Pew Charitable Trusts Announces New Class of Latin American Fellows
In an exciting development, the Pew Charitable Trusts has proudly announced its 2025 cohort for the Pew Latin American Fellows Program in the Biomedical Sciences. This initiative is of great significance as it brings together ten exceptional postdoctoral fellows from diverse countries across Latin America, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico.
Support for Innovative Research
Each of these talented fellows will receive generous funding for a two-year period to conduct groundbreaking research in various U.S.-based laboratories. Their work will not only advance their careers but also contribute significantly to the scientific community. Under the guidance of esteemed biomedical scientists, these researchers will enhance their skills and knowledge, paving the way for future breakthroughs in healthcare.
The Impact of Mentorship
Mentorship plays a vital role in the success of these fellows. They will work alongside distinguished alumni from both the Pew Latin American fellows program and the Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences. This collaboration ensures they have access to substantial experience and guidance as they navigate their research endeavors.
Pathways to Returning Home
For those who opt to return to their home countries to launch independent research labs, Pew offers additional funding incentives. This approach has yielded impressive results, with nearly 70% of past participants choosing to establish themselves back in Latin America. Such initiatives are instrumental in nurturing a vibrant biomedical research community within the region.
Research Areas of Interest
The fellows from the 2025 class are focused on a broad spectrum of research topics. These range from understanding the evolution of brain tumors in resisting therapies to exploring how immune cells manage chronic pain during pregnancy. Furthermore, they will investigate the nervous system's remarkable ability to regenerate following injuries.
Highlighting Individual Contributions
Among the fellows, Nicolás Cumplido Salas, Ph.D., is set to investigate the influence of retinoic acid on zebrafish tail fin development under the mentorship of Sarah McMenamin at Boston College. Meanwhile, Marycruz Flores-Flores, Ph.D., will delve into how the distribution of ions across cell membranes affects cardiac development, collaborating with Christian Mosimann at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Other notable fellows include Alex Inague, Ph.D., who will research selenium metabolism and its therapeutic potential in cancer at the University of California, Berkeley, and Juan Ispizua, Ph.D., who will study nervous system remodeling post-injury at the University of Washington.
Further Insights on Research
Research outcomes from María Cecilia Lira, Ph.D., may provide valuable insights into how glioblastomas resist radiation therapy. She will work with Claire Vanpouille-Box at Weill Cornell Medicine. Additionally, Beatriz de Moraes, Ph.D., will explore immune response to chronic pain, focusing on pregnancy under Allan Basbaum's guidance at the University of California, San Francisco.
Furthermore, Lilian Gomes de Oliveira, Ph.D., will study Zika virus impact on brain development with Arnold Kriegstein at the same institution. Horacio Martín Pallarés, Ph.D., aims to uncover genetic networks essential for brain development while investigating Zika virus disruptions. Lastly, Christian Arias Reyes, Ph.D., will examine brain adaptations to low oxygen levels at Seattle Children's Research Institute, and José Hernández Valle, Ph.D., will investigate iron regulation in bacteria at the National Institutes of Health.
About Pew Charitable Trusts
Founded in 1948, The Pew Charitable Trusts leverages data to effect positive change in society. It addresses contemporary challenges by bringing attention to pressing issues and promoting collaborative projects that yield tangible results. Their commitment to fostering scientific advancements is evident in their ongoing support for research initiatives like the Latin American Fellows Program.
For further inquiries, please contact Erin Davis at 202-540-6677.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pew Latin American Fellows Program?
The Pew Latin American Fellows Program supports postdoctoral research in biomedical sciences, offering grants to promising researchers from Latin America.
How are the fellows selected?
Fellows are chosen based on their research proposals, academic achievements, and potential contributions to the field of biomedical science.
What type of research do the fellows conduct?
Fellows explore various biomedical research topics, including cancer therapies, immune response, and neurological studies.
Is there support for fellows returning to Latin America?
Yes, Pew provides additional funding for fellows who choose to return to their countries to establish their labs.
How has the program impacted biomedical research in Latin America?
The program has significantly contributed to cultivating a robust research community, encouraging young scientists to innovate and collaborate.
