PROMICON Women In Science presents: Beatriz Altamira-Algarra

PROMICON’s new social media campaign #WomenInScience aims to portray the excitement and the difficulties that come with being a female scientist, shedding more light on this career path. Each week, we will tell the stories of the women behind PROMICON and this week we are presenting you Beatriz Altamira-Algarra from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. 

What initially sparked your interest in science?  

I decided to study something related to Science, specially Biology, when I was fourteen thanks to the inspiring influence of my biology teacher in school. She was really passionate about it and I really enjoyed her lessons. I also liked chemistry and the laboratory sessions, so I thought, why not dive into research? I was good at it, so that pretty much sealed the deal for me. 

What are some common misconceptions about being a female scientist that you've encountered in your career?

Luckily, I've been fortunate enough not to encounter common misconceptions about being a female scientist throughout my career. I've been able to focus on my work without facing biases or stereotypes. 

How do you feel about the representation of women in PROMICON?

I believe in PROMICON we are a big group of female scientists. Fortunately, my experience has generally been in big teams where both male and female collaborate together smoothly. It's encouraging to see effective teamwork without any gender-related hurdles.

What actions would you recommend to EU policymakers to enhance gender equality in European-funded projects?

Encourage gender-neutral language or incentivize gender equality initiatives.

Which female scientist do you look up to the most and why?  

I admire all the passionate teachers and researchers I've crossed paths with - (young or senior, female or male). Their dedication to their work not only made it enjoyable for me but also inspired me along the way. 

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

My advices are for any young student considering a career in science. Basically, embrace challenges, build a supportive network and stay open-minded throughout your journey. Engaging in research is great; you get to work on a topic you like and meet people who share similar interests.

Beatriz Altamira-Algarra