Carla Eugenia Giacomelli is an Argentine researcher and chemist whose career has combined academic excellence, innovative research, and a strong commitment to promoting the role of women in science. She holds a degree in Chemistry and a PhD in Chemical Sciences from the National University of Córdoba (UNC).
Giacomelli and her scientific path
After completing her undergraduate and doctoral studies at UNC, Giacomelli remained closely linked to the institution as a professor at the Faculty of Chemical Sciences and as a researcher at the Institute of Research in Physical Chemistry of Córdoba (INFIQC). This institute, dependent on both the Faculty of Chemical Sciences and CONICET, combines teaching and advanced research in the intersection of chemistry, physics, and biology.
At INFIQC, Giacomelli focuses on biophysical and surface physical chemistry, particularly the study of biomaterials and hybrid materials for medical applications. Surface physical chemistry examines the physical and chemical phenomena that occur at the boundary of two phases, while hybrid materials combine organic and inorganic components to create improved functionalities. Within this field, biomaterials—engineered to interact with biological systems—play a central role in regenerative medicine.
Giacomelli and CONICET
As a CONICET researcher, Giacomelli is part of the Córdoba Scientific and Technological Center, which represents the institution in the province and fosters regional research development. Her main contributions include studies on colloidal systems and their physical chemistry. These systems, composed of multiple non-homogeneous phases, are present in everyday applications and are crucial in advanced material science.
Her sustained contributions have been widely recognized, establishing her as one of Argentina’s leading figures in chemistry.
Award-winning research
In 2022, Giacomelli received the L’Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science for her research on biomaterials and their applications in bone regeneration. The award, given annually, honors women whose scientific achievements have significant global impact.
In 2023, she was honored with the Premio Córdoba Empresaria in the Technology category, awarded by La Voz, for her work on nanotechnology applied to drug delivery and gene repair. Her projects in nanomedicine highlight the potential of nanoscale innovations for targeted therapies.
Beyond research, Giacomelli co-founded Nanotransfer, a technology-based startup focused on the development of advanced nanomaterials for medical applications.
An advocate for women in science
Her influence extends beyond the laboratory. Giacomelli is an active member of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), where she contributes to the Global Women’s Breakfast, an annual initiative aimed at building networks and discussing the role of women in science. She also participates in the IUPAC network dedicated to advancing women’s presence and leadership in scientific communities.
Through her participation in international congresses and events on physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, nanomedicine, and nanobiotechnology, Giacomelli strengthens Argentina’s scientific visibility on the global stage.
A pioneer in both research and advocacy, Carla Giacomelli embodies the integration of cutting-edge scientific work with social commitment, consolidating her position as one of the most prominent Argentine chemists of her generation.
