The Faculty of Chemistry and Biology and the Faculty of Science at the University of Santiago, Chile (Usach) have announced the inaugural winners of the Women Up R&D grant. This initiative is spearheaded by the Female Leadership and Participation Axis of the Science 2030 project, under the Science Up Consortium, to foster gender equity in high-level scientific research.
The program is designed to empower female researchers to execute R&D projects, bridging the gap between basic research and applied science. By providing strategic support, the initiative ensures that academic breakthroughs translate into tangible social and productive impacts within the regional and national innovation ecosystem.
Awarded projects
1.- “Development of nanocomposites for advanced removal of contaminants in water.”
Project director: Dr. Dhanalakshmi Radhalayam, Usach Faculty of Science
2.- “Standardization of biomass production in native cyanobacteria cultures of biotechnological interest through temperature control.”
Project director: Dr. Claudia Ortiz Calderón, Usach Faculty of Chemistry and Biology
3.- “Transformation and rehumanization of health: Creation of an Open Classroom for the training of environmental monitors for the elderly under a One Health approach.”
Project director: Dr. María Pilar Sánchez Olavarría, Usach Faculty of Chemistry and Biology
4.- “Microspheres for Antimicrobial Treatments in Periodontal Pathologies.”
Project director: Dr. Catalina Sandoval Altamirano, Usach Faculty of Chemistry and Biology
5.- “Design and Computational Modeling of Peptides: Modulating the Neuronal Extracellular Matrix.”
Project director: Dr. Estibaliz Ampuero Llanos, Usach Faculty of Chemistry and Biology
Each project will receive mentoring in business modeling, intellectual property, and networking, as well as $2,000,000 CLP for its execution, which will take place from December 2025 to April 2026.
In addition to $2,000,000 CLP in funding, each project will receive mentoring in business modeling, intellectual property (IP), and strategic networking, which will run from December 2025 to April 2026.