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The revolutionary path of research in NANBIOSIS and advice on Woman’s Day 2024

Our interview series delve into the journeys of 7 female researchers, their challenges, and the call for gender equality in science, inspiring the next generation.

March 8th 2024, NANBIOSIS (Spain)

Kicking off on 11F “International Day of Women and Girls in Science” 2024, and spanning all the way until Woman’s Day 2024, our interview series has aimed to highlight the life, career and opinions of some of the brilliant minds within our network. Today is time to wrap it up, and for this reason we present you a summary of each of them and a chance to take a deeper look.

In these series we delved into the remarkable journeys, research endeavors, and challenges faced by these exceptional women in their pursuit of scientific excellence. From unraveling the mysteries of nanotechnology to pioneering advancements in biosciences, each researcher’s story resonates with perseverance, resilience, and a fervent commitment to breaking barriers. With no doubt their collective message resonates loudly: a call to inspire and empower the next generation of aspiring researchers, regardless of gender, to embark on their own transformative journeys in the world of science and innovation, as well as speaking out on the issues that female researchers still encounter today.

Anna Aviñó speaks about her journey as a researcher and her captivating oligonucleotides.

“Oligonucleotides (…) are recently being approved as new advanced gene therapies for many diseases, including rare and cardiovascular diseases.”

—Dr. Anna Aviñó, scientific coordinator of Unit 29.

Our leading chemist, specialized in nucleic acid chemistry, was the first interview published in these series. She offered us insights into her current projects focused on synthetic and structural studies of oligonucleotides. With a deep understanding of their applications in gene therapies and biosensors, Dr. Aviñó highlighted her contributions to the field and addressed challenges faced as a woman scientist.

Through her expertise and dedication, she advocates for gender equality in science, emphasizing the importance of unbiased education and empowering young women to pursue careers in research.

You can read the full interview here.

Dr. Martín tells us about her innovations in cancer treatment with nanoparticles.

“There are challenging moments during a scientific career (…), but in the end, persistence pays off.”

—Dr. Ana Martín, collaborator scientist in Unit 9.

Ana has a multifaceted background spanning Veterinary Medicine, Biochemistry, and a Ph.D. And in this second part of our series she welcomed us into a world of scientific inquiry and innovation. In this interview, Ana shared her pioneering work in cancer research, utilizing nanoparticles for anti-tumor treatments. Ana also reflected on gender equality in science, the challenges of balancing motherhood with a scientific career, and her aspirations for a more inclusive scientific community.

You can read the full interview here.

Prof. Peña gave us her insightful point of view in overcoming challenges, embracing passion, and cultivating collaborative success towards career estabilization.

“The most important thing in your professional career is to dedicate yourself to something you love (…) that’s incredibly important from a professional point of view.”

—Prof. Estefanía Peña, Scientific Coordinator of Unit 13.

In a captivating interview, Professor Estefanía Peña shared her insights on overcoming challenges, nurturing passion, and fostering collaborative success in achieving career stability. Amidst the bustling R&D environment, Professor Peña’s laboratory serves as a beacon of innovation and determination. With enthusiasm and warmth, she discussed her journey in computational modeling and biomedical engineering, highlighting her experiences, hurdles, and victories. Professor Peña’s story resonates as a testament to perseverance and dedication, offering valuable advice to aspiring researchers on following their passions.

You can read the full interview here.

Our expert in nanocarriers talks about her journey from biotechnology to cancer therapy, an example of passion and perseverance in science.

“I am fortunate to be able to devote myself to something I am passionate about. Research is something I enjoy every day.”

—Dr. María Sancho, Researcher at Unit 9.

Dr. Sancho, our expert in nanocarriers and cancer therapy, shared with us her inspiring journey from biotechnology to groundbreaking research. Set in Zaragoza, Spain, the interview highlighted Maria’s passion and perseverance in pursuing scientific excellence. With warmth and enthusiasm, she discussed her innovative work in developing nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment. Maria’s story serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring scientists, showcasing the transformative power of dedication and curiosity in the pursuit of scientific advancement.

You can read the full interview here.

Dr. Vílchez, our esteemed colloidal chemistry researcher, discusses her focus on water-in-water emulsions and microcoacervates. She highlights gender biases in science and advocates for inclusivity and recognition of women’s contributions.

“I would advise (young women) to pursue their dreams, to show others what they are capable of, and not to let themselves be underestimated.”

—Dr. Susana Vílchez, technical and quality manager of Unit 12.

Dr. Vílchez offered a profound insight into her research endeavors and career trajectory. Specializing in the characterization of colloidal systems such as micelles, vesicles, emulsions, and more, her current focus lies on the intriguing realm of water-in-water emulsions and the formation of microcoacervates, serving as a model for membraneless organelles (MLO) by introducing DNA into these emulsions. During the interview, Dr. Vílchez also shed light on the gender biases prevalent in her field and offered invaluable perspectives on fostering gender equality in science. Through her experiences and unwavering dedication, she inspires young women to pursue their scientific aspirations while advocating for broader inclusivity and recognition of women’s contributions in shaping the scientific landscape.

You can read the full interview here.

Dr. Mincholé discusses cardiac risk assessment, gender challenges in science, and the transformative potential of Digital Twins in healthcare research.

“(I) design and work on a research line that combines computational models with cardiac signals and images. This was done with the aim of stratifying arrhythmic risk and understanding its mechanisms.”

—Dr. Ana Mincholé, researcher at Unit 27.

In this part 6 of our interview series, Dr. Ana Mincholé discussed her groundbreaking work in cardiac risk assessment, gender challenges in science, and the transformative potential of Digital Twins in healthcare research. Dr. Mincholé’s insights offered a glimpse into her innovative approach to integrating computational models with clinical data to advance cardiac care. Her passion for science and dedication to promoting diversity in STEM shine through, underscoring the invaluable contributions of women in the field.

You can read the full interview here.

As a bosus, we have recently published the last of our interviews in our YouTube channel.

In this part VII, we had the pleasure to interview Dr. Eli Prats, a brilliant researches from Unit 8 and a fantastic science communicator. Watch it full here:

About NANBIOSIS:

The goal of NANBIOSIS is to provide comprehensive and integrated advanced solutions for companies and research institutions in biomedical applications. All of this is done through a single-entry point, involving the design and production of biomaterials, nanomaterials, and their nanoconjugates. This includes their characterization from physical-chemical, functional, toxicological, and biological perspectives (preclinical validation).

In order to access our Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions, place your request here.

NANBIOSIS has worked with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes in the areas of drug delivery, biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Here are a few of them:

Women in NANBIOSIS part 6: A conversation with Ana Mincholé on unlocking the heart’s secrets

Dr. Mincholé discusses cardiac risk assessment, gender challenges in science, and the transformative potential of Digital Twins in healthcare research.

This is part of a series of interviews to several female researchers within the context of International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024 and Woman’s Day 2024. For more interviews, visit our news section here.

March 2024, I3A-Unizar, Zaragoza (Spain)

The meeting room of the High Performance Computing cluster is a comfortable place. A whiteboard full of diagrams occupies a good portion of one of the side walls, creating a welcoming atmosphere where complex concepts become accessible. In stark contrast, a long table is presided over by a large screen and a video call system, making it clear that the boundaries of this place extend beyond its modest size.

The meeting has just ended. It has been intense. In it, the members of NANBIOSIS Unit 27 have given us a comprehensive update on their work. Although our background is more focused on the biomedical aspect, the explanation has been so didactic that we have ended up feeling like part of something much, much larger. Theirs is a work full of versatility and possibilities, only limited by the immense computing power of their machines and the indisputable brilliance of their staff.

Ana Mincholé, one of the team members, waits for the interview to begin. She has already expressed her nervousness to me but, without intending to question her word, I believe she underestimates herself. She was able to open our eyes during that complex meeting, along with the rest of the team, allowing an audience with little computational background to understand the endless possibilities of their equipment. This is a piece of cake for her.

The interview begins.

What motivated you to choose a career in science?

“I’m not sure if science chose me, or if humanities rejected me. I’ve always found physics and mathematics much more entertaining than humanities subjects.”

Interesting… Usually children tend to think that mathematics is very difficult, that physics is very boring… etc.

“It’s a bit strange. I felt more creative solving problems and looking for different ways to solve them, rather than in humanities subjects that I… um (laughs), when I thought I had done something great, they would tell me that… well, that it wasn’t (laughs again). I always knew that I was more into science than humanities disciplines. I liked it more.”

From the beginning, you felt that what they were teaching you in mathematics and physics was more natural for you.

“Yes, the typical problems such as ‘a train leaves from somewhere at such a speed of…’, I found them much more entertaining.”

Could you share with us a little about your research area and the projects you are currently working on?

“In general, my research focuses on the assessment of sudden cardiac death risk in patients with cardiovascular diseases. We work with patients who have suffered heart attacks, cardiomyopathies (heart defects), or patients with bradycardia who need pacemakers. We evaluate the risks using the electrocardiogram, which measures the electrical activity of the heart, and in my case, also through computational models. These are virtual replicas of a patient’s heart that include all their clinical information, and you can evaluate them under different scenarios and see how they respond.”

Does this have to do with the ‘Digital Twins’? That is, replicating on a computer what happens to a person and seeing how the conditions you apply affect them.

“Yes, that’s it. In the case of the heart, for example, we can emulate cardiac anatomy through magnetic resonance images, then you can include fibrotic areas, infarcted areas, electrical dynamics… and with all this, you can simulate the electrical activity of a heart.”

So, not only can you mimic a healthy heart, but also a diseased one.

“That’s right. In hearts, there are always some areas that activate spontaneously. Normally this poses no danger, but in those hearts that already have some arrhythmogenic substrate, meaning that they have some type of previous pathology such as infarcted or fibrotic areas, those activations can cause an arrhythmia.”

What have been the greatest challenges you have faced as a woman in the field of scientific research?

“What a complicated question! There are so many challenges you face simply as a researcher… Perhaps more as a woman? I could highlight that I am a mother of two children, and research is always something that is constantly moving. Facing maternity, personally, I had a lot of plans and I told myself that I wouldn’t leave anything behind. I believed that, as soon as I felt better, I would start doing things, reading articles… but life with a newborn is what it is, and in the end, you don’t do it. And you have that fear and you start to wonder things such as ‘What happened during all this time?’, ‘Will I be able to catch up?’. “

So, I understand that you think the measures that are already in place are insufficient.

“Of course. The thing is research never stops. Science keeps advancing, with or without you. And although in the end it’s not that big of a deal, it’s a feeling you constantly have. Research is a bit strange: on one hand, you have a lot of flexibility, but at the same time, you never really disconnect. Deadlines come, and if you have to work on the weekend, you do it. Or maybe there is that Tuesday in which nothing has come out right, and at night you keep thinking about why the experiment you did in the morning didn’t work out. You keep coming up with ideas, and never really stop thinking about it.”

It is interesting what you’re saying because that applies to a lot of research fields. One might think that in the case of in silico experiments it would not be as bad as, for example, people working with animal models.

“Well, in our field of in silico experiments, you always encounter an error right on Friday before leaving work (laughs). Although during my master’s, I worked on a more experimental project, and it’s true that it’s a whole different level: If something doesn’t work out, you have to wait until it finishes, and I think in that sense, it’s much more demanding.”

Have you experienced any kind of gender bias or added difficulty in your scientific career? How have you addressed this situation?

“I feel like I haven’t faced a significant bias because of being a woman. Also, I’ve felt supported in all the research groups I’ve been part of. It’s true that in some fields, certain attitudes like paternalism and condescension arise because of being young and a woman. But young people stop being young… and women never stop being women (laughs). In those cases, you have to demonstrate that you know what you know, which adds pressure.”

There are fields and careers where there are many more women than men. This is the case for the more ‘bio’ careers. How do you see parity in your field?

“In my field, there’s quite a gender parity. Moreover, in all the groups I’ve worked with, there’s been a fair balance between men and women. I won’t deny that the further you advance in the research career, the more gender bias there is. Generally, there are more men in leadership positions than women, and women tend to have a harder time too. In my case, I haven’t personally experienced any gender bias. I’m lucky to be able to collaborate with people who add value. And with those who don’t, there’s no need for us to collaborate.”

How do you think these barriers can be overcome?

“Visibility. It has worked in other areas. I, being a bit older, remember not long ago when we had a female Minister of Defense, and there were those who were shocked. And nowadays, we don’t give it importance anymore. The visibility of women in science is constantly increasing. An example is the researcher behind the Oxford/Astra Zeneca COVID vaccine, whose presence in the media was quite prominent. We see it more and more often.”

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in science?

“I would tell them to go for it, that it’s a very rewarding career with plenty of opportunities. Sometimes, I think there’s a lack of female role models in science and also in other sectors. This is because even when there’s a mixed team working behind the scenes, the predominant presence of male figures gives a biased picture. And I believe it’s important to convey that science isn’t just for men.”

“(I) design and work on a research line that combines computational models with cardiac signals and images. This was done with the aim of stratifying arrhythmic risk and understanding its mechanisms.“

—Dr. Ana Mincholé, researcher at Unit 27.

Have you had any ‘Eureka’ moments in your career? What do you consider to be your greatest achievement or contribution in your field on a professional or personal level?

“Luckily in research, you have quite a few ‘Eureka’ moments. And thank goodness for that! Because there are also many frustrating moments that require a lot of effort and work. Thus when something finally works out, it’s very satisfying. But you have to constantly deal with ups and downs.

As for my greatest achievements, at the end of my PhD, we managed to develop a novel biomarker that was closely related to arrhythmic risk. That was a real high. Something more recent could be to design and work on a research line that combines computational models with cardiac signals and images. This was done with the aim of stratifying arrhythmic risk and understanding its mechanisms. I’m not sure if I would define it as an achievement, but it’s a line of work that I’m particularly proud of.”

Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years? And where do you see this technology?

“In the future, I imagine Digital Twins technology being more integrated into clinical practice, with tangible benefits for patients. I think, at the moment, it’s more used at the research level and needs better explanation to understand its potential. But I’m convinced that this technology will be very useful in clinical settings, and I would like to be present when that happens.

Digital Twins of the heart are detailed virtual replicas that incorporate clinical information and specific measurements from each patient in addition to how the heart functions. They are very self-explanatory, and they answer the question of ‘why’ something happens, providing possible explanations for what is going on. Although these models are very descriptive, I don’t see them as incompatible with other types of models, such as artificial intelligence-based solely on data.

In the case of Digital Twins, behaviors and dynamics are introduced, making them much more explanatory. Furthermore, they are multiscale models that cover everything from the cellular level to propagation through cardiac tissue and the torso, even simulating the patient’s electrocardiogram. These multiscale models allow for personalized therapies and specific assessment of arrhythmic risk for each individual.”

How do you think we can encourage more women and girls to participate in science?

“I have participated in initiatives that are fantastic for explaining different professional experiences to people who have to choose a career. I also believe that we need to give visibility to science; not only from the perspective of research, but by showing all the possibilities that pursuing a career in science offers. I think, in the end, one has to choose the career they like the most, and then they can always redirect their decisions to work in what motivates them at each stage of life. The important thing is to decide to do things that fulfill you, motivate you, and do them well.

For example, I studied Physics and never imagined doing a PhD. Then, I went on Erasmus, ended up doing a master’s, and during the master’s thesis project, I discovered that biomedical research fascinated me and fulfilled me. So, I ended up doing a PhD. Life takes you places, and the important thing is to do things that bring you fulfillment and that you enjoy.”

Thank you very much Ana for your time.

“Thanks a lot, to you.”

For more interviews like this, visit our news section here.

Additional information:

The goal of NANBIOSIS is to provide comprehensive and integrated advanced solutions for companies and research institutions in biomedical applications. All of this is done through a single-entry point, involving the design and production of biomaterials, nanomaterials, and their nanoconjugates. This includes their characterization from physical-chemical, functional, toxicological, and biological perspectives (preclinical validation).

In order to access our Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions, place your request here.

NANBIOSIS has worked with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes in the areas of drug delivery, biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Here are a few of them: