Women for Conservation is proud to announce the recipients of our 2025 Women in Science & Research Grants — three passionate young female scientists who are making a meaningful difference in conservation research:
* Herpetofauna: the reptiles and amphibians of a particular region or habitat.
Program Background
In 2024, Women for Conservation introduced the Women in Science & Research grant in an effort to support young female scientists in Colombia. Research in Colombia is essential because these areas are biodiversity hotspots — Colombia alone boasts 63,000 species, 14% of which are endemic, making it one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. However, women scientists in Latin America struggle with access to funding for research, publication fees, transportation, and lodging, as well as visibility for their work. Supporting women in protecting this vibrant place is vital to ensuring its survival in the future.
We wanted to create an opportunity specifically for this group, which faces disproportionate challenges while conducting research in this highly threatened area, compared to their peers who are men or from other countries. Each recipient receives financial support to help cover costs related to their research projects, such as transportation, lodging, and materials.
Previous Impact
In 2024, we awarded five grants to women who are making significant contributions to protecting biodiversity in areas of high conservation importance. More information about last year’s grant recipients can be found in our 2024 impact report.
2025 Recipients
In 2025, we received many excellent applicants and struggled to narrow them down to three women studying the diversity and abundance of reptiles and amphibians in three ProAves reserves, pictured on the map below.
Why Support Women in Science?
Women are still underrepresented in science, especially in leadership roles, and especially in Latin America. In terms of conservation, having diverse perspectives, not only within ethnicities but also within genders, will be a necessity for creating effective solutions to our climate change and biodiversity loss problems. Because of sociocultural gender roles, women bring unique knowledge and perspectives to the table. Their roles often include land and resource management — gathering water and growing food. This means that they are particularly knowledgeable about the needs and wellbeing of the land. They are also the most affected by climate-related disasters because of their lack of access to tools to combat climate change, again due to sociocultural gender roles.
In order to create climate solutions that benefit all humans, we must give women power. If a perspective is not heard or considered, it will not be accounted for when creating climate solutions. Power includes education, so that women have the tools they need to become the next generation of conservation leaders, in a time when our decisions are pivotal.
How Do the Grants Help?
In an area where funding for women researchers is difficult to access, it can be particularly challenging to overcome obstacles like transportation, accommodation, and finding equipment when participating in research projects in remote areas. Each grant covers these costs and allows the researchers to focus on completing their work.
Facilitating this learning experience gives these women tools and understanding, and can act as a stepping stone in their careers. It provides them with opportunities to become future conservation leaders and participate in decision-making, ultimately moving towards a more equitable future.