Nunilo Cremades / Science and Technology Award 2019. An investigation to understand Parkinson's

Activity: iresearch of Parkinson's disease. INSTITUTION: Institute of Biocomputing and Physics of Complex Systems of the University of Zaragoza. discovery: the ability of squalamine to neutralize disease

Parkinson's disease is the field of study of Professor Nunilo Cremades, who belongs to the Institute of Biocomputing and Physics of Complex Systems of the University of Zaragoza, in which she has achieved important advances, key to deciphering how such a complex disease works. . This disease "as well as other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, represent one of the most relevant socio-economic challenges in Western society today due to the progressive aging of the population and the lack of effective treatments to combat this type of devastating diseases." » in the words of the researcher. In addition to pointing out the lack of knowledge that still exists about its causes, he highlights that "the research that we are carrying out in my group is helping to identify toxic protein species and clarify the mechanisms by which they are formed and cause death in neurons, which is allowing us to address new strategies for the development of drugs against this disease" which is undoubtedly a very important step forward. Without forgetting that one of the pending challenges is early detection.

The nomination for the Aragonese of the Year awards surprised him "since the type of research I do is basic research, at a very molecular level, in the field of protein biophysics, which is why it is normally more unknown and sometimes difficult to understand." its impact and application. Furthermore, he recognizes that it has also been an honor and a pride, but also a responsibility and "an incentive to continue striving to improve both professionally and personally. In general, to point out that the scientific world is increasingly present in society. As a woman, because this visibility of the award can encourage girls and young women to take this path.

WOMEN RESEARCHERS

And it is still relevant that women have access to research on equal terms with men, already making up more than 50% of doctoral students in Aragon. But these figures do not translate into positions of responsibility, nor into that of leaders of research groups, which are generally occupied by men, despite, as Cremades points out, "we being as qualified for these positions as they are." Sometimes, the researcher highlights, "it is one's own decision due to the difficulty of combining these responsibilities with caring for children or elders and this is where there is a lot of work to be done to break the glass ceiling, although steps are being taken for change." . A path to follow that is made even stronger with nominations like this.