The Information Processing and Telecommunications Center (IPTC) highlight the role of women in telecommunications engineering on International Women’s Day

04/03/2026

Madrid, March 8. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Information Processing and Telecommunications Center (IPTC) highlighting the role of women in telecommunications engineering — a field historically dominated by men where female representation, despite progress, remains limited.

In Spain, only 30% of engineering students are women, and the percentage is even lower in telecommunications. In the professional sphere, the gap persists: women represent between 16% and 27% in classrooms, but only around 6.4% in technical positions. Structural barriers such as gender stereotypes, lack of visible role models, and bias in promotion and leadership opportunities continue to hinder equal participation.

Role models paving the way

The Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Telecomunicación (ETSIT) of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) has educated numerous women engineers who have excelled in research, academia, and industry.

On International Women’s Day, we proudly recognize the outstanding contributions of four distinguished Full Professors from the IPTC. Through their leadership in telecommunications engineering, artificial intelligence, electronic design, biomedical imaging, and communication networks, they have not only advanced scientific knowledge but also inspired new generations of engineers and researchers. Their careers reflect excellence, innovation, and a strong commitment to academic and societal impact, embodying the transformative role of women in STEM.

Ana María Bernardos Barbolla. As a Full Professor in the Department of Signals, Systems, and Radiocommunications, she is a visionary in Smart Spaces and the Internet of Things (IoT). Her career is defined by her leadership in the Applied Intelligence and Data Analysis group, where she has managed over 50 research projects. She is frequently recognized for her work in human-computer interaction, bridging the gap between complex sensor data and user-centric applications to improve quality of life. Currently academic secretary of the IPTC.

María Calderón Pastor. A powerhouse in Telematics Engineering, her expertise lies in vehicular networks (VANETs) and advanced transport systems. Beyond her technical research, she has held significant institutional roles, including Vice-Rector at UPM, demonstrating her influence in academic policy. Her work is vital for the future of autonomous and connected vehicles, and she is a recipient of multiple awards for her commitment to telecommunications education and research innovation.

María Jesús Ledesma Carbayo. A global leader in Biomedical Engineering, she has transformed how we use image processing to solve medical challenges. Her research in 4D cardiac imaging and neuroimaging is internationally acclaimed, earning her prestigious honors such as the Spanish National Research Award (mention) and fellowships at institutions like MIT. She is a key figure in the Biomedical Image Technologies (BIT) group, where she applies engineering to save lives through better diagnostic tools.

María Luisa López Vallejo. A specialist in Electronics and Microelectronics, she is renowned for her research on high-performance, low-power integrated circuits. She leads the Electronic Design Group and has been a driving force in VLSI design in Spain. Her accolades include recognition for her work in thermal-aware circuit design and her dedication to mentoring the next generation of engineers, particularly in making the rigorous field of microelectronics more accessible.

Slow but steady progress

Within IPTC itself, following the 2025 renewal process, the number of female researchers has risen to 25 out of 226 members — representing 11.06% of the total. Although still below the national average, this marks a two-percentage-point increase compared to previous years, reflecting gradual but steady progress.

Through this statement, IPTC seeks not only to celebrate achievements but also to acknowledge the structural challenges that remain. Increasing visibility, promoting inclusive policies, and fostering cultural change are essential steps toward ensuring equal opportunities in telecommunications engineering.

Toward a more equal future in telecommunications

Women engineers are playing a key role in the development of strategic technologies such as 5G, cybersecurity, and IoT. However, achieving real equality requires active measures, visible role models, and a long-term commitment to dismantling gender stereotypes from an early age.

This March 8, IPTC reaffirms its commitment to advancing equality in engineering. Because without women in engineering, technology will be less fair, less innovative, and less representative of the society it serves.

“Don’t apologize for being strong, determined, and brilliant in a male-dominated field; you are here because you have something valuable to contribute.” (inspired by Ursula Burns)

Happy Women’s Day!!!!

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For more information: www.iptc.upm.es