great thrill. I discovered ‘Dones de Ciència’ as a student in the mural painting classes at the Facultat de Belles Arts, and to be able to be part of it now, together with so many other women I admire, is something very special Furthermore, having had the opportunity to meet and talk to Emilia, who is a wonderful person, makes this an unforgettable mural for me’, said Alba Moncho during the inauguration.

Emilia Matallana emphasised her surprise at this tribute and her enormous gratitude to the Dones de Ciència project for its work to make women scientists and artists more visible, as well as to the educational centre that hosts the mural. ‘After many years of dedication to scientific dissemination, in which I have visited many high schools and upper secondary school levels, I could not imagine such a beautiful recognition, to now be part of the life of this new centre, located in my town, in the neighbourhood of my childhood and where I pass by every day..., there could not be a better gift! She has also highlighted the great experience of explaining her scientific interests to an artist and the excellent connection with Alba, who has captured her passion in an unbeatable way, ‘she will always be my artist!’.   

39 major benchmarks for a change of perspective

For her part, Irene Fernández, Principal of IES 5 in Sagunto, pointed out that since she was presented with the proposal for the school she represents to take part in the project, the educational community has been actively involved. ‘Projects like this, which make great figures visible, are the ones that germinate and produce the change of perspective that is so necessary in today's society. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to bring our students closer to science and art in such a direct way’, added Irene Fernández.

The event was attended by the vice-rector of the UPV, José Francisco Monserrat, accompanied by the mayor of Sagunto, Darío Moreno; the councillor for Education, Raúl Palmero; and María Jesús García, academic secretary of the Facultat de Ciències Biològiques de la Universitat de València, where Emilia Matallana has developed her professional career, both as a teacher and as a researcher.

With the mural inaugurated today, there are now 39 that fill female schools and institutes such as IES 5 in Sagunto with art, science and technology, thanks to a project that is helping to raise the profile of women of reference in their respective fields, such as Emilia Matallana and Alba Moncho.

The Dones de Ciència project, promoted by the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) and Valencia Innovation Capital- Valencia City Council, has the collaboration of the FECYT-Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.