Guatemalan will address complementary nutrition for Indigenous communities

The IANAS Women for Science (WfS) Program will continue the 2026 schedule of its talk series “Women Who Share Their Science” (“Mujeres que Cuentan su Ciencia”) with a presentation by Gabriela Montenegro-Bethancourt, a leading Guatemalan researcher dedicated to Indigenous health and nutrition.

The fourth edition of 2026 will take place on August 28 via Zoom and will be chaired by María del Carmen Samayoa, focal point of the Academy of Medical, Physical and Natural Sciences of Guatemala in the WfS Program. The session will be held in Spanish – click here to register. The talk is scheduled for 11:00am Guatemala time (UTC-6) – those interested in participating can check the event time in their time zone by clicking here.

Innovating complementary nutrition for Indigenous communities

In her presentation, titled “Proyecto Saqmolo’: innovando la alimentación complementaria para comunidades indígenas” (“Saqmolo’ Project: Innovating Complementary Feeding for Indigenous Communities”), Gabriela Montenegro-Bethancourt will discuss efforts to improve child nutrition and health outcomes through culturally appropriate and community-centered approaches developed in collaboration with Indigenous populations in Guatemala.

Montenegro-Bethancourt is affiliated with the Centro de Investigaciones en Salud Indígena and the Alianza Maya para la Salud, institutions committed to advancing research and public health initiatives that address the needs of Indigenous communities. Her work focuses on generating evidence and practical solutions to improve nutrition, health equity, and well-being among historically underserved populations.

Continuing a regional platform for women in science

Launched by the Inter-American Network of Academies of Sciences (IANAS), the “Women Who Share Their Science” series highlights the achievements, experiences, and scientific contributions of outstanding women researchers from across the Americas. The initiative seeks to inspire future generations, strengthen scientific networks, and increase the visibility of women in science by providing a platform where researchers can share both their work and their personal journeys.

The 2026 cycle began in June with a lecture by Maria Elena Bottazzi on vaccines for neglected tropical diseases, followed by presentations from Arlene Williams-Persad of Trinidad and Tobago, who addressed pharmacological and herbal approaches to hypertension, and Mónica Moraes of Bolivia, who explored the diversity and societal importance of native Bolivian palms. The participation of Gabriela Montenegro-Bethancourt further expands the series’ regional scope, bringing attention to innovative research at the intersection of nutrition, Indigenous knowledge, and public health.