Society of Toxicology (SOT) Member Ofelia A. Olivero was recognized with the RAICES Award at a special ceremony November 18 at the National Congress in Buenos Aires. Presented by Argentina Minister of Science, Technology, and Productive Innovation Lino Barañao, 21 Argentine and foreigner scientists were honored for their contribution to the scientific and technological development of the country with the RAICES Award or the Luis Federico Leloir Award. Pictured from left to right are Ing. Águeda Menvielle, Director, Department of International Relations, Ministry of Science, Julián Domínguez. President of the Congress, Ofelia A. Olivero, Lino Barañao, Minister of Science, and Graciela Giannettasio, House Representative.
During the ceremony Dr. Barañao stressed that "This is one of the most expected events for two reasons: the scientific reputation of the award winners and the willingness to cooperate and establish links with science and Argentine scientists. This has an emotional connotation, which is unprecedented in science." Each awardee presented a short talk on highlighting their experience abroad. The ceremony culminated with a dinner with the Minister.
The RAICES Award recognizes Argentine scientists who live abroad and have made a contribution for strengthening networking and scientific and technological capabilities for this country of their origin. The RAICES (Network of Argentine Researchers and Scientists Living Abroad) program promotes repatriation and networking of Argentine scientists living abroad.
Four of those recognized received the Luis Federico Leloir Award that celebrates the significant contributions of foreign persons to increasing international cooperation in science, technology, and innovation within Argentina. This award honors the achievements of Luis Federico Leloir, Argentine scientist who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1970.
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Productive Innovation was created in December 2007 by President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner. It is the first in Latin America that includes production innovation connected to science and technology. Its mission is to guide science, technology, and innovation towards strengthening a new production model that generates greater social inclusion and improves the competitiveness of the Argentine economy, under the paradigm of knowledge as the heart of the development.
Dr. Olivero serves as the 2013–2014 Chair of the Committee on Diversity Initiatives. She also is a member of the National Capital Area Regional Chapter and the Women in Toxicology and Hispanic Organization of Toxicologists Special Interest Groups as well as the Carcinogenesis Specialty Section. She joined SOT in 2004.