We interviewed Laura Medina-Perucha on the occasion of the Day of Girls and Women in Science

On February 11, the Day of the Girl and Women in Science is celebrated. To commemorate it, from IDIAPJGol we have spoken with one of our researchers, Laura Medina-Perucha, who is leading a new line of research with a gender perspective. In addition, she has recently obtained a Sara Borrell scholarship.

1. You have recently obtained a Sara Borrell scholarship, what does this recognition mean for your career?

In my case, it has been a recognition of my career, as well as a commitment to my professional future. I think this is very important for people who are dedicated to research, and especially for women, since it allows greater job stability and a boost so that the research we carry out has an impact on a social level. For me, it is a sign that they are committed to my research and, more importantly, to research with a gender perspective and that ensures social equity.

2. What are the next professional challenges you would like to achieve?

The most important challenge for me is to be able to continue researching on Equity and Menstrual Health, a line of research that, together with my colleagues, we have started in our context. But, above all, that this research has an impact on society and especially on women and people who menstruate. For me, research must be able to be transformative and go hand in hand with the social challenges we face as a society. I believe that one of these challenges must be to fight for rights and to build equitable and fair societies that ensure well-being. We face great challenges, however, such as unseating the androcentrism still prevalent in research. For this reason, betting on research with a gender and feminist perspective is a first (great) step.

3. When and how did you start your career as a researcher?

It started unexpectedly. In my case, I had the privilege of being able to continue my studies in the United Kingdom, where I learned about an opportunity to do a doctorate on women's sexual health and social inequities. It was because of the theme that I decided to try and enter the selection process, having the luck of being selected to do this doctorate. This is how I started my research career now a little over 6 years ago. During this time I have been accompanied by different women researchers who have helped me enormously, promoting my professional career and becoming my mentors. I think this is an important point for women who are starting out in research.

4. What would you say to girls and young women so that they do not hesitate to dedicate themselves to Science?

I would tell them not to hesitate to try it, to think that science is (or should be) at the service of people and that, therefore, it should be available to all people. And that, despite the fact that it is often not an easy professional career, there are women who are working to facilitate the path of those who will start their research careers in the future. Research needs your voices and gender research led by women.