Bolivian scientist will join the third edition of the talk series in 2026

The third edition of the 2026 schedule of the IANAS Women for Science (WfS) Program talk series “Women Who Share Their Science” (“Mujeres que Cuentan su Ciencia”) will feature Mónica Moraes, one of Bolivia’s leading botanists and experts on tropical plant diversity. The online session will take place on August 21 and will be chaired by Ximena Cadima, focal point of the National Academy of Sciences of Bolivia in the WfS Program.

The event will be held via Zoom in Spanish – click here to register. The session is scheduled for 17:00 Bolivia time (UTC-4) – those interested in participating can check the event time in their time zone by clicking here.

Native Bolivian palms: diversity and benefits for society

In her talk, titled “Palmas Nativas Bolivianas: riqueza y usos para el pueblo” (“Native Bolivian Palms: richness and uses for the people”), Mónica Moraes will explore the biological implications and biogeographical representativeness of Bolivia’s native palms in the region. Through their various uses and applications, human communities have developed cultures, traditions, and knowledge systems around these species.

A researcher at the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Moraes is internationally recognized for her work on the taxonomy, ecology and conservation of tropical plants, particularly palms. Her research has contributed significantly to the understanding of South American ecosystems and the value of biodiversity for sustainable development.

Celebrating women scientists across the Americas

The “Women Who Share Their Science” series was created to showcase the achievements, experiences and scientific contributions of women researchers throughout the Americas. By sharing both their scientific work and personal journeys, the initiative seeks to inspire future generations, strengthen regional scientific networks and increase the visibility of women in science.

The 2026 cycle began in June with a lecture by Maria Elena Bottazzi (Honduras) on vaccines for neglected tropical diseases, followed in August by a presentation from Arlene Williams-Persad (Trinidad and Tobago) on pharmacological and herbal approaches to hypertension. The upcoming session with Mónica Moraes continues this tradition of highlighting outstanding women scientists whose work contributes to addressing key societal and environmental challenges across the region.