Panama, September 24, 2024. Ilein Gómez, a Panamanian pharmacy student, recently won second place in the international video contest “Let’s Discover Latin American Women Scientists,” organized by the Inter-American Network of Academies of Sciences (IANAS).

Gómez stood out in the 19-23 years old category among more than 100 participants, with a video that highlighted the work of Dr. Aracely Vega, a researcher at the Autonomous University of Chiriquí. Dr. Vega’s research covers mycotoxins in staple grains such as rice and corn, as well as milk, as well as studies on edible mushrooms and sustainable resources. The objective of the IANAS contest is to highlight the importance of the work of female scientific researchers.

The Panamanian student’s video reached more than 9,000 views and 2,500 likes on YouTube during the voting phase of the contest and is the first time that a contestant from Panama has reached such a prominent position. (Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ustlx-Hriw)

The dissemination that Gómez’s video received on social networks, supported by institutions such as the Institute of Scientific Research and High Technology Services (Indicasat AIP) or the National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (Senacyt), showed the general interest in Panamanian science and the importance of scientific dissemination.

Gómez is currently in the last year of her degree in pharmacy at the Universidad Latina de Panamá and is doing her thesis at Indicasat AIP, a public interest association created by Senacyt in 2002. Gómez is also part of the Panamanian Anti-Tuberculosis Organization and the American Society of Microbiology.

“My goal is to continue contributing to society, either through scientific dissemination or through my future career in pharmacy. I aspire to help make Panama a better place for scientific development and public health,” said Gómez.

About Senacyt: The National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (Senacyt) is an autonomous institution whose mission is to turn science and technology into tools for the sustainable development of Panama. Our projects and programs are focused on promoting the scientific and technological development of the country and in this way, closing the inequality gap and promoting equitable development that improves the quality of life of Panamanians.