Talk series returns with a focus on cardiovascular health

The Inter-American Network of Academies of Sciences (IANAS), through its Women for Science (WfS) Program, will continue its 2026 schedule of the talk series “Women Who Share Their Science” (“Mujeres que Cuentan su Ciencia”) with a presentation by Arlene Williams-Persad, Lecturer in Pharmacology at The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago.

Scheduled for August 12, the online session will feature the talk “Empowering Hearts: Pharmacological & Herbal Strategies for Hypertension”. The event will be chaired by Roshnie Doon, focal point of the Caribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS) in the WfS Program.

The second edition of the talk series in 2026 will be held online (via Zoom) in English – click here to register. The session will take place at 10:00 Trinidad and Tobago time (UTC-4) – those interested in participating can check the event time in their time zone by clicking here.

A journey in advancing research on hypertension

Hypertension remains one of the most significant global public health challenges and a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In her lecture, Arlene Williams-Persad will explore both conventional pharmacological approaches and the potential contribution of herbal therapies in the prevention and management of high blood pressure.

Williams-Persad has built an accomplished academic career at UWI, where she progressed from research assistant and laboratory technician to Lecturer in the Department of Para-Clinical Sciences. She earned her PhD in Pharmacology in 2013 and has contributed to research ranging from herbal extracts and natural products to drug safety, pharmacokinetics and emerging health challenges. Her work has also examined the use of medicinal herbs in Caribbean populations and the need for evidence-based approaches to integrating traditional remedies with modern healthcare.

Celebrating women shaping science in the Americas

The talk series “Women Who Share Their Science” was launched by IANAS to showcase the achievements and experiences of women scientists throughout the Americas. By highlighting both their scientific contributions and personal journeys, the initiative seeks to inspire future generations, strengthen regional scientific networks and promote greater visibility for women in science.