06/03/2026
- The activity will bring together congresswoman and former Minister of Health Helia Molina, researcher Mónica Antilén and ACHIPEC president Macarena Rojas Ábalos to discuss female leadership, science and decision-making.
As part of the commemoration of International Women’s Day, Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA) will hold the panel discussion “Women, science and decision-making: real experiences in spaces of power”, an event that seeks to open a space for reflection on the careers, challenges and lessons of women who have influenced spheres of knowledge, leadership and public policy.
The activity will take place on Wednesday, March 11 at 11:30 a.m., at the Auditorium of the Research Centers Building of the Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), and will feature leading representatives from the scientific, political and science communication spheres.
The panel will be made up of Dr. Helia Molina, congresswoman and former Minister of Health; Dr. Mónica Antilén, CEDENNA researcher and academic at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; and Dr. Macarena Rojas Ábalos, president of the Chilean Association of Journalists and Professionals for Science Communication (ACHIPEC).
“Science does not develop in a vacuum: it is built in communities, in institutions and also in decision-making spaces. That is why it is so important to showcase the careers of women who have managed to influence those spheres. Sharing their experiences not only allows us to recognize progress, but also to understand the barriers that still exist and pave the way for new generations,” said Dr. Dora Altbir, director of CEDENNA and 2019 National Prize for Exact Sciences winner.
She added that promoting these spaces for conversation is key to the country’s scientific development. “Today we know that diversity strengthens science. However, women still face barriers to reaching spaces where decisions are made. Creating these dialogues is essential to recognize those experiences, learn from them and move towards a more open, fair and representative scientific community,” she said.
The panel discussion will address topics such as the experience of being a woman in spaces of knowledge and authority, the visible and invisible barriers in professional careers and the challenges of influencing decision-making spheres without giving up convictions or scientific evidence.
The activity is aimed at the university community, researchers, students and the general public interested in science, public policy and knowledge communication.
Due to the auditorium’s capacity, places are limited and prior registration is required.
Date: Wednesday, March 11
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Venue: Auditorium, Research Centers Building, Universidad de Santiago de Chile
