BIST announces the winners of the fifth edition of ‘To the Mothers of Science’ programme:
Seven inspiring women who are committed to developing their leadership skills, advancing their scientific careers, and serving as role models for future generations.
The grant winners receive group coaching sessions and financial support for up to one year.
Learn more about them below.
With the support of:
Yolanda Castillo-Escario
Postdoctoral Researcher, IBEC
Mother of Ingrid, born in 2023.
“The Mothers of Science Award represents a powerful recognition at a crucial stage of my career in which scientific growth and motherhood have advanced hand in hand. Beyond the personal encouragement, visibility, and support at a pivotal moment of increasing leadership and independence, I see it as an opportunity to strengthen my role as a scientist and mentor, to connect with other women navigating similar paths, and to contribute to a research culture where excellence and caregiving are not seen as opposing forces, but as compatible and mutually enriching dimensions of a scientific career”
Amélie Godeau
Postdoctoral Researcher, IBEC
Mother of Arthur and Manon, born in 2022 and 2025.
“Navigating a career in science while being a mother can be very challenging. For this reason, I am truly motivated to further develop my career through the Mothers in Science program and to join an empowering community where we can share experiences, learn from one another, and strengthen our professional trajectories together”
Rosario Amaris Guevara
Postdoctora Researcher, ICFO
Mother of Elisabeth, born in 2021.
“The Mothers of Science programme offers exactly what I need: coaching to navigate toward independence, flexibility to focus on high-impact work, and connection with other mothers on similar paths. As an immigrant mother without family nearby, I know firsthand that balancing research and motherhood requires resilience and smart planning. This programme shows that with proper support, mothers can build strong foundations for leadership without having to choose between career ambition and family“
Blanca Majem
Postdoctoral Researcher – CRIS Emerging Leader, IRB
Mother of Jan and Greta, born in 2019 and 2023.
“Receiving To The Mother of Science award represents important recognition at a pivotal stage in my career. It acknowledges my trajectory toward scientific independence while affirming that leadership and motherhood can grow together rather than in opposite directions. At this transition point, the support and visibility provided by the program will help consolidate my research and move decisively toward becoming an independent group leader, while contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable model of scientific leadership”
Silvia Pittolo
Ramon y Cajal Postdoctoral Research Fellow, IBEC
Mother of Manu and Leo, born in 2021 and 2026.
“The ‘Mothers of Science’ program is an acknowledgment that motherhood and leadership in science are not always compatible. Being part of this program will connect me with a local network of women determined to close the gender gap in our profession. Together we will figure out ways to thrive both as loving mothers and scientists!“
Maria Soler
Ramon y Cajal Postdoctoral Research Fellow, ICN2
Mother of Aina, born in 2022.
“For me, the BIST Mother of Science award represents the vital scaffolding that allows scientific leadership and family expansion to flourish in parallel. As I prepare to welcome my second child in May 2026, this support provides the continuity and confidence to navigate a major life transition without losing professional momentum. It is a celebration of the “whole” scientist: a recognition that with a strong network and structural support, we can lead at the highest levels while remaining devoted to those who inspire us most at home“
Ariane Stucki
Project Engineer, ICFO
Mother of Eliseo, born in 2025.
“This award offers a unique opportunity for me to further strengthen my leadership skills and continue growing professionally, while connecting with other scientist mothers. I deeply value the message this programme conveys, and I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to help make visible that ambitious science and motherhood are not only compatible but can also mutually enrich one another“
