The Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG) has awarded the Dr. Ricardo Bressani Medal to Dr. Norma Padilla and M. Sc. Renata Mendizábal, recognizing their achievements in scientific research.
During the ceremony, the vice-rector for Research, Outreach and Development highlighted the honorees' work and noted that their careers have required adaptation to societal needs, technological trends, and student interests over several decades. Both recipients are researchers at the Center for Health Studies (CES), part of UVG's Institute for Research, and have led high-impact projects.
Dr. Norma Padilla leads the Malaria and Vector Biology Laboratory at CES-UVG. Her research focuses on mosquito biology and epidemiological patterns of vector-borne diseases. She has documented zoonotic cycles and laid important groundwork for malaria elimination efforts in Guatemala. Her studies also involve innovative technologies for dengue control and investigating insecticide resistance, contributing significantly to public health improvements in medical entomology.
"I receive this medal with much humility and joy as a symbol of collective work and shared dreams," said Dr. Norma Padilla.
M. Sc. Renata Mendizábal is director of CES-UVG and serves as executive secretary of its Research Ethics Committee. Her career spans teaching, research, and technical assistance with notable contributions to vector-borne disease studies—including participation in efforts leading to the elimination of onchocerciasis in Guatemala in 2016—and promoting ethics in research training for undergraduate and graduate students. In leishmaniasis research, she worked on developing sustainable treatment innovations accessible even in remote areas.
"In CES-UVG we have achieved many things together, but there is still much to do and many generations to inspire," said M. Sc. Renata Mendizábal.
The Dr. Ricardo Bressani Medal was established by UVG in 2013 to honor scientific achievement benefiting Guatemalan society; it recognizes not only academic merits but also personal qualities impacting local communities through science. Since 2025, other recipients include Celia Cordón, Nidia Rizzo, Pamela Pennington, Tomás Barrientos, and Víctor Hugo Ayerdi.
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