LGTBQIA+ diversity in STEM: Current situation and actions for equality

Aitor Villafranca, Institute of Optics, Spanish National Research Council (IO-CSIC)

Thursday 13 November 2025, 12:00 PM

ICMAB -Sala d'Actes Carles Miravitlles

Abstract

Did you know that one out of three trans scientists suffer harassment at their workplace? Or that only 14% of bisexual STEM professionals are out of the closet? Were you aware of how discrimination impacts scientific output? In this seminar we will look into the current situation of LGBTQIA+ professionals working in STEM, and discuss simple actions which can help creating safer and more inclusive spaces for everyone.

Short bio

Aitor Villafranca Velasco is the current Director of the Institute of Optics at the Spanish National Research Council (IO-CSIC), where he conducts research in silicon integrated optics. He holds a degree in Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Zaragoza (2009) and a PhD in Physics from the Complutense University of Madrid (2013). He is also a founding partner of the technology-based company Alcyon Photonics and of the PRISMA association, through which he advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights in STEM. In 2024, he was awarded the National Research Award for Young Researchers in the category of Knowledge Transfer. 

Organized by the Gender Equality and Diversity Committee