Mastercard and the Spanish Royal Academy of Sciences Foundation (FRACE) have made official the call for the fifth edition of the Royal Academy of Science Foundation Awards for Young Women's Scientific Talent. The recognition of the work of young Spanish scientists is divided into four categories, including the following disciplines: Mathematics; Physics and Chemistry; Biology and Geology; and Applications of Science in Technology. The aim of the initiative, which began to develop in 2019, is to support young Spanish women in their careers in the scientific and technological field, giving them the recognition and visibility they deserve, in addition to being an economic boost. Each winner of the four categories will receive an economic grant of 2,500 euros. Since the creation of the awards and until today, Mastercard and FRACE have awarded 16 young scientists.

The application period began on September 11 and names will be accepted until October 20. After the nominations have been evaluated, the winners will be announced at a ceremony on the week of February 10, coinciding with the celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

Commitment to the role of women in science

Since they were launched in 2019, the purpose of organizing these awards is mainly to support and visualize the career of young female scientists, placing this action in the commitment to equality and diversity in the strategic plan shared by Mastercard and FRACE.

Considering the future challenges that arise in the world of work and the importance of STEM careers, Mastercard and FRACE consider this support essential and, therefore, have committed to continue their collaboration to expand this initiative with new projects to achieve this goal.
Although the number increases every year, the Equality in Figures 1 study prepared annually by the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports of the Spanish Government shows in the 2024 publication that the enrollment rate of women in the engineering career is 30.3%. The data, on the other hand, is even more worrying in the area of ​​computer science degrees, where the percentage of women is 14.9%.

Ana Crespo is the first female president of the Royal Academy of Sciences in the 177 years of the institution. In her words: "Today we as women scientists participate in the promotion to show that women researchers can face any responsibility task. They have proven that they have talent and their career can be an inspiration for girls and young people. I believe that the presidency of the Royal Academy of Sciences held by a woman will help my colleagues, women and men, in the recognition of trust, gender should not be a reason to prevent it. I hope that this will serve as a reference, so that other scientists can have more reference in institutional leadership."

On the other hand, as Paloma Real, the current president of Mastercard's Western European Division and promoter of this initiative, together with FRACE, stated, "this is a very special edition, as it marks the first five years since we launched this initiative. We have already honored 16 women with these awards and I am proud to continue to serve as a juror to select outstanding women whose careers are exceptional, despite their young age, and who deserve recognition. From my new position, I will continue to promote diversity and inclusion initiatives and projects that help us become a more just society."

V Qualification requirements for Mastercard and FRACE awards

Prizes can be awarded to scientists of Spanish nationality, as well as foreigners who have developed their professional career mainly in Spain, and who will be 45 years old or younger in September 2024. Candidates must make significant contributions to science, either in research, development, innovation, teaching or dissemination. You may have developed your activity in the academic, business or administrative fields.

The jury consists of the President of the Royal Academy of Sciences, two academicians from each section nominated by the President, the President of Mastercard's Western European Division and the President of the Society of Friends of the RAC.

z Applicants must send the necessary documentation through this link: 

https://premiostalentofemenino.frace.es/

z More information about these awards here: 

https://premiostalentofemenino.frace.es/

z Below you can find more information about the bases:

https://premiostalentofemenino.frace.es/bases/

Winners of the fourth edition of the awards

In the previous edition, in February this year, in the 'Mathematics' category, Dr. Rosa María Crujeiras Casais was chosen for her contribution to understanding the processes that create complex data. As Dr. stated, "these awards help us to be leadersus and play a leading role in making decisions about science and research".

The prize for young female talent in 'Physics and Chemistry' was given to researcher Irene Valenzuela Agüí, for her research on quantum gravity and string theory and their implication in physics, particles and cosmology. As the winner stated, "with this prize, I would like to encourage girls and young people in particular to follow their passion and their scientific vocation".

In the 'Biology and Geology' category, Dr. Blanca Ausín González was awarded for her work on refining paleoclimatic reconstructions. As Ausin assured, "education is an essential tool for creating research and a scientific spirit in young girls."

Isabel Oller Alberola, a scientist, was selected by the jury in the 'Applications of Science to Technology' category for her career in waste water regeneration research.