This February, the Royal Academy of Sciences of Spain celebrated the FRACE Prizes to the Young Female Scientist Talent of Spain. I was invited as a former awardee, having received this award in 2022 in the category of Applications of Sciences to Technology.
Now in their 5th edition, these prizes are awarded to four female scientists under 45 who have made a significant contribution to sciences in Spain in four categories: Physics and Chemistry; Maths; applications of sciences to technology, and Biology and Geology.
The event, celebrated at the Royal Academy of Sciences of Spain in Madrid, counted with the attendance of the Queen of Spain Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano, who is committed to supporting women in STEM.
Attendees also included politicians such as the Minister of Equality, Ana Redondo García, the Government Delegate, Fran Martín Aguirre; the Subsecretary of the Minister of Science and Innovation of Spain, Carlos Marco Estellé; the first female astronaut of Spain, Sara García Alonso, astronaut of the European Space Agency and members of the Royal Academy of Sciences.
Committed to supporting women in STEM
For me it was a real pleasure to be part of this event, with so much female talent, as I am committed to supporting women in STEM. As part of this commitment, I organise the event ESTRELLAS: Women in Tech and Sciences at Durham. In my visit to Madrid, I formally joined the Board of Directors of Mujeres de Ciencia (Women of Sciences Spain), to provide visibility and support to female scientists in all STEM disciplines.
I am also organising a ‘Women in Astronomy’ session at the National Astronomy Meeting (NAM) which will take place in Durham on 7-11 July.
Inspiring future scientists through our own work
There is still so much to do for women to have the same participation and respect in this field and I am really committed to improving the circumstances for future generations.
It was an honour to meet an astronaut who is making science a trending topic in Spain and that challenges the usual stereotype of what scientists look like. She is helping to show the new generations that anyone, just like us, could become all they dream of with hard work and perseverance.
The Queen of Spain spoke to us post-event about female participation in these disciplines still being a minority and showing her concern and commitment to do something about it.
Acknowledging and celebrating our achievements
I was recently reminded of a piece written about me for a previous International Women’s Day. Reflecting on this, it was nice to see I have achieved some of the dreams and goals I mentioned then.
When the University interviewed me back then, I was a Senior Optical Engineer and said I dreamed about leading a group. For about a year now, I have been Head of Optical Design. I continue developing the research line I mentioned then for the next generation of solar space missions. My project LUCES will be completed at the end of March, in which we have achieved innovative results in the field of image slicers and accomplished some milestones for the first time to space qualify the image slicer technology in the Extreme Ultra-Violet.
I also received the ENDECAN Award to the Scientific and Technological Talent of the Canary Islands in December 2024 for my professional career (making this two awards last year).
Success with an eye on further progress
Although my career keeps progressing with hard work, I do still face many difficulties as a woman in science. While this can be challenging at times, it empowers me to improve things for future generations. I truly believe that if we all work together, we can change things for better.
In the meantime, I celebrate all success of female scientists as a success for all of us, as each one of those talented women are opening a door not just for them, but for all women who will come after.
More information
- Watch a video of the event on LinkedIn.
- Learn more about ESTRELLAS: The power of supporting women in STEM at Durham University.
- Find out more about the National Astronomy Meeting (NAM) which is being held in Durham 7-11 July.
- Read a previous International Women’s Day profile on Dr Ariadna Calcines including her 2022 award.
- Visit the website of Mujeres de Ciencia.