As a member of the Biochemical Society’s Awards Panel, Dr Maria Luisa S. Sequeira Lopez plays an important role in recognising outstanding achievement across the molecular biosciences. Drawing on her editorial, research and awards-panel experience, she helps assess nominations for the Society’s annual Awards and contributes to a fair and inclusive evaluation process. 

We asked Maria Luisa about what inspired her to join the Panel, the perspective she brings to its discussions and the skills and insights she has gained through active involvement in the Society. 

 

As a Society member you have had the opportunity to join a committee, but what inspired you to take that step? And how has the experience compared to what you imagined? 

My journey with the Society’s leadership began in 2020 when I joined Clinical Science as an Associate Editor. One of the most rewarding aspects of that role was serving as a mentor within the Early Career Researcher Editorial Board Mentorship Scheme, where I had the privilege of training the next generation of scientists in the nuances of peer review and editorial processes. Having previously served on several institutional and external awards panels, I reached a point where I wanted to deepen my commitment and give back more meaningfully to the Biochemical Society. This inspired me to apply for a position on the Awards Committee. 

The experience has far exceeded my expectations, particularly regarding the sheer scope of the awards and the meticulous organization behind them. I was immediately impressed by the foresight of the timeline—evaluating applications in November for awards presented two years later—which exemplifies the Society's strategic planning. 

In my view, the Society has designed the absolute best evaluation scheme. The two-step application process is a masterclass in efficiency; it drastically reduces the administrative burden on nominators and spares non-competitive candidates unnecessary effort. Furthermore, I deeply appreciate the system's built-in flexibility, which allows the committee to redirect a stellar nominee to a different award category if it fits their achievements better. Working alongside such an open, professional, and dedicated group of peers has made this a truly outstanding experience. 

 

Is there a particular moment/accomplishment from your committee role(s) that made you feel proud and highlighted the value of being an active member? 

My proudest contributions stem from the unique, multicultural lens I bring to the evaluation table. Having earned my MD and specialized in Paediatrics in Argentina and subsequently building my research career in the United States, I possess a firsthand understanding of the vastly different scientific landscapes across the Americas. 

Being an active committee member has allowed me to champion equity and global context during deliberations. I have been able to articulate the specific institutional, geographic, and financial challenges that candidates from South and North America might face. Highlighting these hidden hurdles ensures our evaluation process is truly equitable, ensuring that exceptional talent is recognized regardless of where the science is being conducted. 

 

Which skills or insights do you feel you’ve built because of the opportunities available to you as a member of the Society? 

The most profound insight I have gained is mastering the art of effective and equitable evaluation, while simultaneously expanding my own scientific horizons. Reviewing the incredibly diverse applications submitted to the committee has given me a front-row seat to spectacular scientific achievements and breakthrough science happening across various disciplines. 

 

Through our collaborative debates, I have learned how to look past the surface of a resume to weigh merit, potential, and impact objectively. This refined perspective on peer evaluation, paired with a broader appreciation for cutting-edge discovery, is a skill set that not only serves the Society well but also enriches my daily work within the University of Virginia and the broader scientific community. Ultimately, I am incredibly proud and profoundly grateful to the Biochemical Society for these opportunities to grow, collaborate, and contribute to the global advancement of our field. 

  

Discover more about our Awards Panel

Know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the molecular biosciences? Nominations for the Biochemical Society 2028 Awards are open until 2 November 2026