Researcher Fiorella Roco, who began her scientific career at the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), was awarded the 2025 For Women in Science Chile Prize in the Doctoral category. This award, granted by the L’Oréal Group in conjunction with the UNESCO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, with support from ANID and the European Southern Observatory (ESO), recognizes women who make significant contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge in the country.
The award acknowledges her work focused on the study of high-entropy alloys through molecular dynamics simulations, a line of research that seeks to understand and optimize the mechanical behavior of advanced materials under extreme conditions. This type of research has high potential applications in strategic industries, such as mining and medicine, contributing to national technological development.
“Receiving this award is an honor and represents recognition of my effort, perseverance, and passion for science,” the researcher stated. “CEDENNA was the first center where I worked and it was fundamental to my development as a scientist. Thanks to its support, I was able to start my line of research, which marked the beginning of my career.”
Since its creation, CEDENNA has played a key role in strengthening the Chilean scientific ecosystem, promoting collaboration among universities, researchers, and students, and creating spaces that value diversity and the participation of women in historically male-dominated fields, such as engineering and physics. In addition to providing high-level infrastructure, the Center fosters the training of new generations of female researchers, contributing to the decentralization and democratization of scientific knowledge in Chile.
Regarding the challenges the country faces in research and development of new materials, the scientist emphasizes that “Chile needs to strengthen sustained investment in science and technology and reduce the gap between basic and applied research.” In this regard, institutions like CEDENNA “can contribute by strengthening ties with industry, supporting the training of young researchers, and developing collaborative projects that allow the knowledge generated to have a real impact on society.”
Currently, the researcher continues her studies on high-entropy alloys, integrating her scientific work with the training of new generations of students. “I firmly believe that knowledge should be shared. My goal is to continue contributing through research and teaching, inspiring more women to actively participate in the scientific and technological development of the country,” she concludes.
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