Campaign launched to promote more women in science: The challenges Matilde Gaete has faced in her quest to become the first Chilean woman in space

Matilde Gaete (21), a fourth-year Physics Engineering student at Pontifical Catholic University of Chile with astronaut training experience, is the face of the new “Women Who Can Do Anything” campaign by Fundación Luksic, which aims to encourage greater participation of women in STEM — science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Matilde’s interest in science began at an early age. At 12 years old, she told her mother she was going to become an astronaut, and at 18 she attended a NASA space camp. In 2024, she became the first civilian to access military astronaut training with the Chilean Air Force (FACH).

Her journey has not been easy. She was not selected the first time she applied to the NASA camp. Instead of giving up, she applied again the following year. She also explains that the lack of Chilean female astronaut role models made her dream feel much more distant: “At different moments, I came close to setting aside the idea and pursuing something ‘more realistic,’ like working in a space-related field.”

Inspired by her story and the message “Don’t let a ‘no’ take away your drive,” Fundación Luksic seeks to promote greater female participation in STEM careers. Although women have lower first-year dropout rates in higher education, graduate at higher rates than men, and complete their studies faster, only one in four STEM enrollments corresponds to women. Among people dedicated to research in Chile, only one in three is a woman.

“We believe that one of the things that defines Chile is the determination to move forward, often by overcoming barriers and closed doors. Talent exists everywhere, but it has not always had the same opportunities to grow. That is why it is essential today to focus on STEM fields. We need more women in laboratories, technology, research, and industry, because including their perspectives not only expands opportunities for women, but also helps create solutions with a broader impact for the country,” explains Fernanda Orellana, Training Manager at Fundación Luksic.

The importance of female role models

Matilde Gaete says her dream of becoming an astronaut was born not only from a fascination with space, but also from a clear purpose: contributing to research, development, and innovation in Chile.

Throughout that journey, having others believe in her potential was crucial. Matilde highlights the role of her mother and teachers, who encouraged her interest in science from an early age. She recalls that when she first told her mother she wanted to go to space at age 12, her mother’s initial reaction was concern about the risks — not doubt. She also remembers how one teacher gave her her first robotics kit and introduced her to female role models in STEM, expanding her horizons from a young age.

One of the goals of Fundación Luksic’s campaign is to make women working in STEM more visible. Evidence shows that role models are key to encouraging more girls and young women to pursue these fields and to helping those already in them remain, especially in traditionally male-dominated environments.
Through its website, “Women Who Can Do Anything” seeks to highlight testimonies and build community.

Concrete support: More Women in STEM Scholarships

In addition to the campaign, Fundación Luksic offers the “More Women in STEM Scholarships,” which support technical and vocational education students with a monthly stipend they can use freely throughout the duration of their studies.

To date, more than 300 women have benefited from the program. In 2026 alone, scholarship recipients range from 18 to 59 years old, 53% work while studying, and 30% are mothers — reflecting the everyday effort of thousands of women striving to move forward.