UDA academics who inspire research

On February 11, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated, a date that reminds us of the importance of the presence and contribution of women and girls in scientific and technological fields, underlining the need to promote and strengthen their participation in these fields.

In academia, women have contributed significantly to research in areas ranging from the natural sciences to the humanities and social sciences. Their presence and voice in academia have contributed to enriching the debate and ensuring that a wide range of topics are addressed from different points of view.

This is how we highlight the career of Raffaella Ansaloni, vice-rector of research at the University of Azuay who has been a prolific researcher, academic and student of scientific fields such as botany, biology and ecology, as well as Ximena Velez, sub-dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Human Sciences who stands out in the field of educational research and Carla Salgado, director of IRENE and outstanding researcher in the field of medicine

Raffaella tells us: “There are several projects that are underway but I can highlight the study of plants, which is what I dedicate myself to, the study of the flora of Ecuador and especially the flowers near Cuenca and its surroundings, which is what has motivated me. passionate, because of its diversity of species I think it is an immense field of study to which I always like to return.” 

Raffaella has been in the field of research for a long time, but her love and inclination for the world of science began at a young age and she emphasizes that curiosity and not settling for the answers that already exist is what drives research. 

“Since school, my teachers encouraged that curiosity I had. When I got to university, it seems to me that many of the questions I had at that time had answers and the answers were obviously based on the evidence that science presents.” 

In turn, Ximena Vélez, teacher and researcher at our university, mentions that for her there is no single stage to become a researcher; she thinks that when one feels in one's heart the desire to investigate, that may be the time to start.

“Motivation plays an important role in the love of research, and in that sense mine was built at that time by good people; So I would believe that if we want women, girls and boys to commit to doing science, we have to believe in them.” 

In this sense, the University has played an important role in the development of women scientists. Ximena bases her line of research on cognitive neuroscience, education, inclusion and high abilities and for their development, the university has been a vital companion for personal and professional development for those of us who are doing science.

“Each project has a meaning and an important meaning in the heart of the researcher.” 

For her part, Carla Salgado, teacher and researcher at our institution, mentions that her main motivation to investigate and learn more about science began when she was a child, her curiosity was reflected in games and her interest in knowing how and why certain scenarios occurred. . 

“When I entered the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Azuay as a student, I had the opportunity to participate in research projects and there I realized that that is what interested me most in the area of ​​health” and that is how scenarios imaginary and playful, he began his search for accurate answers in the medical area. 

Carla is now researching the area of ​​shared decision making in health, which talks about how doctors or health professionals make decisions with their patients to reach a specific treatment. 

“The University has helped me in different ways, I have been able to continue my studies in a doctorate in medical sciences, it has provided scientific spaces to meet other academics in my field or related areas and it has allowed me to establish national and international research networks.” 

At the University of Azuay we believe that it is important to recognize and value the research contributions of women in academia, by doing so, we can fully take advantage of the talent and creativity of all people in the search for knowledge and innovation, as well as inspire future researchers who can contribute significantly to society