Emilia Matallana is one of the most outstanding Spanish researchers in the field of biochemistry. Professor at the University of Valencia, she was born in October 1961 in Sagunto, where she has received recognition in the form of a mural in the IES 5 with which the Polytechnic University of Valencia and the City Council of Valencia, through Valencia Innovation Capital, pay tribute to her scientific career as part of the project Dones de Ciència (Women of Science)
The mural is the work of the artist Alba Moncho “Abymoncho”. In it, the central portrait of Emilia Matallana stands out, on a background formed by wine yeast cells -her field of research- and different laboratory utensils, such as PCR tubes, flasks and a tube shaker labeled with the word yeast. All this with a chromatic palette dominated by the color wine, which acquires a great symbolic charge.
“For me, participating in this project has been a great illusion. I discovered 'Dones de Ciència' as a student in mural painting classes at the Faculty of Fine Arts, and to be able to be part of it now, along with so many other women I admire, is something very special. In addition, having had the opportunity to meet and talk with Emilia, who is a wonderful person, makes this an unforgettable mural for me,” Moncho said during the inauguration.
Emilia Matallana has highlighted the surprise that this tribute has caused her and the enormous gratitude towards the project Dones de Ciència for its work to make visible women scientists and artists, as well as the educational center that hosts the mural. “I could not imagine such a nice recognition, after many years of dedication to science outreach, in which I have visited many secondary and high school centers, now being part of the life of this new center, located in my town, in the neighborhood of my childhood and through which I pass every day..., there can be no better gift!”. He also highlighted the great experience of explaining his scientific interests to an artist and the excellent connection with Alba, who has captured his passion in an unbeatable way, “she will always be my artist!
I could not imagine such a nice recognition, after many years of dedication to science outreach, in which I have visited many secondary and high school centers, now being part of the life of this new center, located in my town, in the neighborhood of my childhood and through which I pass every day..., there can be no better gift!
39 great references for a change of perspective
Irene Fernández, principal of IES 5 in Sagunto, pointed out that ever since she was presented with the proposal for the center she represents to be part of the project, the educational community has been actively involved. “Projects like this one, which make great referents visible, are the ones that germinate and produce the change of perspective 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 Faculty of Biological Sciences of the University of Valencia, where Emilia Matallana has developed her professional career, both as a teacher and as a researcher.
With the mural inaugurated today are already 39 that fill with art, science and technology in female schools and institutes such as IES 5 of Sagunto, thanks to a project that is helping to make visible women of reference in their respective fields. The Dones de Ciència project, promoted by the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) and Valencia Innovation Capital-Valencia City Council, has the collaboration of the FECYT-Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.
Recalls Emilia Matallana's presentation at Expoinnova 2021