Declared by the United Nations (UN) in 2015, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science aims to recognise and raise awareness of the work of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Marking this occasion also helps to promote their full and equal participation in these fields, and highlight female role models who inspire new scientific vocations.
To celebrate this day on behalf of EU-CONEXUS and the Catholic University of Valencia (IMEDMAR-UCV), Dr. Ainara Ballesteros and Raquel Torres took this opportunity to share the aims and wider significance of their ongoing research project, Jellyfish Collagen: An Innovative Marine Resource from the Mediterranean for Blue Biotechnology (COLMED). Dr. Ainara Ballesteros is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute for Environmental and Marine Science Research at IMEDMAR-UCV and Scientific Coordinator of COLMED. Raquel Torres is a Predoctoral Researcher at IMEDMAR-UCV and Technician in the COLMED project. Their project focuses on the extraction of collagen from Mediterranean jellyfish and the development of biomaterials from this resource.
What was your motivation for pursuing a scientific career?
Ainara: Since I was very young, I’ve been passionate about the sea. When people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would reply, “I want to take care of dolphins.” My passion for the ocean and research led me to study Marine Sciences at UCV and continue my career at the Institute of Marine Sciences at the Spanish National Research Council (ICM-CSIC), where I’ve been working in the field of jellyfish research for eight years.
Raquel: In my case, from a young age I’ve always loved different activities in nature, which led me to want to learn more about biodiversity and protect it. That’s why I studied Environmental Sciences and, after a few years of working on marine conservation projects in the Azores, I decided to specialise and obtain a Master’s degree in marine biology.
What do you think about the leadership of women in scientific projects? Do you have any role models?
Ainara: It’s essential for women to lead research projects – this way we can create a role model effect for young girls ultimately encouraging them to pursue careers in science and technology. Having female role models is key to reducing the gender gap in STEM fields.
In my case, when I started working with jellyfish, my role model was Dr. Verónica Fuentes, an exceptional researcher in this field who has led numerous national and international projects at ICM-CSIC. She passed on her passion for jellyfish to me and taught me many things I know and apply in my research today.
What would you say to girls who want to become scientists?
Raquel: Welcome to this wonderful world! Scientific careers are demanding, but they are also incredibly rewarding. Throughout history, women scientists have been key to major discoveries, driving significant advances and overcoming countless obstacles on their way. They have made history, and you can do it, too!
That’s why I encourage all girls to grow into empowered women and leave their mark on society. We need more women scientists leading research and contributing to our collective knowledge.
Do you think a day like today is necessary to highlight the role of women and girls in science?
Raquel: Yes, definitely. Nowadays, women and girls still face barriers whilst entering scientific careers, such as gender stereotypes and the lack of visible female role models in society.
This day is crucial for highlighting the work of women who have made and continue to make history in science, to inspire girls to see themselves in those roles, and to continue pushing for real changes toward diversity and equity.
What is the focus of your research?
Ainara: As part of the COLMED project led by IMEDMAR-UCV and ICM-CSIC, we are working to transform jellyfish into an innovative source of collagen. This project is being developed in collaboration with the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, through the Pleamar Programme, and is co-financed by the European Union through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
Our goal is to use collagen from two very common jellyfish species in the Mediterranean Sea, Rhizostoma pulmo and Cotylorhiza tuberculata, as a sustainable alternative to traditional collagen derived from land mammals, such as cows and pigs. Collagen is the main organic component of jellyfish, making them a promising resource for biotechnology.
We work closely with artisanal fishermen from Jávea, Moraira, Roses, and Port de la Selva to implement zero-waste policies and promote blue biotechnology. Through this joint work, we are developing biomaterials from jellyfish accidentally caught by fishermen for the biomedical sector. This approach not only contributes to technological development but also helps diversify the local fishing economy.
More details about this project
