The most significant research led by women scientists in Spain has been selected by public vote in the 13th edition of the Vanguardia de la Ciència award. The study, "New Therapeutic Target for Pediatric Tumors," has identified a target that could be acted upon to inhibit the development of pediatric gliomas—the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer in children—using immunotherapy.
For this research, published in Cancer Cell, the team analyzed tumor cell samples from patients and discovered that blocking TIM-3, a key immune system molecule, not only prolongs survival but could also lead to long-term disease-free survival in 50% of patients, with immune memory. The study was led by Marta Alonso and Iker Ausejo-Mauleón from the Clínica Universidad de Navarra - Centro de Investigaciones CIMA.
In second place is the research by Ana Paredes and Mercedes Ricote from the National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC) on "How Breast Milk Helps Heart Development." This study, published in Nature, has determined that breast milk plays a crucial role in this process. Specifically, the omega-6 linoleic fatty acid (GLA) it contains activates genetic programs in cardiomyocytes during this developmental stage. This discovery could redefine nutritional interventions during pregnancy, improve the heart health of premature babies, and benefit infants with congenital heart conditions.
The third-place winner is Mar Carretero from the Institute of Cosmos Sciences of the University of Barcelona (ICCUB) with her study, "Searching for Fugitive Stars in the Milky Way." This research has identified 106 O-type and 69 Be-type fugitive stars, many of which were previously unknown, using the latest data from the Gaia satellite of the European Space Agency (ESA). The study provides valuable insights into stellar evolution and the interactions occurring in the universe, from binary systems to black holes.
Now in its 13th edition, the Vanguardia de la Ciència Award is honorary and is a joint initiative of Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera and La Vanguardia to highlight excellence in scientific research conducted by women and bring science closer to the public.
This is the sixth time in the award’s history that a cancer-related study has won first place. The research by Marta Alonso and Iker Ausejo-Mauleón received 30.4% of the votes, making it the most highly rated project.
The award ceremony will take place on November 27 at La Pedrera, headquarters of Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera. The event is open to the public, and the authors of the three finalist studies will present their research to the attendees.
