Women in Science: Interview with Peer Reviewer Dr. Bárbara Bermúdez Reyes
06 Feb 2026 by Faye Holst
Dr. Barbara-Bermudez-Reyes
What inspired you to pursue a career in science, and what continues to motivate you today?
I started cooking as a child and observed how the colors of the ingredients changed when mixed together and cooked. I believe it was at that moment that the need to understand the transformation of materials became my motivation for pursuing science and technology.
Currently, research in science and technology remains my priority, and I specialize in materials because they are what make up everything around us, are applied in all areas of knowledge, and are fundamental in fields as important as medicine and aerospace technology.
What advice would you give to girls and women who are considering a future in science?
Wanting to know and resolve doubts is part of science, technology, and innovation, and this is also an activity for women. We have come a long way, and although we are already working, contributing, and disseminating knowledge in areas that were once closed to women, many more of us are needed in STEM fields.
I encourage you, if science is your passion or you have ever been curious about it, to take the plunge and move forward; maintain your desire to experiment and the excitement of discovering new and fantastic things. There is room for everyone in science and technology, and I am sure that, in the near future, women will be at the forefront of the development of these fascinating disciplines.
What has been one of your proudest moments or most meaningful experiences in your scientific journey?
The day my student and I received an invention award for obtaining a patent for a CubeSat nanosatellite. On the day of the ceremony, when I held the award in my hands, I realized I had truly won it and understood that the study, the dedication, the failures, the achievements—both small and large—the frustrations, and everything that scientific work entails, has its rewards, both personally and in terms of benefits to society. Not forgetting that my student’s work on the project was invaluable for their contributions and commitment.
From your perspective, what actions by publishers—such as IOP Publishing—make the most meaningful difference in supporting women researchers and reviewers?
From my professional and personal perspective, what truly sets IOP Publishing apart is its commitment to providing the scientific community with training as peer reviewers for scientific articles in an objective, easy, and fast way, without compromising scientific rigor. Furthermore, IOP’s training programs are based on a methodology of equality and respect within the scientific and technological community.