IANAS-WfS Celebrates Outstanding Women Scientists in 2023 Awards

In a celebration of excellence and dedication to scientific research, the InterAmerican Network of Academies of Sciences (IANAS) Women for Science (WfS) programme proudly announces the winners of its prestigious awards for 2023. These awards are a testament to the remarkable contributions of women in the fields of nutrition, parasitology and microbiology.

Dr. Mónica Mazariegos - Winner of the Young Scientist Research Award 2023

Dr. Mónica Mazariegos, a distinguished researcher at the INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), part of the Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), has been honoured with the IANAS-WfS Young Scientist Research Award 2023. With over twelve years of experience and a strong background in nutritional epidemiology and epidemiological methods, Mazariegos has made significant strides in understanding health problems from a life-course perspective. Her research focuses on various aspects of malnutrition, population nutrition, maternal and child health, and the epidemiology of pregnancy.

Mazariegos has led essential studies on obesity prevention, breastfeeding, body composition and inequities in malnutrition in Latin America. Her work in low- and middle-income countries has provided invaluable insights into data collection, survey tool development, staff training, data quality management and scientific publication. She Mazariegos is not only a dedicated scientist but also a passionate advocate for science education.

Read more about Dr. Mónica Mazariegos here.

Dr. Alicia Rojas - Winner of the Anneke Levelt-Senger Prize 2023

Dr. Alicia Rojas, a microbiologist and parasitologist, has been recognized with the IANAS-WfS Anneke Levelt-Senger Prize 2023 for her outstanding contributions to the field. With a PhD from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and postdoctoral research at the Weizmann Institute of Sciences, Rojas has made significant contributions to the understanding of parasitic and carcinogenic nematodes, particularly Spirocerca lupi. Her multidisciplinary approach to understanding S. lupi biology, including proteomic characterization, pathogenesis and diagnosis, has expanded the global knowledge of this parasite.

Rojas's work also led to the discovery of a new nematode species, Spirocerca vulpis, found in several countries. She is affiliated with the University of Costa Rica and actively collaborates in community welfare programmes to diagnose, treat and prevent parasitosis in children. As an associate editor for multiple journals, including Parasites & Vectors and Acta Tropica, she plays a pivotal role in advancing research in parasitology and vector-borne diseases.

Read more about Dr. Alicia Rojas here.

The InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) is glad to join IANAS and the Women for Science programme in extending their heartfelt congratulations to these remarkable women for their exceptional contributions to science. These awards not only recognize their achievements but also inspire future generations of women in science to reach greater heights.

Read more about the IANAS-WfS Young Scientist Research Award 2023.

For further information, please visit the IANAS website.