María José Sánchez is among the ten Andalusian scientists who have made history, according to Diario Sevilla.

February 11, International Day of Women and Girls in ScienceThis date is more than just a commemoration: it serves to give names and faces to the role models that many girls still don't see. The UN established this day in 2015 to promote the participation of women and girls in scientific fields. Today, UNESCO reminds us, women still make up less than a third of the world's research staff, a gap that widens as they advance in their scientific careers.

Andalusia, with its network of universities, hospitals, technology centers, and public research organizations, has produced top-tier scientists and researchers. Some of these professionals enjoy widespread public recognition, while others maintain a lower profile despite their careers contributing to advances that impact daily life: from our understanding of cancer to how we measure carbon in the ocean or how artificial intelligence can converse in our language.

This list of ten Andalusian scientists includes both to pioneers who opened historic doors (Isabel Ovín, María Castellano, Carmen Maroto Vela) as well as professionals who are at the forefront of science today (María José Sánchez, Elena Ceballos, Patricia Villarrubia-Gómez) or who are driving it forward through global technology (Pilar Manchón). All of them respond to the question that drives this February 11th: what does a country lose? when half of the talent is left out of the scientific system due to gender barriers.

You can continue reading the news in the Diario de Sevilla.