BIST presents the third edition ‘To the Mothers of Science’ programme winners:
Ten powerful women willing to improve their leadership skills to take a step forward in their careers and become a role model for future generations. The grant winners will receive individual coaching sessions and an economic stipend.
The 2022 edition of the Programme has counted with the support of the Barcelona City Council – joint culture and Science Capital.
Zaida Alvarez Pinto
Senior Postdoctoral Researcher, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)
A 2-year-old daughter
“Few scientists are aware of the benefits of coaching and do not know where to look for a coach. The coaching sessions I took at BIST were really fruitful and I recommend them to scientist making a career shift or who wish to improve their current job situation.”
Carme Cortina
Research Associate, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)
Two sons, 2 and 5 years old
“I would definitely recommend to any scientific mother who wants to pursue her dreams and her career to apply for the programme. It took me more than one edition to convince myself to apply, but I am very happy that I did, since this recognition, together with the coaching sessions, have been a boost of motivation”
Monica Marro
Staff Research Engineer, The Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO)
A 2-year-old son
“The coaching sessions have been key to learning about the strengths and weaknesses in our character that can influence us in the transition towards leadership positions. We have learned strategies and techniques that will help us be successful leaders in science while also being mothers.”
Eugenia Martinez Ferrero
Senior Researcher and Scientific Coordinator in the Prof. Palomares Group, Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)
Two kids, 2 and 7 years old
“The lack of references, especially mothers in leadership positions, affects and influences the way we work, decide, and lead. And because of this, I find it really interesting that in addition to the individual coaching sessions, the grant offers group sessions where scientist mothers can share and learn together, acting in turn as role models for the others.”
Laura Pascual Reguant
Postdoctoral Researcher, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG)
A 1-year-old daughter
“The programme ‘To the Mothers of Science’ represents a unique opportunity not only to share your experience with other mothers who are in the same situation, but also to learn to better manage the emotional and professional burden to which we are subjected.”
Lorena Ruiz Perez
Senior Researcher, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)
Two daughters, 9 and 13 years old
“Concrete actions to address barriers can significantly impact professional development and career progression. This call has given me insight into effective strategies to continue my growth as a female scientist with parental responsibilities.”
Anna Seriola
Senior Researcher, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)
Two kids, 2 and 4 years old
“It is a challenge to combine maternity with a scientific career. This award is both a recognition of hard work, and a strong support for those who believe that it is indeed possible to have a career in what you love and to be a caring mother.”
Malgorzata Siudek
Postdoctoral Researcher, Institute for High Energy Physics (IFAE)
Two sons, 4 and 8 years old
“For me, this grant increases the visibility of successful women and is a step towards a world-changing mindset around the role of women and mothers in science.”
Maria Chiara Spadaro
Postdoctoral Researcher, Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2)
A 1-year-old daughter
“Programmes like these are highly beneficial, both career and life wise. They give visibility to women who want to become role models for next generation scientists and, at the same time, provide the necessary tools to achieve this objective.”
Katherine Villa
Junior Leader, Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)
A 5-year-old daughter
“The coaching sessions offered by this programme and the opportunity to connect with other mother scientists have been helpful for sharing our different experiences and finding ways to relieve stress.”
