The researcher was recognized in the Postdoctoral category of the award presented by L’Oréal Chile, UNESCO, and ANID for her work on submarine geology and seismic hazards in the Atacama Trench.
On Thursday, L’Oréal and UNESCO announced the winners of the 2026 Premio For Women in Science Award, a prestigious distinction recognizing outstanding female scientists in Chile.
Among the awardees is Valeria Cortés Rivas, a postdoctoral researcher at the Millennium Institute of Oceanography (IMO in spanish), who was honored in the Postdoctoral category for her research on marine geology and seismic risk along the Atacama Trench.
For Dr. Cortés, this recognition "allows one to connect with a community of women who have worked tremendously hard and achieved remarkable merits". She explained that the award also serves as a platform to highlight the geoscientific research being conducted in Chile and to foster public understanding of what it means to live alongside the geological hazards inherent to the country.
Dr. Cortés holds a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability. Her research utilizes oceanographic data and submarine imagery to characterize the geology, structural geometry, and seismic energy accumulation of the Atacama Trench—one of the regions with the highest seismic hazard in Chile.
Strengthening Skills and Resources
The For Women in Science Award aims to inspire young women to pursue scientific careers by celebrating research excellence. In Chile, the program is a joint initiative led by the UNESCO Regional Office in Santiago, L’Oréal Groupe Chile, and the National Research and Development Agency (ANID).
Its primary objective is to recognize female scientific talent nationwide by amplifying the visibility of awardees, showcasing their research tracks, and providing flexible funding to support their ongoing career development.
Regarding the grant, Dr. Cortés noted that while she has not yet fully finalized how the funds will be allocated, she plans to direct them toward professional development , media training, and specialized equipment for field research.
Diversity as a Driver of Scientific Progress
One of the core aspects of the award Dr. Cortés values most is its commitment to diversity. Reflecting on her experience studying science both in Chile and abroad, she noted that an investigator’s background, culture, gender identity, and socioeconomic context directly influence how scientific questions are framed and how strategies to address them are developed.
In this regard, she deeply appreciates the nature of the award, emphasizing that "it contributes directly to the advancement of science. Admittedly, it presents a challenge, as it requires deeper dialogue to find common ground, reach decisions, and understand differing perspectives. However, that investment of time and energy ultimately yields higher-quality results over time".