The Madrid Science Park Foundation (FPCM) joins once again the #11F initiative for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which was born with the aim of breaking down the barriers that women and girls encounter in the scientific field, and gathers the testimony of some of the women scientists from their incubated companies who play a fundamental role from their work positions to promote interest and awaken the innovative spirit of girls and young women for research, science, and technology.
The FPCM is committed to promoting scientific-technological entrepreneurship and, for several years, nearly 50% of the staff in their installed companies and the Park itself are women, which demonstrates that the female presence in these areas is a reality that is gradually consolidating. However, only 10% of the CEOs of these companies are women, which is why we must continue working towards full and equitable participation for all in science.
Esther Fernández, doctor in Biological Sciences with training in human genetics (specifically in preimplantation genetic diagnosis and assisted reproduction techniques), is co-founder of Geniality and technical laboratory director and head of institutional relations at Reportgenetics Spain, a company that offers a comprehensive quality service to in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers and patients resorting to assisted reproduction, through personalized attention and the use and development of new techniques in the field of reproductive genetics.
#SoyCientíficaPorque…
I have always been amazed by the contribution of science to the development of knowledge in any field and, above all, its daily application to improve the quality of life of people and our planet.
Eva Chamorro, optometrist with a doctorate in Vision Sciences, is director of the Clinical Research Department at IOT and her function is the creation of new free-form lens designs and their validation through clinical studies. IOT is a company of innovation applied to the field of ophthalmic lenses.
#SoyCientíficaPorque…
Each research study allows me to learn and discover how the human visual system works, each analysis helps me observe and experience the complexity of human perception, each patient teaches me to design new lenses, and each conference gives me the opportunity to share new knowledge. Science has no limits!
Gema Gordo is a molecular biologist specialized in human genetics and completed her doctoral thesis at the Institute of Medical and Molecular Genetics of H.U. La Paz researching rare diseases. Currently, she works as a specialist in the Medical Department of NIMGenetics performing molecular diagnosis of patients with different pathologies, among which epilepsy and intellectual disability stand out. NIMGenetics develops state-of-the-art genomic platforms and accompanies specialists in all stages of the patient process through comprehensive genetic approaches.
#SoyCientíficaPorque…
I want to contribute to making rare diseases less rare.
Inmaculada Murillo, a chemical engineer by training with a Master’s and PhD in Energy and Fuels for the Future, works as an R&D Researcher at Soluciones Catalíticas IBERCAT developing heterogeneous catalysts for biomass conversion, fuel cells, and hydrogen production, with applications in the Chemical Industry, Environment, and Sustainable Energy.
#SoyCientíficaPorque…
This profession ensures that no day is the same as the previous ones. Every day I discover something new.
María Calvente has a degree in Biology and began her professional career in the Human Cytogenetics group at the National Center for Oncological Research (CNIO). She is currently head of the Invasive Genetics Laboratory at NIMGenetics, where she processes DNA samples for CGH array studies and for molecular techniques and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).
#IAmAScientistBecause… Thanks to science there is progress and without progress there is no evolution. It’s a way to help society learn more about their concerns.
Massiel Cepeda, with a degree in Bioanalysis and a Master’s specialization in Biotechnology and a PhD in Microbial Biotechnology, is R&D support at Aora Health, a company that develops new nutraceuticals with a scientific basis and clinical studies to promote people’s well-being.
#SoyCientíficaPorque…
I wanted to answer many questions for myself and I have succeeded. However, this is an endless process and life keeps giving you many more.
Nuria E. Campillo, Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences, is a research scientist in the area of Medicinal Chemistry at the Center for Biological Research (specifically in the field of neurodegenerative and infectious diseases) and co-founder of AItenea, a startup that develops models based on artificial intelligence and deep learning for drug development and optimization of properties and prediction models.
#SoyCientíficaPorque… Scientific education is based on the pursuit of knowledge through curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. It is essential for the progress of our society and a better future. .
Paige Matusiak holds a degree in Behavioral Neuroscience and is a predoctoral researcher at the Elena Pessino Gómez del Campo Neuroscience Laboratory of the Fundación Canis Majoris (FCM), focusing on the study of the molecular basis of mental illness from a multidisciplinary perspective. At FCM, they work on functional diversity and the risk of psychosocial exclusion with a transversal vision: researching at the frontiers of knowledge, fostering the path of culture, and working to change the quality of life of those who need it most.
#IAmAScientistBecause… Everyone deserves to be freed from the burden of suffering from an illness.
