Virginia Mato Abad, a professor at the University of A Coruña, has been honored with the Ada Byron Award, presented by the Professional Association of Computer Engineering of Galicia (CPEIG), in recognition of her academic career and her commitment to equality in the field of technology.
A native of A Coruña, Mato is a computer engineer and holds a Ph.D. from the University of A Coruña (UDC), where she currently serves as a tenured professor in the Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. Her work combines teaching and research in a context marked by the expansion of artificial intelligence, data science, and the growing presence of computer science across all sectors. In the university setting, she advocates for technology education that goes beyond the technical and incorporates critical thinking and reflection on the social impact of technology.
One of the most significant focuses of her career is the promotion of equality in ICT. Since 2021, she has co-directed the ALDABA-WIB (Women, ICT & Business) Chair, an inter-university initiative of ALDABA, the University of A Coruña, and the University of Vigo aimed at fostering interest in technology and reducing the gender gap in the sector. In this regard, Mato emphasizes that the low representation of women in technology fields represents a loss of talent and diversity, with direct effects on the quality of innovation.
The award ceremony will take place on June 12 in Santiago de Compostela, at an event that will bring together professionals, companies, and institutions from the Galician technology sector.