In this edition of our newsletter, we are excited to introduce the first profiles in our newly launched section: «Women in Neuroscience FALAN.» This initiative, inspired by our ongoing commitment to gender equity, aims to spotlight the remarkable contributions of Latin American women in neuroscience.
Through a call for nominations, we sought to recognize women whose excellence in scientific research, leadership, mentorship, and contributions to both the scientific community and society have made a profound impact. The nominations were open to all member societies, and we are pleased to share the inspiring stories of the first three outstanding scientists chosen for this honor.
As we continue to celebrate the talent and dedication of women in neuroscience, we hope this section will not only recognize their invaluable work but also inspire future generations of women scientists across the region.
Category: Scientific Excellence 2024
Cuban Society of Neurosciences (SONECUB)
María de los Ángeles Robinson Agramonte
Dr. María de los Ángeles Robinson Agramonte, a Cuban MD and PhD, has dedicated over 38 years to advancing neuroimmunology and neuroscience through groundbreaking research, international collaborations, and academic mentorship. She is a Fellow Researcher and Senior Lecturer at the University of Medical Sciences of Havana, with significant contributions to the understanding of neuroinflammation, neuroplasticity, and biomarkers in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. As the head of the Cuban Network of Neuroimmunology since 2003 and a key member of SONECUB, Dr. Robinson has spearheaded initiatives that enhance the visibility of Cuban neuroscience on the global stage, including FALAN Congresses and international symposia. Her work has resulted in over 80 high-impact publications, multiple awards—including six Cuban Academy of Sciences Prizes—and recognition as an Honorary Member of the Cuban Society of Immunology. A role model for women in science, she continues to inspire through her leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to education and research.
Chilean Society of Neuroscience (SCN)
Cecilia Hidalgo
Dr. Cecilia Hidalgo is a leading Chilean neuroscientist and biochemist whose pioneering research has made a significant impact on the field of cellular biology. She was the first woman to earn a PhD in Biology from the University of Chile, and her work focuses on calcium signaling in neurons, studying how these signals mediate synaptic plasticity, memory, and learning. She has also explored how oxidative stress disrupts calcium signaling in aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Hidalgo’s team investigates ryanodine receptors and their role in hippocampal neuron function. With over 135 publications and more than 8,700 citations, she has mentored numerous graduate students and held leadership roles in various scientific organizations. A staunch advocate for gender equality in science, she has received numerous honors, including the National Prize for Natural Sciences in 2006, becoming the first woman to receive this distinction in Chile. Her contributions continue to shape both the scientific community and the development of neuroscience in her country.
Colombian College of Neurosciences (COLNE)
Gloria Patricia Cardona Gómez
Dr. Gloria Patricia Cardona-Gómez is a Full Professor and Senior Researcher at the University of Antioquia’s Faculty of Medicine, where she coordinates the Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Area of the Neurosciences Group of Antioquia (GNA). She holds a Biology degree from the University of Quindío and a PhD in Biological Sciences from the Autonomous University of Madrid. Her work, spanning over 30 years, has focused on neuroprotection, brain plasticity, and therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Cardona-Gómez has published over 70 articles in international indexed journals and has led numerous national and international projects, including a direct NIH-funded project at the University of Antioquia on Alzheimer’s and neurodegenerative diseases. She is also a pioneer in the development of genetic-modified organisms in Colombia and has established key research infrastructures, including the first SPF (Specific Pathogen-Free) animal facility in the country. As a former vice president of FALAN and a member of various scientific organizations, she has significantly contributed to advancing neuroscience in Latin America and the Caribbean. Her research achievements are recognized globally, and she continues to mentor future scientists while fostering collaboration in neurobiological research.
