The Team

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: 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.