UC researchers win 2026 For Women in Science awards

Researchers Valeria Cortés and Cristina Alfaro from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile have been named winners of the 2026 ‘For Women in Science’ award. This global initiative, organized by UNESCO and the L’Oréal Foundation, recognizes innovative doctoral and postdoctoral research.

Valeria Cortés was honored in the postdoctoral category for her work in structural and geotechnical engineering. Her research utilizes oceanographic data and underwater imagery to study the geology and seismic energy accumulation in the Atacama Trench. In early 2026, she became the first woman to descend below 7,600 meters in the trench using the Fendouzhe manned submersible during a joint scientific expedition between Chile and China.

Cristina Alfaro received recognition in the doctoral category for her work in biological and medical engineering. Her research focuses on applying deep learning and artificial intelligence models to 3D mammography images to automate the characterization of breast tumors, aiming to improve diagnostic precision.