Equip

Name:  Isabelle Vernos
Nationality:  French/ Spanish
Chair since 2013
What is your role at the CRG? I am a senior PI in the Cell & Developmental Biology research program
I am part of the GBC because... I strongly believe that our society should provide equal opportunities to everybody. The numbers show that it is not the case for women in the scientific academic ladder. I have therefore been engaged into promoting gender equality in academic and non-academic science career for several years. Since 2013 I am the chair of the Gender Balance working group of the ERC and I also coordinate the EU funded project LIBRA.

Name:  Mara Dierssen
Nationality: Spanish
Member since 2013
What is your role at the CRG? I lead the Cellular and Systems Neurobiology laboratory. My main current scientific interests are focused on the study of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying memory and learning and their alteration in complex diseases (polygenic and multifactorial) and in the development and application of this knowledge.
I am part of the GBC because... I believe women are still vastly underrepresented — especially in leadership positions — in academia. Whether women are just starting their science careers or have already achieved success, they have possibly faced serious obstacles. As a result, they may have experienced a lack of self-confidence or a difficult work-life balance, leading to difficult decisions.  I am convinced that the GBC will help by creating pioneering tools, inform faculty, both men and women, about biases and help achieving equal opportunities for women and diversity in science.

Name: Juan Valcarcel 
Nationality: Spanish 
Member since: 2013 
What is your role at the CRG? Associate Director, Coordinator of the Gene Regulation, Stem Cells and Cancer Program, Group Leader 
I am part of the GBC because... there is a historical, collective need to address gender inequality issues in society, in science as a profession and in working conditions in general. Addressing these issues will help society as a whole (not just women) and in particular will enrich scientific research. I am part of the GBC because I would like to help to implement concrete measures that will provide women, and more specifically women scientists, with equal career opportunities.

Name: Mònica Bayés
Nationality: Spanish
Member since: 2019
What is your role at the CRG? As Administration and Programme Manager at CNAG-CRG, I coordinate the administrative and financial planning, the communication with CNAG-CRG users and the grant application activities.
I am part of the GBC because... Even though a lot has been done, there is a lot more still to do. All initiatives towards gender balance are welcome.

Name: Olalla Bagüés
Nationality: Spanish
Member since: November 2018
What is your role at the CRG: I’m the Head of Human Resources Department. I am responsible for designing, developing and implementing HR policies and procedures aligned with the strategy of the organization and ensuring a quality and timely HR services, offering a supportive, encouraging and challenging working environment, that promotes career development, equal opportunities, ethical integrity and work-life balance. 
I am a part of the GBC because... personally I believe that our society should be founded on the idea of fairness, equality, diversity, and hence, our research centre. From my professional view, the HR Department can contribute actively to promote and develop a culture of equality and diversity as we strive to attract a greater range of talent, not just the talent that belongs to a particular world-view. Therefore, promoting a diverse and inclusive environment and welcoming applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation is one of our main priorities.

Name: Sara Ramos 
Nationality: Spanish 
Member since: 2019 
What is your role at the CRG? I work at the Human Resources Department as a Recruitment and Development Specialist 
I am part of the GBC because… I believe that equality and diversity is necessary in all kind of organizations due to the value it can provide us. By being part of the Gender Balance Committee, I would like to contribute in the implementation of the gender perspective and diversity in all the areas of the organization, so we can create a more inclusive environment not only at the CRG but also in our society.

Name: Gloria Lligadas
Nationality: Spanish
Member since: January 2019
What is your role at the CRG? I am the Head of Communications & PR. I develop and execute an institutional communications strategy that establishes and enhances CRG’s reputation as a centre of excellence in biomedical research, advanced training, innovation and public engagement. I'm responsible for the development, integration, and implementation of a broad range of public relations and communications activities in a manner consistent with institutional strategies and priorities.  
I am part of the GBC because... it is very important to work towards achieving real gender balance within our institution and within society at large. From my professional perspective, I think our department can positively contribute to the dissemination of all actions and initiatives developed regarding gender balance through all communication channels at our disposal.

Name: Renée Beekman
Nationality: Dutch
Member since: May 2020
What is your role at the CRG? Junior Group Leader of the Single-Cell Epigenomics and Cancer Development Team. 
I am part of the GBC because... I believe that boys and girls should have equal chances to follow the career path they choose for their future. Throughout the last decades, many improvements have been made in this respect. However, we are not there yet. To be able to provide more equal opportunities to the future generation, we should keep implementing changes. Importantly, to face the gender-balance problem we first should get to understand all its different facets. The diverse expertise of the members of the gender balance committee and the motivation for change is an important aspect that will help to address the many different aspects of this problem. As a member of the committee, I aim to improve my understanding of what is needed to address this issue and to contribute to create equal chances for men and women in science and beyond.

Name: Morghan Lucas
Nationality: Australian
Member since: 2020
What is your role at the CRG? I am a PhD student in the lab of Eva Novoa within the Gene Regulation Stem Cells and Cancer programme. I am also a member of the CRG PhD Council and the PhD Wellbeing Taskforce.  
I am part of the GBC because... I believe everyone should have equal opportunities to pursue their goals. The reasons for a lack of diversity in academia are many and those who do not fit the mould have to work against the assumptions and constructs of academia and fight their way through a “leaky pipeline” — at every step of the way, some leave the field because they face additional barriers or are not supported in moving forward in their professional path. As part of the GBC, I want to give opportunities to those in need, and from a gender balance perspective, increase the representation of women in leadership positions in life sciences, and empower the new and future generations of women researchers to advocate for themselves in the academic context so they are not lost through the “leaky pipeline”.