Celebrating three outstanding scientists from Mexico, Chile and Cuba, whose research, leadership, and commitment are helping shape the future of chemistry across Latin America.
From sustainable technologies and circular chemistry to green and medicinal chemistry, biotechnology, and human health, the 2026 Latin American Women in Chemistry Award recipients represent a diverse range of scientific expertise and real-world applications. Now in its fourth edition, the awards recognize outstanding women scientists across Hispanic Latin America whose careers demonstrate scientific excellence, innovation, leadership, and a commitment to advancing STEM and translating scientific knowledge into meaningful impact for society.
The American Chemical Society (ACS) and the Federación Latinoamericana de Asociaciones Químicas (FLAQ) are proud to recognize Dr. Neith Aracely Pacheco López, Emerging Leader in Chemistry and Related Areas; Dr. Flavia C. Zacconi, Leader in Academia; and Dr. María del Carmen Domínguez Horta, Leader in Industry, as the 2026 Latin American Women in Chemistry Award recipients.
This year’s nominations reflect the breadth and diversity of scientific excellence across the region. From Mexico to Argentina and throughout the Caribbean, the nominations represent a wide range of disciplines, research areas, and scientific expertise, highlighting the important contributions of women to the advancement of STEM and related fields across Latin America.
As LaTrease E. Garrison, ACS Chief Operating Officer, shared:
“The Latin American Women in Chemistry Awards celebrate scientists whose work demonstrates the transformative power of chemistry to improve lives and address global challenges. ACS is proud to recognize Drs. Pacheco López, Zacconi, and Domínguez Horta for their outstanding scientific achievements, leadership, and commitment to serving society. Their accomplishments reflect the extraordinary talent and innovation that advance chemistry across Latin America and inspire future generations of scientists to follow in their footsteps.”
Three scientists. Three paths. One shared commitment.
Dr. Neith Aracely Pacheco López
2026 Award Recognition: Emerging Leader in Chemistry and Related Areas
The Emerging Leader in Chemistry and Related Areas award recognizes a young scientist with an outstanding career and exceptional contributions to her field. Eligible candidates are up to 45 years old or within 10 years of completing their doctorate as of December 31, 2025, with extensions granted for parental leave.
Dr. Neith Aracely Pacheco López is a Full Research Professor at the Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco (CIATEJ), Mexico, and a member of the Mexican National System of Researchers (SNII Level II). Her research brings together chemistry, biotechnology, and sustainable technologies to explore the potential of agro-industrial, fisheries, and aquaculture by-products. Her work encompasses bioactive compounds and natural polymers, biopolymers and biomaterials, functional foods, advanced chromatographic and spectrometric methodologies, and the circular bioeconomy.
Through community-based projects, she connects scientific research with practical solutions in food security, sustainable resource management, and local innovation. By working with farmers, fishers, women, Indigenous communities, students, and local organizations, she helps bring science closer to society while encouraging more women and young people to pursue STEM careers.
What does this recognition mean at this stage of your scientific journey?
Receiving this award, which recognizes the beginning of a journey of leadership in science, the efforts of women, and those who support us along the way, is a great honor. It inspires me to keep moving forward, contributing to science, and paving the way for future generations.
From chemistry and biotechnology to sustainable innovation: how is your research shaping new solutions?
My career integrates chemistry and biotechnology to transform biological resources and waste into bioactive compounds, biomaterials, and sustainable technologies. Through research, patents, advanced analytical methods, mentorship, and collaboration with industry and communities, I lead science-driven innovations that create environmental, economic, and social impact, while striving to empower new generations of scientists.
Looking ahead: what would you tell the next generation of scientists?
To the next generation of scientists, I would say: stay curious, dare to ask questions, and never fear failure. Build strong networks, learn from others, and remember that science is not a journey you walk alone. Believe in your ideas, work with purpose, and let your science make a difference.
Explore ACS Publications content related to Dr. Pacheco’s research areas:
Biological Chemistry & Chemical Biology
Agricultural & Food Chemistry
Polymer Science & Macromolecular Chemistry
Dr. Flavia C. Zacconi
2026 Award Recognition: Leadership in Academia
The Leadership in Academia category recognizes a scientist with a consolidated background in academia whose contributions to scientific research in chemistry have global and social impact.
This year’s awardee is Dr. Flavia C. Zacconi, Ph.D., originally from Argentina and currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Organic Chemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy and the Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC). She is also an Associate Researcher at the Center for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, the Translational Endocrinology Center (PUC), and the Center for Nanomedicine (University of Talca). Her research sits at the intersection of organic and medicinal chemistry, green chemistry, nanotechnology, and biomedical engineering. Her work focuses particularly on the sustainable synthesis of antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory compounds, Factor Xa inhibitors, targeted nanocarriers, and perfluorocarbon-based oxygen-carrying nanosystems.
Professor Zacconi is an active academic leader and mentor, contributing to university governance, curriculum development, research safety, innovation, and inclusive admissions. Her commitment to social impact and gender equity is reflected in her leadership of Green Chemistry Week and the Symposium on Green Chemistry and Sustainability, as well as her participation in initiatives that bring science to schools and broader audiences. Through teaching, mentoring, science communication, and community engagement, she works to make chemistry more accessible, inclusive, and relevant to society while inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Looking back on your academic journey, what does this recognition mean to you?
Looking back on my academic journey, this award holds special meaning as recognition of a path shaped by passion, challenges and learning, deeply enriched by growing alongside my students and colleagues, and as part of the increasing recognition of women’s longstanding contributions to chemistry.
How is chemistry driving your interdisciplinary research and innovation?
Our research places chemistry at the core of an interdisciplinary approach, bridging green and medicinal chemistry with biomedical sciences, materials science, and engineering to address complex scientific challenges and develop innovative solutions. By embedding sustainability from the design stage, we connect fundamental and applied science, bringing a broader perspective on innovation, one that combines scientific rigor, environmental responsibility, social equity, and societal relevance.
What would you tell young women scientists as they begin to shape their careers?
Stay curious, ask difficult questions, and have the courage to explore new paths. Let purpose and perseverance guide you and remain open to those who challenge and inspire you, because science is a journey we build together, learning from those before us and opening the way for those who follow.
Explore ACS Publications content related to Dr. Zacconi’s research areas:
Environmental & Sustainable Chemistry
Medicinal Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Materials Science
Dr. María del Carmen Domínguez Horta
2026 Award Recognition: Leadership in Industry
The Leadership in Industry category recognizes a scientist working in the chemical, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology industry who has demonstrated sustained innovation, commercial success, and benefit to society.
Dr. María del Carmen Domínguez Horta is a Biochemist and Doctor in Biological Sciences who has dedicated 38 years to the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) in Havana, Cuba. Her research focuses on immunological tolerance and led to the design and development of Jusvinza, the first Cuban drug based on a therapeutic peptide. Under her leadership, the molecule advanced from research and preclinical studies through clinical development and regulatory approval. She has also led multidisciplinary teams, fostered international collaborations, and trained new generations of scientists. She is also a Full Professor at the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM), where she teaches Biochemistry to medical students from Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
A strong advocate for women in STEM, she actively promotes gender equity through mentoring, lectures, workshops, and science outreach activities in schools and communities. Her commitment to public health, education, sustainability, and social impact reflects a career dedicated not only to scientific innovation, but also to ensuring that biotechnology serves society and contributes to global health equity.
What does this recognition mean to you after years of translating scientific research into health solutions?
Winning this award represents an invaluable recognition of years of effort to translate science into health solutions. It is also an impetus to continue opening paths for more women in the chemical and biotechnological industry.
How has your research contributed to advancing Cuban biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation?
My research has contributed to the development of innovative Cuban biotechnological products. Specifically, I led the design of Jusvinza using bioinformatics tools and protein chemistry. It is currently a medicine used in Cuba for severe forms of COVID-19 and is now registered for rheumatoid arthritis. It is the first Cuban peptide registered for pharmaceutical use and is already produced on an industrial scale, thanks to the work of many colleagues in the field of chemistry.
What advice would you offer to young women scientists entering the field of chemistry and biotechnology?
Build strong fundamentals, choose problems that matter, and seek feedback early. Collaborate generously, aim for quality, and treat setbacks as data. Your career is a marathon; keep learning and keep showing up.
Explore ACS Publications content related to Dr. Domínguez’s research areas:
Chemical Engineering & Industrial Chemistry
Medicinal Chemistry
Looking ahead
Four editions of the Latin American Women in Chemistry Awards have highlighted the remarkable contributions of women scientists across the region. As ACS and FLAQ continue this initiative, the goal remains the same: to strengthen the presence and visibility of women in science while creating greater opportunities for the generations who will shape its future. The achievements of this year’s awardees demonstrate the many ways scientific leadership can make a difference — from sustainable technologies and green chemistry to academic innovation, biotechnology, and human health.
For ACS, empowering young and aspiring scientists is essential to championing the future leaders who will address some of humanity’s most pressing challenges and advance solutions grounded in science.
Join us at CLAQ 2026
The 2026 Latin American Women in Chemistry Awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, during the XXXVII Congreso Latinoamericano de Química (CLAQ 2026) in Lima, Peru. If you are attending the conference, we invite you to join ACS and FLAQ to celebrate these three inspiring scientists and their extraordinary contributions to chemistry, science, and society.
Celebrate with us in Lima.