One of the main objectives of the European OptiPEx project is to bring research closer to society and share the results obtained beyond the academic context. And what better opportunity to do so than by participating in an event such as Pint of Science, where science leaves classrooms and laboratories to be shared in a much closer and more accessible environment: bars.
On May 18th, 2026, the Spanish OptiPEx team took part in Pint of Science Zaragoza with a talk focused on gender perspectives in public transport. The event took place at Buenos Tiempos en el Royale bar. During the session, some of the findings obtained from focus groups conducted with university students about their experiences using the Zaragoza tram system were presented. We discussed issues such as perceptions of insecurity and how factors such as overcrowding, night-time travel, and the occupation of space can influence the travel experience.
In order to make the talk more dynamic and participatory, several activities involving the audience were carried out. One of them consisted of simulating situations of proximity and overcrowding that may occur during tram journeys using a cardboard structure representing the interior of a tram. This activity encouraged participants to reflect in a practical way on how we share public space, how we perceive discomfort or invasions of personal space, and how these experiences may be lived differently depending on various factors, including gender.
Following the presentation, the audience showed great interest in the topic and a very enriching discussion emerged. Questions were raised about issues such as the future of autonomous public transport, the role of technology in perceptions of safety, and the extent to which certain measures may contribute to improving users’ experiences. Overall, it was a very positive experience that allowed us to share our research in a close, accessible, and local environment.
To learn more about this event, and others like it, see here.
