Celebrating Women in Optics: María Josefa Yzuel

As part of Andover Corporation’s ongoing celebration of women pioneers in optics, this blog shines a spotlight on María Josefa Yzuel. A renowned Spanish scientist, Dr. Yzuel has broken barriers in research and teaching, becoming a respected leader in the international optics community. She is also a dedicated advocate for promoting women in STEM fields, serving as a role model for generations of scientists.

A Trailblazing Education

Born in 1940 and raised in Jaca, Spain, María Josefa Yzuel pursued her dream of higher education at a time when societal expectations limited women’s opportunities. With her parents’ encouragement, she defied conventions and earned a bachelor’s degree in physical sciences from the University of Zaragoza in 1962. She continued her studies at Zaragoza and earned her PhD in 1966.

In 1971, she made history as the first woman to be appointed Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Zaragoza. In 1982, she joined the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), where she became a full professor. Though she retired in 2011, she remains active as an emeritus professor and serves on the International Scientific Council at South Ural State University.

Pioneering Research in Optics

Throughout her distinguished academic career, Dr. Yzuel has contributed significantly to a wide range of optical research areas, including polarization, optical systems, and optical information processing. Her work in medical and diagnostic imaging has advanced the use of spatial light modulators as diffractive optical components.

At the Autonomous University of Barcelona, she actively combined teaching with research while collaborating with professional societies. Over her career, she has published more than 250 scientific papers, participated in 37 research projects (many as project leader), and collaborated with universities worldwide.

Dr. Yzuel’s research focuses include:

• Non-uniform and phase transmission filters to enhance optical image quality.
• Color information integration for optical shape recognition.
• Liquid crystal screens for generating diffractive optical elements.

When asked what excites her most about her work, Dr. Yzuel explained:
“I find the combination of research and teaching offered by a university position extremely rewarding. I particularly enjoy training young researchers in optics and supervising their PhD theses.”

She also shared the inspiration behind her career choice:
“I studied physics because of its deep mathematical foundation and its ability to explain natural phenomena. What I love most about optics is its impact on other sciences. Recent advances in optical instruments and techniques have driven tremendous growth across scientific disciplines.”

As a researcher, professor, and mentor, María Josefa Yzuel has played a vital role in supporting and encouraging the next generation of scientists.

Championing Women in Science

Dr. Yzuel has held key leadership positions in national and international scientific societies throughout her career. She has always believed in the importance of women’s contributions to science and has worked tirelessly to promote diversity in physics. She is a founding member of several organizations dedicated to advancing women in STEM, including the Specialized Group of Women in Physics, SPIE Women in Optics, and the Women in Physics section of the Royal Spanish Society of Physics.

Her lifelong dedication to diversity and inclusion has been recognized with numerous awards and honors:

• 1993–1996: First female president of the Spanish Optical Society.
• 1996–1998: First Spanish scientist to serve as Secretary General of the European Optical Society.
• 2005: SPIE Director’s Award and University of Warsaw Medal.
• 2009: President of SPIE.
• 2011: UAB Award for promoting women’s rights.
• 2012: Honorary Doctorate from Miguel Hernández University of Elche.
• 2013: Civil Order of Alfonso X, the Wise.
• 2014: Medal of the Royal Spanish Society of Physics.
• 2015: President of the Spanish Committee for the International Year of Light.
• 2017: Gender Equality Award from the University of Alicante and Honorary Doctorate from the University of Granada.
• 2021: SPIE President’s Award.

A Lasting Legacy in Optics

María Josefa Yzuel’s groundbreaking research has laid important foundations for modern optical science. Her courage, ambition, and dedication to advancing diversity in STEM have made her a true pioneer in optics and an enduring role model for women in science and academia.

Resources:

• SPIE Women in Optics Profile
• AMIT Profile
• Wikipedia – María Josefa Yzuel