María José Sánchez, Gold Medal of Merit from Granada, calls for "reference women and leaders" on the International Day of Women and Girls in this field
The glass ceiling is that invisible barrier that makes it difficult for women to access positions of responsibility in their professional careers. It permeates all levels of society, but above all it affects those professions traditionally associated with the male figure. The scientific field is no exception to this and, for this reason, every February 11th is celebrated the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. A day with which the UN intends to "connect the international community with women and girls in science, strengthening the ties between science, politics and society to seek strategies aimed at improving the future of these". There is no small production that has been silenced for decades, but the importance of the female role in this section is notorious and this has been confirmed throughout time by figures of the stature of Marie Curie, Elizabeth Blackburn or, in Spain, Margarita Salas.
Precisely in our country, the CSIC drew up in June last year the first ranking of the most cited Spanish and foreign researchers working in national territory. And in the eighth position among 5.600 was the Granada Maria Jose Sanchez. Director of the Granada Cancer Registry, professor at the Andalusian School of Public Health and also scientific director of the Granada Biosanitary Research Institute (ibs.Granada), among many other things, Sánchez has made headlines this week for having received the Gold Medal of Merit from the City of Granada in an act that took place at the Isabel La Católica Theater. It is not for less. His studies related to the etiology, care and survival of cancer patients have allowed him to work on projects at a European, national and regional level. On this February 11, she has attended to GranadaDigital to talk about the gender gap, science and its recent recognition.
Ask. Is science still, in a way, a man's world?
Q. Why is it important in the XNUMXst century to raise awareness about the importance of women having an essential role in science?
R. Because we need women to find solutions to the main problems of our society. Science and technology play a fundamental role in addressing the global challenges we face, such as the health of a growing or aging population or climate change. Women's participation can bring different perspectives and join forces, increasing the chances of success. Encouraging women to pursue a scientific career helps promote gender equality and address some of the gender biases that still persist in our society. Raising awareness about the role of women in science can inspire and empower the next generation of girl scientists, which could have a very positive impact. We talk about scientific talent and talent has no gender, it belongs to men and women.
Q. What do you think is missing to achieve full equality and where are the factors that perpetuate the gender gap in science most accentuated?
R. There are several factors that have contributed and continue to contribute to the gender gap in science. Some of these are gender stereotypes, which lead to the assumption that men are more suitable for careers in science and technology or that women are less suitable as leaders; the lack of women scientists, both in the historical memory of science and today, who could serve as inspiration and example for future generations; the greater proportion of care responsibilities for minors and elders assumed by women, which interferes with their progress in a highly competitive and constantly updated environment such as science. Above all, policies and actions are needed at the national and institutional level. Here it must be said that a lot is already being done to reduce the gender gap in science and what we should do is continue in this direction. In the last decade there has been a notable evolution of equality policies in R+D+I in Spain and Andalusia that is having an effect. Several improving trends have been seen such as an increase in the number of female researchers and their presence in more advanced stages of the scientific career, as well as in scientific leadership and decision-making positions. Of course, there are still many challenges to be solved and we must continue working to remove the obstacles to achieving equal opportunities between women and men scientists.
Q. What has it meant for you to be recognized by the city of Granada with the Gold Medal of Merit?
R. Acknowledgment for the sensitivity shown by the City Council's Honors and Distinctions Commission and also by the Granada Provincial Council, rewarding cancer research, as well as research led by a woman. Science needs women referents and leaders. I feel proud and satisfied, but I have to admit that the award is not only mine, but the research group that I am lucky to coordinate and the institutions that I represent: the Andalusian School of Public Health, the Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada ( ibs.Granada) and the CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP). And hopefully this recognition will serve to awaken and promote new scientific vocations among girls and young people, because we need women without limits for the science of the future.
Q. Also about a week ago, you received the 'Antonio Chamorro-Alejandro Otero Research Chair' award from the University of Granada, being one of the six awarded by the Royal Academy of Medicine and Surgery of Eastern Andalusia and the RAMAO Foundation...
R. Yes, lately we are very happy because we have had many scientific recognitions. We received this award for work related to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer associated with mutations in genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2. It has been more than 25 years since the role of these mutations in cancer was discovered and diagnostic tests for their detection were implemented in clinical practice. The award-winning work makes a historical review of the main ethical problems related to genetic tests for these cancers and how they have evolved along with advances in technology in this field. I am especially proud of this award because I did this work as part of my training in a Specialization Diploma in Bioethics at the University of Granada. We scientists must continue training and always learning. It is one of the most attractive points of the scientific career, in my opinion. And without a doubt this is a way of valuing the impact and usefulness of the training received.
Q. We recently learned about future projections regarding the possibility of suffering from cancer and, in 2030, in Granada there will be almost 7.000 new cases of cancer and some 2.500 deaths from this disease. They are alarming data. How are these kinds of predictions made?
R. Indeed, what is expected in the coming decades is that the number of new cases of cancer in Granada will increase. Currently, one in two men and one in three women residing in the province of Granada will develop cancer throughout their lives. These projections are made based on actual cancer incidence data obtained from population cancer registries, such as the one in Granada, and with data from the population of Granada, using complex statistical methods. Therefore, we are facing a very important public health problem.
Q. And how can we prevent its appearance?
R. The good news is that we know that almost 40% of cancer cases can be prevented if we adopt healthier lifestyles (a balanced Mediterranean diet, physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking and reducing alcohol consumption). . Primary prevention is the most cost-effective strategy in the medium and long term. On the other hand, it is very important to participate in programs for the early detection of breast, colorectal and cervical cancers, and to consult health professionals in the event of any suspicious signs or symptoms of cancer. If cancers are diagnosed in earlier stages, we will be able to treat them in a less aggressive and invasive way and it will improve the quality of life and survival of people with cancer. Prevent, prevent and prevent. It is our responsibility as citizens.