The STEM Women Congress announces the Ecosystem Recognition, an international distinction that recognises initiatives contributing to the strengthening of the STEM ecosystem by promoting the participation, development and visibility of girls, young people and women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

This recognition is part of the STEM Women ecosystem framework and is based on the official data collected through the STEM Women database, the Initiatives Directory and the STEM Women Annual Report (SWAR).

The objective of this recognition is to highlight initiatives that generate real impact, contribute to the ecosystem in a sustained way and help build a stronger, more inclusive and more connected STEM community.

The recognition is divided into two categories:

• Inspiration

• Career Development

Each category will include a selection of initiatives that meet the established eligibility and evaluation criteria.

Recognition Categories

1. Inspiration

This category recognises initiatives focused on early vocations, education, awareness and the creation of role models that inspire girls and young people to consider STEM pathways.

These initiatives play a key role in the first stages of the talent pipeline, helping to generate interest, motivation and confidence.

Criteria

• The initiative must be registered in the official STEM Women database (Mandatory).

• The initiative must be published in the official Initiatives Directory (Mandatory).

• The initiative must have participated in at least one edition of the STEM Women Annual Report (Mandatory).

• The initiative must be active in the Spanish territory (Mandatory).

• Demonstrated impact in inspiring girls, young people or the general public.

• Activities related to outreach, education, mentoring, role models or awareness.

• Contribution to reducing stereotypes and barriers in STEM.

• Evidence of reach, participation or continuity over time.

2. Career Development

This category recognises initiatives focused on employability, leadership, entrepreneurship, mentoring and professional development in STEM.

These initiatives strengthen the ecosystem by supporting women in accessing, remaining and growing in STEM careers.

Criteria

• The initiative must be registered in the official STEM Women database (Mandatory).

• The initiative must be published in the official Initiatives Directory (Mandatory).

• The initiative must have participated in at least one edition of the STEM Women Annual Report (Mandatory).

• The initiative must be active in the Spanish territory (Mandatory).

• Demonstrated impact on professional development in STEM.

• Programmes related to training, employability, mentoring, entrepreneurship or leadership.

• Collaboration with companies, universities or institutions.

• Evidence of measurable results or sustained activity.

Eligibility

To be considered in the selection process, the initiative must comply with all of the following requirements:

• Registered in the official STEM Women database.

• Published in the official Initiatives Directory.

• Included in at least one edition of the SWAR Spain.

• Active and operational in Spain.

Only initiatives that meet all four conditions will proceed to the evaluation phase.

Selection Criteria

Once the formal requirements have been verified, the initiatives will be evaluated according to the following strategic criteria:

• Demonstrated impact (territorial reach, number of beneficiaries, continuity).

• Contribution to the STEM ecosystem.

• Consistency with the category (Inspiration or Career Development).

• Scalability or replicability.

• Representation of different sectors within the ecosystem.

• Active and sustained participation in the SWAR.

Balance and diversity will be ensured within each category.

Evaluation Process

The selection will be carried out in two stages:

Popular vote
A public vote will take place on the official Global STEM Women website.
The vote will have a consultative nature and will reflect the support of the ecosystem.

Jury evaluation
Final selection will be made by a specialised jury composed of three experts and a Jury President for each category.

The jury will evaluate the initiatives based on the established criteria, considering the results of the popular vote while maintaining full independence in the final decision.

Awards Ceremony

The winners will be announced during the STEM Women Congress Madrid (29th, April) where the selected initiatives will be recognised as part of the official STEM ecosystem.

The recognition aims to strengthen the visibility, cohesion and growth of the ecosystem, rather than to create competition between initiatives.