Women in Science: Interview with Peer Reviewer Berenice Posada-Ramírez
11 Feb 2026 by Faye Holst
Peer Reviewer Berenice Posada-Ramírez
What inspired you to pursue a career in science, and what continues to motivate you today?
From an early age, I was fascinated by the physical phenomena that shape our world. My questions were simple, “Why do rainbows form?” “Where does light come from?”- but they revealed a deep and growing curiosity about the nature of reality. Over time, that curiosity evolved into a strong desire to formally understand the principles behind these phenomena, which ultimately led me to a career in optics.
Today, that same sense of wonder continues to inspire my work. I am committed to sharing my knowledge with girls and young women, helping them discover that the everyday phenomena that surround us are both elegantly simple and profoundly complex. Through this outreach, I strive not only to make science more accessible but also to encourage them to envision themselves in physics, to understand that their questions are powerful and that they, too, can play an important role in expanding our understanding of the universe.
From your perspective, what actions by publishers—such as IOP Publishing—make the most meaningful difference in supporting women researchers and reviewers?
From my perspective, publishers – such as IOP Publishing- play a fundamental role in creating a more equitable research environment. One of the most impactful measures has been the adoption of double-anonymous peer review in all journals, ensuring that manuscripts are evaluated solely on their scientific merit rather than on the identities of their authors. By helping to mitigate gender bias in the review process, this practice strengthens both fairness and excellence in scholarly publishing.
Equally significant is the growing commitment to diversity within editorial leadership. The increased presence of women serving on editorial boards and as reviewers not only broadens the range of perspectives guiding publication decisions but also signals to the scientific community that excellence and leadership are inclusive. These actions move beyond symbolic change- they actively contribute to a culture in which women researchers are recognized, supported, and empowered to lead.
Sustained progress will depend on continuing to expand these efforts, fostering transparent evaluation practices, and intentionally cultivating diverse editorial communities. When publishers promote inclusion at every level, they do more than support individual careers- they help shape a stronger, more innovative future for science itself.