When talking about female scientists, one name always comes to mind: Marie Curie. Not only was she the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, she was also the first person to receive two of these acknowledgements in different specialities: Physics (1903) and Chemistry (1911). Of course, more than a century later, the list female scientists who have made history has grown. Although, this could be even greater if women were further encouraged to get involved in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects.
According to the 2021 Science Report carried out by UNESCO, although the percentage of women in research staff is progressively increasing, they only account for 33.3% of the global workforce and, in the case of Spain, 40.5%. When comparing this 2018 data to the figure in 1997 (32.8%), we can see how the number of female researchers in our country has increased by more than 20% in ten years.
Since the number of women is smaller, you might think that they are simply interested in other career paths. However, a Microsoft report confirms that they are indeed interested in mathematics, science, technology and engineering. However, over time, they lose interest, in part, due to the lack of female role models in this area.
Sometimes, it is not so much the lack of role models, but the lack of visibility and recognition. The work of many women has gone unrecognised in history for this reason. However, in commemoration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated every 11 February, here are the names of certain Spanish scientists who have managed to revolutionise science and who, without a doubt, are and will remain pure inspiration for future researchers.
Women, minorities in science and technology
West and South Asia
81.5% men
18.5% women
West Asia and Pacific
76.1% men
23.9% women
World average
70.7% men
29.3% women
Sub-Saharan Africa
68.2% men
31.8% women
North America and Eastern Europe
67.3% men
37.2% women
Europe
70.7% men
39.3% women
Arab States
58.5% men
41.5% women
Latin America and the Caribbean
54.9% men
45.1% women
Central Asia
51.8% men
48.2% women
Source: UNESCO.
Spanish female scientists who have made history
Women have also made their mark on Spanish science. Today, we will talk about four of them: Margarita Salas, María Blasco, Ángela Nieto and Cristina Romera. Although, they are not the only ones who are changing the world. To really go through the list of great Spanish female scientists, and all their achievements, we would need much more time and space.
Margarita Salas: "Most importantly, my life is my research"
"A country without research is a country without development", "the important thing is not to have wrinkles on the brain" or "most importantly, my life is my research" were just a few of the phrases that Margarita Salas left us forever. Not only were they true, but they also perfectly reflected her dedication and commitment to science.
Margarita Salas, a Chemistry graduate from the Complutense University of Madrid in 1960, learned at the hand of Severo Ochoa and was a pioneer in the field of molecular biology and biochemistry. Her many achievements include the discovery of phi29 DNA Polymerase. A method that she patented between 1967 and 1977 and that has a crucial use in today's biotechnology: it allows DNA to be amplified easily, quickly and reliably. Although this contribution marked a turning point, during her career, Salas published almost 400 scientific papers in different prestigious journals, registered eight patents and supervised more than 30 doctoral theses.
All this saw her receive a huge list of awards and accolades, including the Medal of the Principality of Asturias (1997), the Santiago Ramón y Cajal National Research Award (1999) or the European Inventor Award she received before her death in 2019. Furthermore, Margarita Salas also became the first Spaniard to enter the US National Academy of Sciences.
Maria Blasco: lucky enough to train with female scientists
Margarita Salas' legacy continues today thanks, in part, to the brilliant scientists she taught. One of them was María Blasco. She is the perfect example of the importance not only of having role models, but also of being educated by them. "I am very fortunate because I have always trained with female scientists," said Blasco in an interview with La Vanguardia.
“I'm very fortunate because I have always trained with female scientists”.
- María Blasco, director of the CNIO.
In 2003, she headed the Telomeres and Telomerase group at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO). However, it was not until 2011 when she became director. To date, she has published more than 200 scientific articles and is currently a world leader in the study of telomeres and telomerase, two terms that she has managed to popularise. During her career, the researcher has also received numerous national and international awards such as the gold medal of the European Molecular Biology Organisation (2004) or the Santiago Ramón y Cajal National Research Award (2010).
She is also a member of the Association of Women Researchers and Technologists, and on multiple occasions has expressed her concern about the situation of women in STEM disciplines. "Structural changes need to be made to allow more women to step up and lead their own research groups," she explained in an interview with Elle magazine.
Ángela Nieto and Cristina Romera
Ángela Niego and Cristina Romera were two names on everybody's lips in the world of science in 2022. This was because the two Spanish researchers received the international prize 'For Women in Science' from L'Oreal-UNESCO.
Both sit on the Spanish National Research Council. While Ángela Nieto received the programme's highest recognition for her research on the embryonic processes involved in the development of various diseases; Cristina Romera, received the award in the 'Emerging Talent' category for studying new forms of marine plastic degradation.
The L'Oréal-Unesco For Women in Science programme, which was founded in Spain in 2000 when Margarita Salas was international laureate, first awarded its prizes in 2006. Since then, with a view to promoting the visibility of women in science and encouraging scientific vocations in young women, it has awarded more than 67 scientists under 40 years of age with 1.1 million euros, 15,000 euros each.
These accolades or projects like 'STEM Impact' are still necessary to make the importance of STEM education visible and promote its development among younger women.