Marga Gual Soler, Ph.D.
A scientist without borders
Summary
Born in Spain and trained in four continents, Dr. Gual Soler is a "science diplomat" bridging the gap between academia, policy and society and empowering young scientists to broaden their societal contributions and become agents of change.
Dr. Gual Soler bridges the worlds of scientific research, communication and diplomacy. Bilingual in English and Spanish, her professional, study and travel experiences span more than 30 countries in 4 continents. Dr. Gual Soler advocates for the potential of science as universal currency to build bridges between nations, cultures and languages and achieve common development goals. Her entrepreneurial, creative and boundary-spanning perspective catalyzes the potential of academics, practitioners, policymakers and international organizations to maximize their impact. She advocates for better representation women and minorities in science and engineering around the world, and is on a mission to transform graduate STEM education.
Experience
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Washington DC
Project Director, Center for Science Diplomacy, Office for International and Security Affairs
The AAAS Center for Science Diplomacy was founded to develop an intellectual foundation for science diplomacy, where science, its methods, and applications are essential elements of foreign policy and international relations. My work focuses on building science diplomacy capacity and mechanisms in Latin America that contribute to shape foreign policy agendas, strengthen regional cooperation and harness the scientific and technological potential of the region.
Arizona State University, Tempe AZ and Washington DC
Assistant Research Professor From January 2015
Joint appointment with the Consortium for Science, Policy and Outcomes and the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment.
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Washington DC
Visiting Research Scholar, Center for Science and Diplomacy May 2014 - October 2014
Global Poverty Challenge 2030
Co-founder and Director of Scientific Development Jan 2014 - Present
We are a platform of multidisciplinary professional-led networks that promote the global exchange of ideas to eradicate extreme poverty by the year 2030. We base our work on the post-2015 UN Development Goals implementation and expansion. The far-fetched progress expedited by the UN Millennium Development Goals is our source of inspiration http://www.gpc2030.org.
World Association of Young Scientists
Founder and Coordinator, Latin American Network of Young Scientists Nov 2013 - Present
The World Association of Young Scientists is the largest grassroots, non-profit, global collaborative community empowering young scientists around the world. The Latin American branch of WAYS (WAYS LAC) was launched in November 2013 at the World Science Forum in Rio de Janeiro under Dr. Gual Soler's leadership with support from UNESCO. WAYS LAC has been selected as official partner of the Global Partnership for Youth in the Post-2015 agenda https://crowdsourcing.itu.int.
United Nations Office at Geneva
Intern - 2013 ECOSOC High Level Segment Jul 2013
Provided support to the 2013 ECOSOC High Level Segment focused on Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development and achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
• Coordinated delivery of oral statements for NGOs in Consultative Status.
• Broadcast the High Level Segment to the scientific community via social media to strengthen links between UN policies and the scientific world.
• Participated in the UNESCO-For Women in Science panel with senior executives from UNESCO, ITU and CERN.
United Nations Headquarters
Intern - ECOSOC, NGO Branch, DESA Feb 2013 - Jun 2013
Assisted with preparations for the 2013 ECOSOC Annual Ministerial Review focused on the theme: "Science, technology and innovation, and the potential of culture, in promoting sustainable development and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)"
• Designed and executed mass marketing and targeted campaigns that resulted in all-time record participation of NGOs in the ECOSOC High-Level Segment.
• Organized two ECOSOC conferences: Youth Innovation Forum (March 2013) and Partnerships for Innovation Forum (April 2013).
• Reviewed 250+ oral and written statements submitted by NGOs and drafted policy recommendations on science, technology and innovation for the High-Level Segment.
• Reviewed and evaluated NGO applications for ECOSOC consultative status.
• Researched the 2014 United Nations e-Government Survey for Andorra, El Salvador and Nicaragua.
Science House Foundation, New York
Global Community Coordinator Aug 2012 - May 2013
Engaged with students, teachers, scientists and non-profit organizations worldwide to build a network of people inspired by science as a catalyst for literacy and cross-cultural collaboration.
• Provided community management, scientific mentoring and technical support to 25 countries.
• Managed the project via an online platform and social media channels in English and Spanish.
• Performed international outreach, grant writing and fostered new partnerships with multiple stakeholders, including UNESCO and the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
• Served as a panelist at Science Online Teen Conference 2013 in New York City.
University of Queensland, Australia
Teaching Assistant, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences Apr 2009 - Dec 2012
Courses: Genetics, Differentiation and Development, Molecular Cell Biology.
• Demonstration of laboratory techniques and theoretical discussion with undergraduate students from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
• Evaluation of student progress, exam marking and report on their academic performance.
• Ensuring appropriate laboratory safety practices according to OH&S regulations.
Education
Georgetown University, Washington D.C.
Global Competitiveness Leadership Program January 2014 - April 2014
Georgetown University’s Global Competitiveness Leadership Program (GCL) is a one-of-a-kind fellowship dedicated to promoting a new generation of socially responsible, innovative and ethical leaders in the Ibero-American region. The GCL Program awards young leaders with a full scholarship to learn about political, corporate, nonprofit and personal leadership and develop a social impact to produce a multiplier effect. Dr. Gual Soler developed the Latin American Network of Young Scientists (WAYS LAC) as part of the GCL Program.
The University of Queensland, Australia
Ph.D. in Molecular Cell Biology 2009 - 2013
PhD in Molecular Cell Biology at Professor Jennifer L. Stow laboratory, focused on elucidating the intracellular protein trafficking mechanisms associated with epithelial polarity, morphogenesis and cancer. Specialised in advanced microscopy, 3D epithelial organotypic models, biochemistry and proteomics.
Thesis title: "The Role of Rab23 in Epithelial Morphogenesis, Polarity and Lumen Formation"
Community engagement: Executive committee of Students of the IMB Association (SIMBA) and Early Career Researchers (ECR), IMB Science Ambassador, Organizer of the 2010 University of Queensland Centenary Postgraduate Conference and the 2012 Australian Society for Medical Research Conference.
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
Cellular and Molecular Biology, Visiting Ph.D. Scholar July 2012 - December 2011
Research visit at Dr. Fernando Martin Belmonte laboratory as part of PhD project.
Project title: "Role of Rab23 in early epithelial lumen formation"
La Trobe University, Australia
Molecular Biology, Occupational Trainee January 2008 - June 2008
Exchange program at Master's level between University of Barcelona and La Trobe University in Australia.
Research project at Professor David L. Vaux laboratory. "Study of the activation of AP-1 and NF-κB by TNFα signaling pathway."
Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Masters in Experimental Biology 2007 - 2008
Professor Francesc Villarroya Gombau laboratory.
Project title: "Effects of Englitazone administration to late pregnant rats on gene expression in adipose tissue of their fetuses and neonates."
Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
Biology, Bachelor's degree 2002 - 2007
Specialty Biomedicine
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
Chronobiology, Exchange Student Summer 2006
Project title: “Anatomical basis of the circadian rythmicity in mammals”
Activities: International Federation of Medical Students Association (IFMSA)
CONFERENCES & TALKS
Buenos Aires Ciencia
December 2013
CaixaForum Madrid
September 2013
UNESCO Montevideo
December 2013
World Science Forum
December 2013, Rio de Janeiro
Science Online Together
Raleigh, North Carolina
February 2014
Selected publications
Una red para evitar el aislamiento científico y la ‘españolización’ de la ciencia
La nueva Red Latinoamericana de Jóvenes Científicos, impulsada por la Unesco, ha sido creada para “diseñar políticas científicas sólidas que acompañen a los investigadores desde los inicios de su carrera y apuesten por su proyección internacional”, dice su coordinadora. La red aspira, además, a acabar con el aislamiento español en las cumbres internacionales
Languages
Spanish
Native
Catalan
Native
English
Full professional proficiency
Portuguese
Basic
Contact
marga.gualsoler@gmail.com