Panamanian scientist Johant Lakey is recognized with the L'Oréal - Unesco Regional Award 'For Women in Science' 2024

6 de December de 2024
INVESTIGACIÓN

Panama, December 6, 2024. Panamanian scientist Johant Lizel Lakey Beitia was awarded the L’Oréal – Unesco Regional Award “For Women in Science” Central America and the Andean Region 2024 for her academic excellence and the impact of her research.

Dr. Lakey is a member of the National Research System (SNI) and a researcher at the Center for Biodiversity and Drug Discovery of the Institute for Scientific Research and High Technology Services (Indicasat, AIP), located in the City of Knowledge. His research project with which he competed is entitled “Synthesis of curcumin analogues with anticancer potential”.

With this medicinal chemistry research, he seeks to positively impact science, strengthening the area of organic synthesis and the training of human resources in Panama. “Thanks to this award, I can continue my studies in the synthesis of organic compounds, especially the structural modification of curcumin to create new compounds of this natural product to evaluate its anti-cancer potential, especially in brain cancer,” said Dr. Lakey.

The L’Oréal – UNESCO Regional Award “For Women in Science” awards a grant of ten thousand dollars (USD$10,000) to each of the winners, to continue with their studies and research projects in STEM disciplines.

For their outstanding contributions in the scientific field, the following were also recognized: Dr. Karol Zapata, from Colombia; the Dr. Ximena Jaramillo Fierro , from Ecuador; and the postdoctoral researcher at the National University of Engineering of Peru, Luz Esmeralda Román Mendoza.

“We are committed to supporting women in science and strongly believe in the potential of women scientists in the region. This program not only recognizes their work, but also promotes gender equality in the scientific field,” commented Alberto Mario Rincón, general director of L’Oréal Groupe for Central America and the Andean Region.

“From the National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (Senacyt), we congratulate the Dr. Johant Lakey for obtaining the L’Oréal-Unesco Regional Award ‘For Women in Science’ Central America and the Andean Region’ 2024 and for her interest in the search for new cancer drugs that reduce toxicity in patients. Dr. Lakey’s project is innovative and can impact on well-being and public health. Congratulations,” said Dr. Eduardo Ortega Barría, national secretary of Senacyt.

The L’Oréal – Unesco Regional Award “For Women in Science” is an initiative led by the Directorate of Scientific Research and Technological Development, of Senacyt. The Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Universidad del Rosario, in Colombia), the National University of San Agustín de Arequipa (UNSA) in Peru and the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL), in Ecuador, also collaborated in this edition.

Since 1998, the For Women in Science program, promoted by L’Oréal and UNESCO, has recognized more than 4,100 women in 117 countries. Since 2017, nine Panamanian scientists have won the award:

Year	Winning	Projects
2024	Dr. Johant Lizel Lakey Beitia	“Synthesis of curcumin analogues with anticancer potential.”
2022	Dr. Giselle Esther Guerra Saval	“Estimation of coastal erosion in vulnerable ecosystems and human settlements of the Bay of Parita”.
2022	Dr. Yazmin Lisbeth Mack Vergara	“Evaluation of the quality of water for human consumption including non-conventional parameters by means of a mobile laboratory with advanced analytical techniques”.
2021	Dr. Dafni Mora	“Specialized Laboratory in Passive Energy Solutions and Comfort in Buildings (LESEPCE)”.
2020	Dr. Mairim Solís	“Therapeutic potential for Covid-19 of placental-derived mesenchymal stem cells from SARS-CoV-2-positive donors.”
2019	Dr. Gina Della Togna	“Characterization of reproductive physiology and development of assisted reproduction techniques in six species of amphibians in danger of extinction in Panama”.
2018	Lorena Coronado	“Design and Testing of In Vitro Applicators for the Use of Electromagnetic Energy Against the Malaria Parasite.”
2017	Laura Patiño	“Search for active compounds in medicinal plants grown in the province of Chiriquí”
2017	María Beatriz Carreira	“In vivo characterization of compounds that inhibit the aggregation of amyloid beta, a toxic peptide in Alzheimer’s disease.”