Four Colombian scientists in Latin America have been highlighted by 3M

3M announced Winners of the third edition of the “25 Women in Science in Latin America” ​​initiativeWhich seeks to highlight women who promote and develop projects in the scientific field. On this year’s list, Colombia is represented by four scholars, who are part of the group of winners along with professionals from Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Costa Rica.

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The initiative aims to increase visibility signs And the effects it generates in society by inspiring girls, youth and women in Latin American countries to study majors there Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics(STEM for short in English), in addition to promoting the importance of female participation in these fields.

The winners for Columbia were Eng Catherine Bolanos, who stood out for his project of manipulating a miniature camera robot in support of laparoscopic surgeries, which includes a new programming paradigm; the doctor Diana AcevedoFor his studies on pediatric cancer. The engineer Lina Anaya, for his project to search for new materials for oral bone regeneration; and neuroscientist Lisith Pedrazawhich is working on using neuromodulation of the brain and artificial intelligence to identify markers for the prediction and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.

As in previous editions, the evaluation process was conducted by a judging panel made up of representatives from the 3M R&D region in the region and external guests with extensive experience in the fields of science, research, innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship.

Among the criteria evaluated are the potential for direct or indirect social impact in the region, innovation and feasibility of the project, maturity of the idea demonstrated by the results of initial tests/pilots, the ability and experience of the candidate to develop the project analyzed and presented, problems to be solved, innovation and/or solution and impact at the local level or in the community after its implementation.

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“Getting to know dedicated women in science is a way to inspire new generations to occupy these spaces, contributing to the development of a balanced and progressive ecosystem, as well as an inclusive society. The world requires innovation, innovation needs science, and science requires diversity,” adds Adriana Rios, Director 3M’s brand and communications in Latin America.

The 25 winning scientists will be part of the Science Vision platform with their projects included in the “25 Women in Science Latin America” memorial book and their tracks and projects will be published on the 3M Curiosity blog and on social networks. company

Science writing