It is with profound sadness that World Women in Neuroscience (WWN) shares the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Dr. Martha Davila-Garcia, leader of the WWN Education Committee.
A dedicated neuroscientist, educator, and passionate advocate for mentorship and the empowerment of women in neuroscience, Martha was a cherished member of our organization whose passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment breathed life into our mission. She didn’t just support our cause; she lived it, generously giving their time, energy, and warmth to uplift our community and champion the values we hold dear. Through her leadership, kindness, and unwavering commitment to education, she touched countless lives and inspired those around her. Her contributions to WWN will continue to resonate through the connections she fostered, the opportunities she helped create, and the people she inspired. Her absence leaves a profound void in our hearts and our work, but her remarkable legacy of service will continue to inspire everything we do.
Our deepest condolences go out to Martha’s family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her.
Dr. Martha I. Dávila-García Memorial Fellowship
Honouring a legacy of mentorship, opportunity and empowerment for women in neuroscience
The Dr. Martha I. Dávila-García Memorial Fellowship is established in loving memory of our dear colleague and friend, whose dedication, generosity and tireless commitment to supporting and mentoring women in neuroscience touched the lives of so many.
Throughout her career, she devoted herself to creating opportunities for women, nurturing emerging talent, and helping the next generation of neuroscientists find their voice, develop their potential and thrive in a field where women remain underrepresented. Her belief in the importance of mentorship, encouragement and access to opportunities was reflected not only in her professional work, but also in the countless personal connections she built and the lives she influenced.
This fellowship seeks to honour that legacy by continuing the work to which she devoted so much of her time and energy. In particular, it aims to strengthen support for women pursuing careers in neuroscience in Africa, where access to mentorship, professional networks, research opportunities and career development can be particularly challenging.
Through this initiative, we hope to provide promising women neuroscientists with opportunities to develop their research and professional skills, build meaningful collaborations, access mentorship and become part of a wider international community of women in neuroscience. Equally important, we hope to empower fellows to become mentors and advocates themselves, supporting others and helping to build stronger, more inclusive neuroscience communities across the continent.
The fellowship is more than an award or a professional development opportunity. It is a commitment to the values she embodied: generosity, mentorship, collaboration, inclusion and the belief that talent should be nurtured wherever it is found. By investing in the next generation of women neuroscientists, we hope to create a lasting legacy that reflects her vision and continues to open doors for others.
In her memory, we aim not only to remember what she gave to our community, but to continue what she started — facilitating opportunities, building connections and empowering women to shape the future of neuroscience.