Celebrating Women Scientists in Latin America and the Caribbean

The Inter-American Network of Academies of Sciences (IANAS), through its Women for Science (WfS) Program, has officially launched the 2026 edition of the video contest “Let’s Discover Female Scientists”, an initiative aimed at fostering young people’s engagement with science while highlighting the contributions of women scientists across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Now in its fifth edition, the contest invites students aged 14 to 23 from IANAS member countries to produce short videos that showcase the work and impact of women scientists currently active in their countries. To enter the contest, students must upload their video to an open-access platform and register the submission through the official online form by July 10, 2026.

Click here to access the terms and conditions of the contest.

Encouraging youth to tell stories of women in science

Participants are required to submit an original video, no longer than three minutes, that communicates the relevance of a selected scientist’s work in any field of knowledge. Videos must be unpublished and may include music or images only if proper permissions or free-use licenses are secured.

By engaging students in storytelling and audiovisual production, the initiative seeks to raise awareness about the role of women in science, inspire future generations, and promote gender equality in STEM fields throughout the region.

Awards and recognition

The competition is divided into two age categories: 14 to 18 years old; and 19 to 23 years old. For each category, an international jury composed by representatives from IANAS members will award first (USD 600) and second (USD 400) prizes.

Finalists from each participating country will receive a diploma, and their videos will be published online, increasing visibility for both the students and the scientists featured.

Inspiring the next generation

Through initiatives such as “Let’s Discover Female Scientists”, IANAS continues to strengthen its commitment to promoting inclusive science and gender equity, while encouraging young people to explore science communication creatively.

The winners will be announced on July 31, 2026. For inquiries, contact the IANAS Secreatariat ([email protected]).