Prof. Bahareh Kherzi, an associated researcher at ICIQ, has been named one of the 2024 recipients of the “To the Mothers of Science” grants. Awarded biennially by the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), these grants provide financial support and coaching sessions to strengthen the leadership roles of women in science.

This year, Prof. Kherzi joins nine other women researchers from the BIST community in the “To the Mothers of Science” programme. This initiative offers financial aid and coaching to women scientists with dependent children, supporting their aspirations for positions of greater responsibility in their fields.

The external selection panel, comprising ICREA research professors Mariona Graupera from the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute and Soraya Pelaz from the Center for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), alongside Marta Lacambra, General Director of the Catalunya La Pedrera Foundation, highlighted the exceptional scientific caliber of this year’s awardees.

“I believe the programme acknowledges the unique challenges faced by scientist mothers, providing essential support that empowers me to balance my professional ambitions with family responsibilities,” says Prof. Kherzi. “This aspect of the programme is particularly motivating, inspiring me to demonstrate that it is possible to excel in both research and parenthood. My journey can serve as a beacon for other women in science, illustrating that leadership and family life can coexist harmoniously.”, stated Prof. Bahareh Kherzi.

Thanks to the “To the Mothers of Science” grants, the researchers will benefit from group coaching sessions led by Arantxa Gómez Esqué, a coach specializing in scientific research. Additionally, they will receive a monthly salary top-up of 400 euros for one year, which can be used as needed.

Congratulations to Prof. Kherzi and the rest of the winners of the BIST community centres: Denitza Denkova and Aleksandra Sierant (ICFO), Alba Garzón Manjón and Sonia Ruiz Raga (ICN2), Marina Inés Giannotti and Nina Kostina (IBEC), Bahareh Khezri (ICIQ), Paula Martínez (IRB), and Marion Salzer (CRG).

At ICIQ, we want to recognize all the mothers and scientists of our institute who contribute daily to the generation of knowledge while forming a family. You are our examples: ICIQ Women in Science, the scientists of the 21st century.

For further information, visit: https://bist.eu/talent/mothers-of-science/2024-grant-winners