The winners of the second edition of 25 Women in Science

Despite the increase in the number of women enrolled in scientific careers in recent decades, the overall number of women researchers in the field of science is still very small. According to data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), less than 30% of researchers in STEM areas are women. Specifically in Argentina, 6 out of 10 university students are women. But of these, only 25% study Engineering and Applied Sciences and only 15% enroll in programming careers. On the other hand, women are the vast majority in undergraduate degrees related to languages (82%), health sciences (76%) or social sciences (72%). With the aim of reducing the gender gap, achieving greater access to STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and guaranteeing greater diversity in this type of field, 3M announced the winners of the second edition of the 25 Women in Science Latin America 2022 contest; an initiative that recognizes women scientists who are making an impact through their research and that is promoted by the company to continue being an agent of change that motivates more girls and women to develop in areas related to science.” 25 Women in Science seeks to make visible the contributions of women who develop in scientific fields, break gender stereotypes and promote inclusion in an area of knowledge fundamental to develop and innovate solutions that allow us to face the problems that afflict us as humanity, “said Adriana Rius, Director of Communication and Brand for 3M Latin America.

The edition of this initiative had the participation of scientists from all over the region, who presented their projects and stories to a qualifying jury that selected the 25 most outstanding women scientists from countries such as Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, Chile and Argentina. The jury was made up of outstanding members -at the regional level- such as academics, leaders and / or specialists of scientific industries, as well as characters with extensive experience in science, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability. Among the 25 winners of this edition, is the Argentine Fernanda Agustina Parborell, Bachelor of Biological Sciences with orientation in Biological Chemistry from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fernanda has a PhD in Chemical Science from the same institution and currently serves as director of the laboratory at the Institute of Biology and Experimental Medicine, as well as an independent researcher at CONICET. On the other hand, Fernanda has received different international awards, and has also written publications related to her area of expertise. In the framework of the International Day of Women in Science celebrated last Friday, February 11, 3M announced the publication of the digital book “25 Women in Science Latin America”, which is a compendium that brings together and pays tribute to the stories and projects of the winners of the initiative with the same name. Undoubtedly, understanding the power of science and its relevance for a better future has allowed us from 3M to take actions to promote inclusion in this field. We are sure that this initiative will continue to consolidate and inspire not only future generations of scientists, but also various organizations to promote programs like this to join the same shared cause that is to promote inclusion in science so that all girls and all women in Latin America have equal opportunities to develop in STEM careers”; Rius said. To guarantee inclusion and avoid cognitive biases, various measures were taken such as not requesting photographs, videos or university origin during the first phase of registration. Among the benefits obtained by the winners is the recognition by 3M Latin America; the inclusion of their projects and stories in the second edition of the commemorative book of 25 Women in Science Latin America 2022; a plan for visibility and scientific relationship; and access to one of the Executive Education programs of EGADE Business School of Tecnológico de Monterrey, Management Business Skills, which provides the most current knowledge and necessary skills around Leadership, Business Vision, Exponential Technologies and Entrepreneurship. “We are excited to be part of this type of initiative, in which through our programs we have the opportunity to contribute to the development of our country andand Latin America and, in particular, women leaders who generate a positive impact in scientific fields. Our mission and commitment as the #1 graduate school in business in Mexico and Latin America, is to empower the new generations of leaders who create shared value and transform society,” said Mr. Jaime Martínez Bowness, dean of the Business School of Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico City Region. We are committed to continue working on initiatives that reduce the gender gap that exists in relation to the study of this type of careers (STEM) and make visible the great opportunities that exist for them in the labor market. It is important to work and generate synergy between government authorities, academics, companies and society in general to break with existing stereotypes and be an agent of change that inspires and motivates the new generations of girls and women, “said Ximena Auil, Managing Director of 3M Cono Sur. The evaluation process for the selection of the 25 winning scientists considered the following variables:
Potential for direct or indirect social impact in Latin America: the social impact of the project was evaluated, either in extension (number of people or group /s impacted), as well as in depth (solution or help to a problem of greater or lower level).
Project innovation: the project presented had to be innovative and disruptive.
Viability of the project: this criterion was evaluated from a technical, economic and organizational perspective. 
Maturity of the idea: demonstrated through the results of pilot tests. Therefore, the prototypes were presented analyzing their operation, scalability and results.
Capacity and experience: the potential of the candidates was another of the determining parameters for the evaluation of the candidacy, since the sustainability and success of the projects also lies in the potential of them and their teams.

As part of 3M’s efforts to give visibility to the stories and trajectories of the 25 women scientists, the company is creating a space in its Curiosity Blog so that people can send a message congratulating women scientists for their achievements and important contributions to science in Latin America. To send congratulations to these great professionals, access the initiative’s site at this link. 

Original source in Spanish