INTERNATIONAL DAY OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SCIENCE

Happy day to all women scientists 👏

15 June 2023

Today, we would like to congratulate all women scientists and encourage many others to develop their full potential in the rewarding scientific-technological field.

The data show that the presence of women in scientific fields is still lower than that of men. That is why their role in science is so important to encourage their full and equal participation. At MindDen, we contribute to break down gender stereotypes by incorporating women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) areas in our staff, thus creating female role models and sources of inspiration in science for other young women and girls. To date, 28 women make up MindDen.

A brief recognition of some of the Spanish women scientists who have contributed to the advancement of science and technology:

• Isabel Zendal, considered by the WHO as the first nurse on an international mission in history. In 1803 she was part of the Royal Philanthropic Vaccine Expedition to bring the smallpox vaccine to America. Thanks to her work, maintaining the human-to-human chain so that the virus would not die, she was able to vaccinate more than half a million people.
• Dolores Aleu, the first Spanish physician. She specialized in gynecology and was a pioneer in sex education.
• Margarita Salas, a Spanish biochemist and disciple of Severo Ochoa, is our most international scientist. We owe her the creation of one of the most profitable Spanish patents: DNA polymerase, the basis for producing genetic copies from a tiny amount of genetic material. It is considered the “mother” of genetic testing.
• Rosa Menéndez, the first woman to preside over a public research organization in Spain, the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). In 1986, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for the discovery of nerve growth factor, proteins that contribute to the sustenance of neurons and enable the formation of healthy neuronal circuits, thus preventing cell death.