There are decisions that mark a before and after in the life of a human being. And, in the case of the Puerto Rican doctor Nancy Padillathat event occurred in 2020, when it was one of the five winners of an important scholarship granted by the program “L’Oréal uses for women in science”
“I have received different ‘Fellowships’ (scholarships) In my career, but I would say that this was the ‘Fellowship’ that, beyond giving me money that helped me in my scientific goals, He gave me the opportunity, for the first time, to receive scientific training on how to communicate my science with the general public. It was the first time I experienced that “he recalled, in an interview with The new day.
Thanks to the economic contribution, he said, he was able to participate in conferences in which he presented his research and paid for the salary of a technician who helped him in the data collection. “It went far beyond money, it was that opportunity to tell my story”he emphasized.
The call for such an important opportunity is open once again, and the researcher in neuroscience – currently in Florida – urged postdoctoral scientists who work in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stemin English) to submit your application to participate in the program that, to the chosen ones, gives them economic support to advance their respective investigations.
“What the program seeks is to give visibility and contribute to the careers of the scientists. L’Oréal is a beauty company, but he needs science for the development of his products, so, without scientists, there would be no L’Oréal, ”he said, on the other hand, for his part, Rebeca TorresDirector of Corporate Public Relations of L’Oréal.
In the history of the program in the United States, the only Puerto Rican laureate has been Padilla, who received recognition in 2020. By then, his main postdoctoral project was to understand how the brain controls social competencies behaviors.
Since its creation, more than two decades ago, the initiative has granted more than $ 5 million in subsidies to 105 postdoctoral scientists.
In addition to providing financial support to the winners, The program increases the visibility of women in science, which is key to achieving equitable representation, and helps containers to advance their research and to be models for the next generations, The interviewees agreed. It also contributes to the construction of a network of scientists, necessary for the exchange of ideas.
“The scientists in Puerto Rico are constantly looking for ‘Grants’ (Subsidies) To be able to give money to your investigations and I think that now more than ever, with the context we have here and how doors are still closing, this is a ‘Beam of Light’ (lightning light), ”said Torres .
Women interested in participating must have completed their doctoral degree and work their postdoctoral research. The program supports research in Stem disciplines, including areas such as biotechnology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, sustainability and health.
Financed investigations must have a significant impact on society and address global problems such as, for example, Climate change or the improvement of the quality of life. The subsidy amounts to $ 60,000 and five containers are chosen annually.
The money to be received can be used, for example, to attend conferences, hire support personnel, acquire laboratory supplies and publication costs. “I think it is a historical moment where I would like to give visibility to this program as an opportunity to request and hopefully we have a Puerto Rican laureate”Torres said.
Last year, the winners were the doctors Taylor Hersh, Caterina Profaci, Andréa Hughes, Katherine Ennis and Emily McGuinness. His research addressed issues such as the effect of Arctic heating on Greenland whales and the development of new cooling materials using plastic and ceramics.
This year’s call is open until February 14 and those interested can submit their applications through the official website of L’Oréal USA: https://www.loreal.com/en/usa/pages/group/fwis/.