In a significant achievement for Latin American science and gender equality in the field, Uruguayan chemist and researcher Cecilia Saiz received the esteemed ‘For Women in Science’ award, a joint initiative by L’Oréal and UNESCO. This accolade was presented to Saiz for her pioneering work in eradicating parasites from crops using active molecules, a breakthrough in agricultural science that promises to enhance crop yields while ensuring environmental safety.

The award ceremony, held at the prestigious Teatro Solís in Montevideo, not only celebrated Saiz’s scientific contributions but also underscored the importance of women’s visibility in the sciences. The recognition comes with a $20,000 prize, enabling Saiz and her team to further their research. Saiz, who also serves as a professor at the Universidad de la República, focuses on addressing nematode worm infections in horticultural crops, especially tomatoes, through environmentally friendly molecules.

This recognition is part of a broader effort to highlight and support the work of female scientists in Uruguay. This country has been at the forefront of advocating for gender equality in science for the past sixteen years. The awards emphasize Uruguayan women’s dedication, commitment, and contributions to scientific research, highlighting the challenges they face in a field traditionally dominated by men.

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Vice President of Uruguay, Beatriz Argimón, highlighted the significance of such awards in shedding light on the systemic barriers women face in science, particularly the dual burden of professional and familial responsibilities. The UNESCO Regional Office in Montevideo, led by Ernesto Fernández Polcuch, echoed these sentiments, pointing out the gender disparities that become more pronounced at higher career levels due to factors like maternity leave and its impact on publication records.

Despite these challenges, Uruguay is recognized for its relatively high level of gender equality in science. Such awards are crucial in changing perceptions and inspiring girls and boys to see women as scientific role models. Nicolás Oberti, Director of L’Oréal in Uruguay, emphasized the company’s commitment to empowering women scientists to participate in solving societal problems and ensuring equal opportunities in scientific research.

However, the global picture remains challenging, with women constituting only 33% of researchers worldwide and less than 4% of Nobel Prizes in science awarded to women. Saiz’s award celebrates her achievements and serves as a call to action to address the gender disparities in science across Latin America and beyond. Latin American countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Chile, face similar challenges, with initiatives underway to promote gender equality in science and technology. Saiz’s recognition is a beacon of progress, highlighting the need for continued efforts to support and elevate women in science worldwide.