An Inspiring Encounter with Prof. Marta Losada from NYU Abu Dhabi

How do curiosity and courage shape a global career in science? That’s the question at the heart of a special encounter held on Tuesday, October 21, when MYP5 and DP students had the chance to meet Professor Marta Losada, Associate Vice Chancellor for Global Research and Senior Vice Provost for Research at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD). 

Organized as part of the Career Guidance & Prospects program, the session offered students a rare chance to engage with a world-renowned physicist and higher education leader, and to reflect on the paths that can shape an international career.

A distinguished theoretical physicist, Prof. Losada’s impressive academic journey includes a BSc and MSc in Physics from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, a PhD from Rutgers University (USA), and a postdoctoral fellowship at CERN in Switzerland. Her research focuses on high-energy physics, cosmology, and elementary particle phenomenology, and she has taken part in major international collaborations such as the ATLAS, DUNE, and NEXT experiments.

During the session, Prof. Losada shared her personal and professional story, explaining how her passion for science led her to pursue opportunities abroad. She spoke about her decision to leave Colombia at a time when research there was still developing, driven by curiosity and a desire to contribute.

The discussion became a rich moment of reflection and guidance for students preparing for global academic and professional paths. Prof. Losada emphasized the importance of soft skills: curiosity, teamwork, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding as essential qualities both for admission to top universities and for long-term success in international careers.

Another key topic was the role of artificial intelligence in today’s world. Prof. Losada encouraged students to approach emerging technologies with critical thinking, reminding them that AI is still far from perfect. She emphasized how developing the ability to discern what is true from what only appears to be true will be one of the most important skills for their future.

Students also gained insights into the structure of NYU Abu Dhabi’s Science Department, where cutting-edge research is deeply connected to interdisciplinary learning and a global network of scholars. NYUAD offers students not only exceptional academic programs but also direct access to internships, research projects, and international professional connections.

Meeting Prof. Losada proved to be a truly enriching experience. Listening to and interacting with a scientist of her caliber allowed students to see how passion for knowledge, perseverance, and openness to the world can translate into a meaningful and impactful global career.Once again, our school reaffirms its commitment to providing students with inspiring, high-level learning opportunities, connecting them with leading voices in academia and offering experiences that help shape their future with confidence and purpose.