- Researchers in the group work on projects with a direct impact on the health of patients, such as immunotherapy, the importance of sport in cancer prevention or the use of AI for the early detection of pneumonia or lung cancer.
- Professionals believe that greater female representation in leadership positions in research is necessary and that their achievements should be made visible.
On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which is commemorated tomorrow, February 11, the health group Ribera It highlights the prominent role of female researchers in clinical trials and observational studies in their hospitals, where they participate in or lead projects that can lead to major advances in modern medicine.
Through the Ribera Salud Foundation, the group has given a very important boost to research in recent years. Its report includes 55 clinical trials underway in 2023, more than 650 participants and almost thirty researchers, many of them women. In addition, last year it signed a strategic agreement with Pratia, a network of research centres with more than 90 locations in six European countries, which is enabling more efficient and effective organisation of clinical trials at the Vinalopó (Elche) and Torrejón university hospitals, as well as at the Ribera Povisa hospital, thanks to the synergy of the best professionals from both entities, and also access to new trials.
A promising future for women in science
Many researchers from the Ribera group work on innovative projects and fields, with a direct impact on the health of patients. Carmen Mogio, head of the Allergology Service and researcher at the hospital Ribera Povisa (Vigo), for example, focuses its work on immunotherapy, considering it “the only treatment capable of modifying the evolution of the disease by acting on the long-term immune response.”
Magda Palka Kotlowska, specialist in medical oncology at the Torrejón University Hospital, for its part, seeks to raise awareness about the importance of sport in preventing and increasing cancer survival, and also delves into the study of inflammatory and autoimmune factors that are decisive in its control. Amparo Santamaría, head of Hematology and Hemotherapy at the University Hospital of Vinalopo, focuses its research on thrombosis in cancer patients and the use of artificial intelligence for its prevention, as well as the regeneration of human reproduction through stem cell therapy. From the perspective of technology applied to health, Dolores Corbacho, head of the Pulmonology Service at Ribera Povisa, is investigating the use of artificial intelligence in chest X-rays for the early detection of pathologies such as pneumonia or lung cancer. As she herself explains, "AI can be key to reducing health inequalities and improving efficiency in clinical diagnosis," she highlights.
They all agree that the future of women in science “is optimistic, although there are still challenges to overcome.” Carmen Mogio (Ribera Povisa) highlights that “women today have greater freedom to choose their professional path, and I believe that this represents a significant advance.” However, she insists on the importance of having “greater female representation in leadership positions and more support for research to prevent the flight of talent.”
Magda Palka Kotlowska (Torrejón) points out that “Science improves life in all fields and women, with their work, motivation and focus, are an essential part of this progress.” However, she considers it essential to “improve funding, human resources and family conciliation, so that both men and women can advance in this work at the highest level.” Along the same lines, Amparo Santamaría Ortiz (Vinalopó) stresses that “opportunities have improved, but recognition is still not what we deserve.” She advocates for more women in leadership positions and for their achievements to be made visible.
The challenges of women in science
One of the main obstacles that these researchers point out in the performance of their work is the conciliation between personal and professional life. Magda Palka Kotlowska (Torrejón) states that "when having children, one tries to maintain the same work rhythm, without considering that the day still has 24 hours and that abandoning family life is not viable." Amparo Santamaría (Vinalopó), also focuses on the invisibility of women in certain academic environments and the difficulty of accessing equal opportunities compared to their male colleagues. For her part, Dolores Corbacho highlights the lack of specific training in the field of artificial intelligence applied to health, as well as the limited representation of women in leadership roles in technology and Medicine.
Almost all of them agree on the need to encourage scientific vocations from an early age. “It is key to bring research closer to young people from high school, to motivate them and to make educational plans that awaken their interest,” says Magda Palka Kotlowska. For her part, Amparo Santamaría Ortiz insists on the importance of educating in equality from childhood: “We must teach girls and boys to believe in equity and feminism, because science needs a diversity of perspectives to advance.”
With testimonies like these, the Ribera healthcare group aims to make the work of its female research professionals visible, as well as reaffirming its commitment to gender equality in research and science, betting on a future in which women and men can develop their talent on equal terms.
