Growing with our women researchers. Ana Aranzabe

Today, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Tekniker wishes to underscore the work done by its female researchers, experts in the areas of science and technology, to share their experience and reflect on the role that female talent plays in the world of science and technology.

In this particular instance, we are interviewing Ana Aranzabe, director of technology at Tekniker.

1.- How do you remember the moment when you decided to join the world of science and technology?

I can´t exactly remember when I took that decision, although I think it was something that became increasingly relevant as I grew up. Science and technology were not only present in my family life, but also always associated with, among other things, disciplines such as music and reading. Although it is true, however, that my professional life has always been linked to science and technology from an early age, it was also thanks to my parents who also encouraged my sister and brother to follow the same professional path.

2.- What made you decide to work in this sector? Did you have a scientific model or reference at the time?

As I wrote to my mother in the dedication to her in my doctoral thesis, she was who really encouraged me to focus on science and, more specifically, on chemistry. I also knew that this career would allow me to achieve a work-life balance.

Scientific references? Throughout history, all of those women without “a room for themselves”. In other words, women lacking a suitable context who did not only leave a mark but also produced the first computation algorithms, astronomical canons, radioactivity…

Nowadays, each and every one of these women provide the encouragement needed by other girls and women to join the world of science and technology.

3.- Has your professional career turned out to be what you expected

The truth is that I never imagined how my professional career was going to unfold. I started off at a university where I was taught scientific rigour and critical analysis, but I really always wanted to focus on the world of business, a duality that was always present in the science-technology atmosphere of my family.

I eventually joined Tekniker, the technology centre for which I currently work and where I’ve always been able to make scientific excellence and technology transfers converge. Since the early days of my career and nowadays, 30 years later, I still have a strong personal interest in transmitting, supporting and boosting this duality from my current position in the company.

As this allows me to carry on learning and growing professionally, I only hope I will be able to help and encourage other people so they can enjoy and appreciate the world of science and technology and what it offers to the industry and society at large.

Did I ever imagine that? No. Have all of my expectations been met? Definitely.

4.- What would you say to young people that would like to study scientific and technological careers?

I’d tell them to go ahead, to enjoy what is an exciting experience so they can eventually decide which path they would like to take and give back to society what they learn.

5.- What do you think the future will hold for women in scientific and technological professions?

Although there are still obstacles to be overcome, the future is clear and people need us. Multi-disciplinarity, diversity and different opinions and perspectives generate added value. The future belongs to all of us women.